The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Seattle, WA
Planning a trip to Washington in the fall and wondering where to see the best fall foliage in Seattle? Keep reading…
While Washington might be known as the Evergreen State, its autumn landscapes offer a dazzling display of color that rivals any New England postcard.
As summer gives way to the crisp, cool air of fall, Washington State’s diverse flora transforms into a vibrant mosaic of reds, oranges, and yellows.
From the bustling heart of Seattle, the Emerald City, to the tranquil trails of the surrounding countryside, opportunities abound to witness the natural beauty of Seattle in the fall.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely drive, a scenic hike, or a serene spot to sit and soak in the beauty, Seattle and its neighboring areas provide the perfect backdrop for fall foliage enthusiasts.
Keep reading to find all of the best places to experience fall foliage viewing in Seattle and nearby the city in the Pacific Northwest.
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Where to See Fall Foliage in Seattle
Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum, on the shores of Lake Washington, is one of the best places in Seattle for fall foliage enthusiasts. This lush, 230-acre park features a stunning array of trees that burst into vibrant hues as autumn arrives.
Visitors can stroll among Japanese maples, whose leaves turn fiery red and orange, and admire the golden yellows of ginkgo trees. The arboretum also boasts oaks and sweetgums, showcasing a spectrum of reds, purples, and oranges.
Along the serene trails of the arboretum, the varied palette of the diverse tree collection creates a mesmerizing and beautiful landscape.
While at the Washington Park Arboretum, don’t miss a side trip to Seattle Japanese Garden. During the fall, the garden’s Maple trees turn orange and deep red, adding a burst of color and reflecting beautifully on tranquil ponds, creating a picturesque and meditative atmosphere.
The carefully manicured landscape, enhanced by the seasonal colors, offers a stunning and peaceful retreat that shouldn’t be missed if you’re already in the area.
Kubota Garden
Kubota Garden in Rainier Beach, established in 1927 by master landscaper Fujitaro Kubota, is larger than the Japanese Garden in the Arboretum and offers a serene and expansive space to enjoy Seattle’s fall foliage.
Open daily from sunrise to sunset, this free public garden welcomes picnickers and dog owners alike, making it a great place for a leisurely day out.
Throughout October, visitors are treated to a stunning display of Seattle fall colors, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows transforming the landscape into a breathtaking scene.
Wander the picturesque paths, cross charming bridges, and savor the tranquil beauty of this historic garden as it comes alive with the hues of autumn.
Discovery Park
Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest city park, offers a spectacular fall foliage experience near downtown.
The park has over 500 acres and features a diverse mix of deciduous trees that transform into a brilliant array of reds, oranges, and yellows.
There are also some of the best views available from Discovery Park’s beaches of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from lower elevations.
Miles of trails meander through lush forests and open meadows, providing ample opportunities to soak in the vibrant autumn colors. With its stunning views and serene atmosphere, Discovery Park is a must-visit in the fall but happens to be one of the best Seattle Parks in any season.
Kerry Park
For those not wanting to go too far from downtown to witness some fall colors in Seattle, there’s the beautiful Kerry Park. Kerry Park is not only one of Seattle’s best viewpoints, but in the fall the small park turns into a beautiful spectacle of fall color.
The park’s iconic views of the city skyline, framed by vibrant autumn leaves, offer a picturesque and easily accessible spot to enjoy the season’s beauty without venturing far from the urban core.
During the fall, you’ll also be able to take photos of the perfect view of Seattle with a burst of fall color in the frame. It’s one of my favorite locations in Seattle in the fall.
Find the Best Sunset Spots in Seattle to combine a fall visit with the best viewpoints.
Green Lake Park
Green Lake Park in Seattle is a local favorite for enjoying the beautiful fall foliage in North Seattle.
As the leaves begin to change, the park transforms into a stunning array of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a picturesque backdrop for various outdoor activities. Not to mention you’ve also got the glistening lake in the background making this location just that much more magical.
The 2.8-mile path around the lake offers walkers, joggers, and cyclists a scenic route to appreciate the fall colors reflecting off the water.
The park’s diverse mix of deciduous trees, including Japanese maple, oaks, and birches, provides a rich tapestry of fall hues. With plenty of green space and serene views, Green Lake Park is a perfect spot for an autumnal escape.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park in West Seattle offers a fantastic fall foliage experience with its lush mix of deciduous trees displaying vibrant autumn colors.
The park’s scenic trails wind through colorful forests and lead to fantastic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
As leaves change, the contrast between the fiery foliage and the serene blue waters creates a picturesque setting perfect for a fall stroll in nature.
