Best Leaf-Peeping Spots
Tualatin River
If you’re on the adventurous side, spend some time kayaking or canoeing on the calm, meandering Tualatin River National Water Trail to see some amazing fall colors. Or if you would like to keep your feet on dry land, bring an outdoor picnic to enjoy along the banks of the Tualatin River. Pack snacks from the Beaverton Farmers Market (Saturdays) or the Tigard Area Farmers Market (Sundays) to feast upon at Cook Family Park or on the dock at Brown’s Ferry Park. The tree-lined riverfront will be an ombre of colors with the yellow leaves creating a golden shimmer in the river’s reflection. Paddle along the river and rent a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard at Alder Creek rentals at Brown’s Ferry Park.
Scenic Drives Through Wine Country
Take a drive through Tualatin Valley’s wine country on the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route. This 60-mile driving tour offers the best views of Tualatin Valley’s agricultural side. As harvest season progresses, the leaves on the vines will turn a beautiful bright yellow color which makes for a beautiful backdrop to sip wine. Another fall-tastic drive in Tualatin Valley is along the Quilt Barn Trail, which highlights Tualatin Valley’s agricultural and historical heritage and showcases public art pieces celebrating the art of quilting.
Vineyard Estate Wineries
The views at Tualatin Valley’s estate wineries provide gorgeous views of the fall colors in all their splendor. As the vineyard estates are located at a higher elevation, many wineries offer spectacular views of the valley, as well as front-row views of the vines as the leaves turn from green to gold.
Nature Parks
Tualatin Valley’s nature parks are ideal places to see the colors change. In October, as the fall migration season begins, waterfowl at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge increases. Their fall habitat at the refuge is your chance to see fall colors beyond the leaves and by feathers instead. It truly is a fall experience for its flora and fauna. Cooper Mountain Nature Park boasts a variety of habitats and has spectacular views of the valley.
