One of the best places to experience the stunning variety of autumn foliage is in western Washington State! The Pacific Northwest is beautiful year-round. However, fall happens to be remarkably breathtaking. Although Washington is known as the “Evergreen State ”, there are plenty of deciduous trees – such as maples, aspens, ash, and larch – that will turn brilliant golds, deep oranges, fiery reds, and bright yellows! Whether you’re looking to take a beautiful drive or hike, savor your favorite fall flavors, or check out some autumn fall festivals and pumpkin patches, western Washington State has an abundance of fall options for everyone!
Annual Fall Festivals
Western Washington has a fall festival for everything – including an abundance of local harvest and food festivals.
- Sustainable Ballard Festival: This free, family-friendly festival features live music, cooking demonstrations, vendors, a bike and pet parade, and many games – all with a sustainability focus! This festival is celebrated annually from July to November.
- Northwest Chocolate Festival: this is the largest gathering of artisan chocolate makers in the world! Get ready for two days of decadent desserts, truffles, bonbons, and more – all made by hand with the finest ingredients! Held annually at the beginning of November at Pier 91 in Seattle.
- Best of the Northwest Fine Art & Craft Show: Held annually in the middle of November at Hangar 30 in Seattle, this is Seattle’s premier art & fine craft show! This 3-day festival includes a gala, wine tasting, and 100+ art & craft vendors!
- Brats, Brews & Bands: this year’s festival will be a pre-New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 30, featuring live music, local brews, and classic fresh brats.
Favorite Fall Date Nights
Fall is a time for enjoying a roaring fire, sharing a cup of warm apple cider, and cozying up to brave autumn’s crisp air together. Here are some ideas for ways to experience fall on a date night.
- Fall getaway: If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy an escape into nature without having to brave the night’s dropping temperatures, consider a glamping getaway! From yurts and caves to treehouses and more, Western Washington is filled with unique fall getaways!
- Wine tasting: Sip a glass of wine as you gaze out at the vineyards awash in vibrant reds and oranges. It’s easy to see why Walla Walla is the perfect date spot. Plus, many of the award-winning wineries offer events every weekend through November.
Ride a train: Another great way to experience fall’s brilliance is to take a scenic train ride on the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad. They offer two fall train rides: The fall Leaves Special and the Headless Horseman Halloween Special.
Best Places to Experience Fall Outdoors
Western Washington offers some of the best scenic drives and hikes to experience the brilliant array of fall colors! Here are a few must-see spots:
Best Fall Hikes:
- Mount Rainier National Park: According to VisitRainier.com, some of the best places to experience fall foliage in this park are Sunrise and Chinook Pass, the Paradise area, Reflection Lakes, Bench and Snow Lakes, and Grove of the Patriarchs.
- Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Park: Located between the Cascades and Mt. Rainier National Park, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie offers spectacular mountain meadows and brilliant fall foliage amidst the old-growth forests.
- Hoh Rainforest: Located in Olympic National Park, this is one of the best places to experience autumn’s full array of colors displayed on big leaf and vine maples.
Best Fall Drives:
- Steven’s Pass Scenic Byway: This 90-mile scenic byway follows Highway 2 through Sky Walley, over Steven’s Pass, and just past Leavenworth. Take your time as you take in all the brilliant fall colors!
- Cascade Loop: Considered one of Washington’s ultimate road trips, roll down your window and breathe in the salty sea air from the Puget Sound and fragrant fruit trees in Leavenworth as you explore miles of this favorite fall scenic byway.
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: With more than 60 miles of trees and waterfalls and the stunning Columbia River running along the border of Washington and Oregon, this gorge is one of the best places to enjoy fall colors.
Best Fall Park Strolls:
- Washington Park Arboretum: Located in Seattle, this arboretum is on the shores of Lake Washington and features 230 acres of stunning fall foliage. Make sure to visit the Japanese Garden located at the south end.
- Bellevue Botanical Garden: The Bellevue Botanical Garden features many different gardens to explore across 53 acres.
- Kubota Garden: A true fall gem, Kubota Garden offers a self-guided tour of its 20-acre grounds. Entrance to this park is free, and it’s open year-round.
Ready to Move to Western Washington?!
If you’re ready to fall (pun intended) in love with a new home in Western Washington, then you’re in luck! We have a special Hot Homes Hot Deals that we’re currently running. That means you could experience this fall in your new Soundbuilt home!
Another great way to be the first to know about our incredible new homes and communities is to join our VIP Priority List! And, of course, if you have any questions, our online concierge is available 7 days a week by calling 253-363-2450 or emailing concierge@soundbuilthomes.com.