Ella Bailey Park
In the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, head to Ella Bailey Park, one of the best viewpoints in the city. In the fall, this park offers stunning views of the Queen Anne neighborhood adorned in vibrant autumn colors, with the city skyline rising majestically above it.
The combination of the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows of the foliage against the urban backdrop creates a picturesque and serene setting, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a moment of reflection especially at sunset.
The Seattle Center
The Seattle Center is a convenient spot for those short on time to enjoy some Seattle fall foliage. Amidst its vibrant cultural attractions, you’ll find beautiful autumn colors from trees scattered around the grounds.
The Space Needle and surrounding gardens create a picturesque urban setting where reds, oranges, and yellows blend seamlessly with the city’s iconic architecture, offering a quick yet memorable glimpse of Seattle’s autumn beauty.
Carkeek Park
Carkeek Park, a local gem in Seattle, offers gorgeous fall colors that transform its lush landscapes into a vibrant autumn painting. With trails winding through forests of maples and oaks, visitors can enjoy brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows.
The train tracks that cut through the park, hugging the coast, also make interesting subject matter for photography.
The park’s scenic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains enhance the beauty, making Carkeek Park a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a serene yet more local fall foliage experience.
Where to See Fall Colors Outside Seattle
For those leaning more towards a scenic drive or wilderness hike in the Seattle fall, there are also many incredible places to visit to see the fall foliage just outside Seattle.
In fact, some of the best fall colors can be seen in nearby spots like the Cascade Mountains or Olympic National Park.
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is another superb spot for a breathtaking adventure in the fall. The forest’s extensive trails and scenic byways are lined with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves change.
Iconic spots like the Heather Meadows and Mount Baker Highway offer stunning vistas of autumn colors set against rugged mountain backdrops. This picturesque setting makes Mount Baker-Snoqualmie a prime destination for experiencing the beauty of fall foliage.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park offers an unparalleled fall foliage experience, where vibrant colors contrast with the majestic peak of Mount Rainier.
As autumn arrives in late September, the park’s diverse flora, including vine maples, huckleberries, and mountain ash, burst into brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows.
The scenic drives, such as the Paradise and Sunrise areas, provide panoramic views of the colorful landscape.
Hiking trails like the Naches Peak Loop offer close encounters with stunning fall hues amidst alpine meadows and reflective lakes.
The crisp mountain air and breathtaking scenery make a fall visit to Mount Rainier National Park an unforgettable experience, especially when the park is under 2 hours from downtown Seattle.
Olympic National Park
Fall leaf peeping in Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula is a spectacular experience for those wanting to venture further into Washington State. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows, burst into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Scenic drives and trails, such as the Hoh Rain Forest and Hurricane Ridge, offer breathtaking views of the colorful foliage. The crisp autumn air and stunning landscapes make Olympic National Park a must-visit destination for fall foliage enthusiasts.
Read more: 2 Days in Olympic National Park: A Guide for First-Timers
Bloedel Reserve
For those planning a trip to Bainbridge Island in the fall, don’t miss Bloedel Reserve, a great spot for nature located in the north of the island.
The Reserve’s meticulously landscaped gardens and natural woodlands transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall, making it one of the top places to see fall foliage in Seattle.
Stroll through serene trails, reflecting on the stunning autumn colors mirrored in tranquil ponds. This peaceful oasis, with its breathtaking fall foliage, offers a perfect escape to immerse yourself in nature’s seasonal beauty.
North Cascades National Park
One of my favorite escapes from Seattle is the rugged mountain scenery of the North Cascades National Park. It’s beautiful in every season, but in the fall it just shines, with golden speckles throughout its evergreen landscapes.
The park’s dramatic peaks and alpine lakes provide a stunning backdrop for the autumn colors.
Scenic drives and trails, such as the Cascade Pass, offer breathtaking views, making it a must-see for leaf peepers.
Leavenworth
Easily one of my favorite spots in Washington in the fall is Leavenworth. The best time to visit Leavenworth is in the fall and winter time to enjoy leaf peeping and its beautiful seasonal decorations and atmosphere.
In the fall, Leavenworth transforms into a picturesque Bavarian-style village surrounded by vibrant autumn colors.
The town’s charming streets are framed by golden aspens and fiery maples, creating a stunning backdrop. Scenic drives and nearby trails, such as those in Icicle Gorge, offer breathtaking views of the fall foliage, making Leavenworth a perfect autumn destination and escape from Seattle.
Read more: The Best Things to Do in Leavenworth, WA in Winter
So, where will you head to experience fall foliage in Seattle? Let me know all your questions and comments below. I’d be happy to answer them.
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