Summary
- Oregon offers stunning fall foliage in lesser-crowded towns, providing a tranquil experience away from busy parks and attractions.
- Small towns like Silverton, Sisters, and Ashland boast beautiful hiking trails and natural wonders perfect for witnessing the vibrant foliage.
- Travelers can explore charming towns like Dundee, Florence, and Pendleton to enjoy scenic views, outdoor activities, and picturesque autumn landscapes.
Oregon is a haven for nature lovers with stunning natural sights, some of which show the state’s most beautiful fall foliage. Several of these natural wonders are in lesser-crowded towns in Oregon, where visitors can catch the fall foliage far from the bustling crowds that fill up parks and other top-rated attractions.
Oregon also boasts of being one of the US states with the most beautiful hiking trails, and some can be accessed from charming small towns. The hikes allow adventurers to witness the landscapes, rolling hills, and mountains change into fiery hues of oranges and yellows that blend with the evergreen Douglas Fir, Oregon’s state tree.
Although there are many destinations in the state to visit, consider any of these least-crowded Oregon towns in the fall that offer a tranquil experience when catching the vibrant foliage.
10 Silverton
About 20 minutes from Silverton is the stunning Silver Falls State Park, home to dazzling waterfalls and incredible hiking trails. Tourists can visit this park any time of the year, but during the fall, this slice of heaven turns into a magical wonderland filled with vibrant hues.
Hikers take the Trail of Ten Falls as it’s the most famous, but there are other miles of beautiful trails to soak in the foliage.
Besides this adventure-packed state park, adventurers can explore other attractions in Silverton, like Coolidge McClaine State Park, Silver Creek Reservoir, and Gallon House Bridge.
- Best places to visit in Silverton: Silver Falls State Park, Silver Creek Reservoir, Gallon House Bridge, Coolidge McClaine State Park
9 Sisters
Located in Deschutes County, Sisters is an adventure-filled town visitors can explore this fall while learning its Wild West history. The mountainous landscapes have gorgeous foliage, best viewed by taking scenic drives, relaxing walks, or camping in nature.
Sister’s proximity to the Cascade Mountains provides adventurers with many exciting activities, including hiking, some of which are Oregon’s most scenic hiking trails perfect for all varying skill levels.
Downtown Sisters is another attraction in itself. After a long day of exploration, tourists tour or bike through Wild West-themed buildings and old-fashioned facades without having to keep up with the crowds.
- Best places to visit in Sisters: The Cascade Mountains, Raven Makes Gallery, Sisters Movie House
Part of the charm of visiting Sisters is shopping for Western clothes and accessories, regional gifts, Old West antiques, and other souvenirs that catch the eye.
8 Ashland
Set at the base of the Siskiyou and Cascades mountain range, Ashland is the perfect place to experience the changing seasons, from the tree-lined streets to the beautiful recreational areas. Lithia Park is Ashland's natural gem, known to entice locals and tourists with its ample recreational facilities and breathtaking scenery during the fall.
The tranquil 93-acre park offers miles of hiking and walking trails, some of which are the most scenic fall hikes in Oregon. Additionally, Lithia Park has picnic areas where visitors relax as they admire the magical display of autumn colors.
- Best places to visit in Ashland: Lithia Park, Oregon Cabaret Theatre, ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum, Schneider Museum of Art, Ashland Library
7 La Grande
Surrounded by awe-inspiring natural landscapes, La Grande is one of the least-crowded small towns to escape to in the fall. For a relaxing outdoor fall experience, leaf peepers drive a few minutes from the town to Morgan Lake Park for afternoon picnics. The lake offers a quiet retreat for visitors to fish, camp, or enjoy nature walks.
However, travelers looking for an all-day adventure visit the Mount Emily Recreation Area. This recreation area has motorized and non-motorized trails and offers astounding views of the Grande Ronde Valley, especially in the fall.
- Best places to visit in La Grande: Riverside Green, Eastern Oregon Fire Museum, Hilgard Junction State Park, Red Bridge State Wayside, Riverside Park
6 Baker City
Located in eastern Oregon, Baker City is a small historic town boasting numerous attractions suitable for adventurers of all interests. The town offers memorable fall getaways as travelers explore the rich gold mining heritage and admire the dramatic mountain vistas as they drive along the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway.
