Family-Friendly Things to Do This Fall in Oregon
Are you looking for some family-friendly things to do this fall in Oregon? Whether you want to take a scenic drive, head to the Oregon coast, or just explore the beauty of this great state, fall might just be the best time of the year to do so! So make the most of this fall season with this awesome list of things to do in the state of Oregon and explore all of the amazing places that surround us here.
From Central Oregon to the Willamette Valley to Southern Oregon and beyond, you won’t find a better place to see the brilliant colors and awesome natural wonders than when you travel Oregon. Starting in about late September the state of Oregon is blessed with the stunning orange and yellow hues that Fall is well known for. Here we will chat about the best spots to visit in Oregon during this time of year, so prepare yourself for an autumn adventure, my friends! This is going to be fun!
Family-Friendly Things to Do This Fall in Oregon
Go for a Scenic Drive
Here are some of the most scenic drives in Oregon that will not only allow you to see the best fall color but also some of the best views in the state:
Mt Hood Scenic Byway
Mount Hood is one of the most recognizable things about Oregon, so it would make sense to travel this scenic byway any time of year, but fall is a great time to see the view from your car window!
Mt Hood Scenic Loop / Hood River Fruit Loop
The Hood River Fruit Loop is amazing! You can stop all along the way at seasonal fruit stands and buy local, fresh produce from area farmers at each stop.
Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour Route
If covered bridges are up your alley, this route is not to be missed!
Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Hwy 101)
I am a firm believer that everyone needs to travel the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway at least once in their life. This drive will introduce you to views that you’ve only dreamt of before. As a lifelong Oregonian, I actually take this drive probably 6 times per year, sometimes to get to a destination, but sometimes I take it just because. Several years ago, my half-brother was visiting from Texas and we decided to take this drive, He was in awe of the views as we drove along the beautiful coastal highway.
Be sure to stop at the local shops in the little coastal tourist towns along the way!
Old McKenzie Scenic Byway
Okay, so this one is a must during the nicer weather as weather conditions can change quickly and make this highway impassable. I personally wouldn’t attempt this anytime past late October as it often closes early in the winter. This drive is full of a wide variety of trees, as well as lava rock and mountainous peaks. Oh, and be sure and stop along the way at the Dee Wright Observatory. It’s a very neat stop along the way!
Hit Up Some of Oregon’s Great Hiking Trails
Hiking is a great way to get a close-up view of the beautiful fall foliage in this great state. Here are some of my favorite hiking trails to go leaf peeping:
Sweet Creek Trail
This is a great hiking trail with a beautiful water feature around every corner. Not only that but you’ll surely be rewarded for your visit with some beautiful Oregon fall foliage.
Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park is Oregon’s largest and most popular state park and it is home to 10 gorgeous waterfalls (hike the Trail of Ten Falls if you like to hike!). Travel along these hiking trails to not only see all of the beautiful waterfalls (one that you can walk behind), but you can also see a variety of trees! This park is home to evergreen trees, maple trees, and countless other species of trees throughout its dense forest.
Even if you aren’t big into hiking, one of its best waterfalls is just a short walk from the parking lot.
Multnomah Falls
Oregon’s most famous waterfall is well worth a visit during the fall months.
Steens Mountain
People that visit Steens Mountain never seem to forget it. Steens Mountain in Eastern Oregon is a beautiful natural wonder in the state and well worth the visit any time of the year.
Hoyt Arboretum
Hoyt Arboretum is home to 12 miles of trails with thousands of beautiful species of trees, all it’s just minutes from downtown Portland!
Check out this post for even more fun Fall Hikes in Oregon!
Go Wine Tasting
Oregon is well known for our great wineries and vineyards and fall is a great time to go wine tasting! Many of the tasting rooms at vineyards are set on a viewpoint so you can enjoy the fall foliage from the surrounding vineyards.
While this is only one area of Oregon, check out this list of wineries near Dundee. Dundee is a great place for wine lovers!
If you are looking for a weekend wine-tasting getaway, check out these budget-friendly places to stay in Oregon Wine Country.
Other Great Things to Do in the Pacific Northwest This Fall
Spend a Day at the Beach
Spending a day at the beach is one of the best things to do in the fall months in Oregon. The weather is quite mild along the coast during the fall months. If you ask me, wave-watching is always a great way to spend a day. If you want to spend more than a day at the coast, check out all of the available vacation rentals in the area.
Go Whale Watching
Fall is a great time to go whale watching in Oregon! Check out this post for some great ideas of where to see them.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
We are lucky enough here in Oregon to have an overabundance of farms! That’s why we have so many great corn mazes, harvest festivals, and pumpkin patches. Take your family along to a pumpkin patch! There is so much fun to be had for children of all ages.
