Photo by Valorie WebsterThe first bite of Fall is in the air. Foliage throughout Oregon is starting to explode into color, splattering shades of gold, red, orange and bright screaming yellow all over the landscape. It’s simply and completely breathtaking.
Here are 12 of our favorite places on Oregon’s lakes and rivers to go on a leaf peeping tour – by hike, by bike, or by car.
HIKING
Deschutes River Trail
Not only are the fall colors magnificent, but this hiking trail sports three spectacular waterfalls within eight miles of each other: Benham, Dillon and Lava Island Falls. You’ll see mountain bikers and unleashed dog walkers on this trail, as well as the golden aspen and maple leaves.
Location: Between Sunriver and Bend in Central Oregon. Link to Map.
Photo: Katura Reynolds, Mount Pisgah ArboretumMt. Pisgah Arboretum
Plant your feet in the extraordinary in this 209-acre arboretum tucked just a few miles off Interstate 5, just south of Eugene. With seven miles of trails and 23 bridges to choose from, visitors can easily explore the gardens, riparian forests, river meadows, and wildlife habitat that the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum offers.
Location: Lane County, between Eugene and Springfield. Link to map.
Photo: Valorie Webster King-Castle Trail
Just off the McKenzie River, at the burg of Rainbow, Oregon, you'll find an area dense with color, life and recreational opportunities. The King-Castle Trail, which follows a stream mostly up, up, and up through the forest, rewards your efforts with a panoramic view of the McKenzie River Valley and the magnificent Cascade peaks sprinkled like frosted gems along the spine of Oregon.
Location: Central Oregon, between Eugene and Sisters. Link to map.
Link to more recreation recources at McKenzie Bridge.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
McKenzie River Trail
One of the most popular and magnificent mountain biking trails in Oregon is the 26-mile McKenzie River Trail.
Take Forest Road #730 off Oregon Highway 126 (Bridge Trail Campground exit) to catch one of the many - and my favorite - McKenzie River trailheads. This path takes you two miles into Tamolich Falls and one of the most beautiful and (I say) magical places in Oregon, known amongst locals as the Blue Pool.
Location: Central Oregon, between Eugene and Sisters. Link to trail map.
Wallowa Mountains - Redmont Trail
See the fall colors in northeast Oregon in the heart of the Wallowa Mountains. The Redmont Trail network offers the region’s best single-track trails, with wonderful views of the Wallowa and Seven Devils mountain ranges from forested terrain. The stunning Wallowa Lake is just south of the Redmont Trail. Cyclists will find several loops ranging from seven to 20 miles, or you can ride from one end of the trail to the other, approximately 10 miles (shuttle required). The terrain is suitable for beginners as well as advanced riders. In general, the more advanced riding lies in the north section; intermediate trails in the middle; and mostly flat, beginner trails in the south section of the network.
Source: Ride Oregon
Location: Northeast Oregon, between Enterprise and Joseph. Link to map.
Photo by Michel HersenSteens Mountains
The 52-mile Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway - at 9,700 feet this is Oregon’s highest public roadway - provides access to four campgrounds with breathtaking views from Kiger Gorge, East Rim, Big Indian Gorge, Wildhorse and Little Blitzen Gorge.
If you make Fish Lake Campground your base camp, you’ll find yourself nestled amongst brilliant yellow aspen trees and shore willows.
Location: Southeast Oregon, 60 miles south of Burns. Link to map.
DRIVING
Photo: Jeff Dimmick, Travel Lane CountyFlorence-Eugene Highway
See a rainbow of color when the yellow alder leaves, the orange of the maples and the reds of the dogwoods decorate Route 126, connecting Eugene to the Pacific Coast.
Route 126 passes through verdant farmland and crosses the southern portion of Fern Ridge Reservoir, a popular recreation spot for sailing. A Union Pacific Railroad line,, built to Coos Bay in 1914, parallels Route 126 for much of its length between Eugene and Veneta. At Veneta, Route 126 begins its climb into the Coast Range, cresting at milepost 80 on Cougar Pass. As it descends toward the Siuslaw Valley and the coast, Route 126 follows first Wildcat Creek and then the Siuslaw River. Source: Oregon Fall Foliage Blog
Location: Eugene to Florence. Link to map.
Gorge Highway, Travel OregonHistoric Columbia River Highway
This winding, 70-mile, two-lane black-top follows the Columbia River, resplendent with fall colors. When the highway first opened in 1916, Teddy Roosevelt praised its scenic grandeur and remarkable engineering. And The Illustrated London News went on to call it "the king of roads." With its mossy stone walls and graceful viaducts winding past dozens of waterfalls, this All-American Road still reigns as one of the world's most glorious drives.
Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway Two Raging Rivers Run Through It. From any Southern Oregon town on I-5, you're only moments from enjoying this spectacular route. Follow the "Wild and Scenic" Umpqua and Rogue rivers through enchanting recreation areas in the heart of the southern Cascades. Plan on a full day to experience all the wonders along the way and a lifetime to fully appreciate them.
Location: Southern Oregon, from Roseburg to Gold Hill. Link to map.
Oregon Fall Foliage Blog
The above routes are just a tiny sampling of the many places to take in the dazzling beauty of autumn in Oregon. For leaf peeping enthusiasts, there’s good news:
Travel Lane County has joined forces with forest rangers, biologists, and leaf peepers from around the state to bring you the most up-to-date fall foliage information. This blog spot is the official resource for travelers and commuters wanting to access the beauty of fall in Oregon during the brightest peak color times.
Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline (Sept. – Nov.): 800/547-5445
Weekdays, 8am – 5pm; Saturdays & Sundays, 10am – 6pm
