Where to See Fall Colors in Seattle
Seattle may be famous for its towering evergreen trees, but come the fall season, the city bursts into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. From fiery Japanese maples to golden deciduous trees, Seattle proves you don’t need New England to experience beautiful fall colors. If you’re planning a fall trip, here’s your guide to the best places to catch the best fall foliage in and around the city.
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When Is the Best Time to See Fall Colors in Seattle?
The exact timing of Seattle’s fall foliage depends on weather conditions, cool nights, and those rare sunny days. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, fall foliage peak in the Pacific Northwest typically falls between late September and early November, with the prime time hitting around late October. Early mornings are often the perfect backdrop for photos, as the low light makes the colors of fall pop against misty skies.
Top Seattle Parks for Fall Foliage
1. Washington Park Arboretum & Japanese Garden
Home to some of the best fall color in the city, the Washington Park Arboretum is a must-see. Stroll along miles of trails lined with colorful trees, or step inside the Japanese Garden for fiery maples, glowing ginkgos, and serene ponds. It’s a great spot for fall foliage enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape.
2. Kubota Garden
This south Seattle gem combines Japanese landscaping with Pacific Northwest natural beauty. During the fall months, vibrant reds from the maples contrast beautifully with waterfalls, stone bridges, and lush greenery. With free admission and easy access, it’s one of the best parks for families or anyone looking for a local favorite.
3. Discovery Park
Seattle’s largest park offers wide open spaces, scenic views of Puget Sound, and trails lined with deciduous trees. Come early October for the best colors, then wander down to Waterfront Park for coastal views framed by fall foliage peak.
4. Volunteer Park & Cal Anderson Park
In Capitol Hill, Cal Anderson Park and Volunteer Park light up with bursts of red, orange, and gold. These Seattle parks are great places to enjoy the crisp air, grab a coffee, and people-watch while surrounded by beautiful fall colors.
5. Green Lake & Lincoln Park
Green Lake is a popular spot with a loop trail that circles the water, offering reflections of fall foliage. Down in West Seattle, Lincoln Park mixes evergreen trees with blazing maples, making it a great option for a relaxing afternoon walk.
Fall Colors Beyond the City Limits
Mount Rainier National Park
A day trip from Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park delivers some of the best views of fall foliage in the state. Lower elevations light up in early September, while mt. rainier and the Cascade Mountains serve as the perfect backdrop. Stop at the visitor center for trail maps before heading out.
Olympic National Park & Peninsula
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With the Olympic Mountains in the distance and lush forests at your feet, this area offers scenic drives and trails with fall foliage peak stretching into early November. It’s also one of the top places for coastal views of the Pacific Northwest.
North Cascades National Park
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Known as the “American Alps,” this park is full of great spots for spotting vibrant colors in a dramatic mountain landscape. Rockwood Farm near Mount Baker is a local favorite for photographers, especially during the fall months.
Bainbridge Island
Just a short ferry ride from downtown, Bainbridge offers open year-round trails and fall foliage enthusiasts love its great views of Lake Washington, the Space Needle, and beyond. It’s a great place to combine scenic drives with local wine and food stops.
Wrapping Up Your Seattle Fall Foliage Trip
Seattle’s city’s parks and nearby wilderness areas prove that the Evergreen State has no shortage of beautiful fall colors. From the Japanese Garden to North Cascades National Park, there are endless favorite spots for leaf-peeping. No matter the time of year you visit, the fall season in Seattle guarantees vibrant colors, scenic views, and plenty of opportunities to breathe in the crisp air of the Pacific Northwest.
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