Best Fall Color locations around Portland (Gresham, Sandy: neighborhoods, living, shopping centers)

[MtnSurfer]

Hey guys,

I just landed in PDX from a trip business trip. On the return flight I noticed lots of trees changing color around the rivers and local neighborhoods as we were landing.

Since this is my first fall season living here I am wondering if there any parks, river sections, lakes, etc... especially known for nice fall color viewing? Are there any places you like to walk/hike around PDX during fall? I would imagine the Gorge gets pretty nice as well in places.

Thanks,

Derek

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Multnomah Falls is a must see and when there is some fall color, it adds even more beauty.



Drives to the coast will be extra lovely, both with fall foliage and in the spring when the wild rhodies are blooming

[StealthRabbit]

Fall is good time for a covered bridge tour, and Silver Falls.

[pdxMIKEpdx]

To be honest, your best bet for fall color in PDX is just to stay in town.
With the huge variety of urban trees, there are some very pretty sights.
Just drive around!

If you go out to the woods, pretty much all you will see is yellowing Alders with a few splashes of color here and there.
Oregon fall colors are nothing like east coast fall colors.

In addition, I believe east coast fall colors are more vibrant not only because of the types of trees, but because Autumn is colder and drier there.

[Cloudy Dayz]

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

Multnomah Falls is a must see and when there is some fall color, it adds even more beauty.



Drives to the coast will be extra lovely, both with fall foliage and in the spring when the wild rhodies are blooming

I'm not sure about the North Coast, but I see very little fall foliage on the Central or South Coast. The trees here are about 98% or 99% evergreens. I have to drive about five miles to a place where there is a small stand of trees, that has pretty good fall colors. I'm not even sure what kind of trees they are or if they have started to change yet. I'll probably drive up that way in the next couple of days and see. But I don't think I would recommend the coast for fall colors. You have to look really hard to find any.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

Multnomah Falls is a must see and when there is some fall color, it adds even more beauty.

Drives to the coast will be extra lovely, both with fall foliage and in the spring when the wild rhodies are blooming

Good reminder about Multnomah Falls. I've seen some really nice pictures of it during fall.

When you talk about driving to the coast, are referring to PDX to Cannon Beach along Hwy 26 or a another Hwy?

Thanks,
Derek

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by pdxMIKEpdx

To be honest, your best bet for fall color in PDX is just to stay in town.
With the huge variety of urban trees, there are some very pretty sights.
Just drive around!

If you go out to the woods, pretty much all you will see is yellowing Alders with a few splashes of color here and there.
Oregon fall colors are nothing like east coast fall colors.

In addition, I believe east coast fall colors are more vibrant not only because of the types of trees, but because Autumn is colder and drier there.

Yes, I know what you mean about local neighborhoods. Trees near us are turning color along the roads, in shopping centers, etc... even if non native.

I've seen some amazing shots of the Japanese Garden during fall. I think there is a tree that people fly in from around the world just to take pictures of. Even if non native it still would be a beautiful thing to see. Portland Japanese Garden - Fall Colors

I've heard that the Hoyt Arboretum is pretty good in fall as well.

Derek

[MtnSurfer]

For those who enjoy fall colors, here is good blog on Oregon Fall Foliage.

There were some amazing shots of last fall some of which were residential neighborhoods. It looks like some of the waterfall locations get really scenic in the fall.

Also, I found a shot of the Sandy River near Gresham that seems like a good spot here:
Reflecting fall colors along the Sandy River near Gresham, Oregon

Derek

[StealthRabbit]

Covered Bridge tour is tomorrow (12 Oct)
https://www.meetup.com/PDX-Photography-and-Hiking/

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

Covered Bridge tour is tomorrow (12 Oct)
https://www.meetup.com/PDX-Photography-and-Hiking/

Thanks, Stealth. That looks like a good Meetup group. I just joined it. I didn't realize there were so many covered bridges in the PNW.

Derek