This 106-mile loop drive takes tourists to historical sites, stunning mountain lakes, and the Elkhorn Mountains for an unforgettable leaf-peeping adventure. What's more, the byway has many stops where travelers can picnic, hike, or camp overnight.
- Best places to visit in Baker City: Baker Heritage Museum, Chinese Cemetery, National Historic Oregon Trail Historic Center, Sumpter Valley Dredge
5 Dundee
Famous for its thriving wine-making industry, Dundee is a laid-back town worth visiting for its gorgeous vistas when the leaves change. The rolling hills and vast vineyards of Argyle Winery transform into a picturesque sea of rich oranges and glittering gold.
Founded in 1987, this winery delights wine enthusiasts with its sparkling wines, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, in the stylish tasting house. The winery also has an outdoor porch where guests enjoy the award-winning creations while soaking in the mesmerizing autumnal foliage display.
- Best places to visit in Dundee: Dobbes Family Estate, Furioso Vineyards, Torii Mor Winery, Knudsen Vineyards, Holloran Vineyard Wines
4 Florence
Nicknamed Oregon’s Coastal Playground for its beautiful beaches and rolling sand dunes, Florence is one of the most beautiful towns in America to visit in the fall. This coastal destination is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds to enjoy ocean-related activities and catch the breathtaking fall foliage.
Tourists shouldn’t miss out on hiking Hobbit Trail, one of Florence’s most famous hikes. While it passes through Sitka spruce trees, which maintain their deep green color year-round, the hike leads to a beautiful secluded beach.
- Best places to visit in Florence: Heceta Head Lighthouse, Heceta Beach, Sea Lion Caves, Hobbit Trail, Darlingtonia State Natural Site
Spending a night or two in Florence is a great way to experience more of the town’s charm during the fall, as it has many attractions to explore. As such, travelers can book hotels in Florence in the fall to immerse themselves in autumn's serenity.
3 Pendleton
Pendleton is an under-the-radar town to catch fall foliage and have fun outdoor adventures in Oregon. Although famous for its Pendleton Round-up Rodeo, Pendleton offers excellent fall views at Brownfield Park. This quiet park provides a peaceful space to connect with family and friends, take pictures, or sit and relax in solitude.
Additionally, the park offers close-up views of the main street and is a few minutes walk to the Umatilla River. Travelers with children can visit the nearby Stillman Park, which features a scenic playground.
- Best places to visit in Pendleton: McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Pendleton Round-up Grandstand, Pendleton Round-Up & Happy Canyon Hall of Fame Museum, Pendleton Air Museum, Heritage Station Museum
2 Jacksonville
Oregon is home to charming small towns, and Jacksonville is one of its least-crowded destinations to view the fall foliage. This secluded gem in southern Oregon has a breathtaking fall scene, which can be witnessed in Forest Park, with over 30 miles of scenic multi-use trails. Some of the loops start and end in the same area.
The ideal fall temperatures also make exploring downtown to admire the town’s historic ambiance bearable. This area has excellent spots for tourists to shop for souvenirs and antiques while engaging with the locals.
- Best places to visit in Jacksonville: Forest Park, Rogue River, Red Lily Vineyards, Jacksonville Cemetery
1 Joseph
Joseph may be one of the least-crowded towns in Oregon, with a population of about 1,238, but it’s a perfect playground that comes alive during the fall. This uncrowded town fascinates travelers who want to catch the fall foliage in the Wallowa Mountains, which turn into vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange.
Adventurers are unlikely to run into crowds, even when taking trails passing through meadows and other natural features.
Tourists who aren’t into hiking or active activities can soak in the foliage on the Wallowa Lake Tramway, which operates from late May to early October.
- Best places to visit in Joseph: Wallowa Lake State Park, Wallowa County Museum, Wallowa County Farmers' Market, Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Wallowa Lake Tramway
The Wallowa Lake Tramway accommodates four passengers and charges $30-$37 for kids, $40 for adults, and $37 for seniors. Note that prices are subject to change.
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September 02, 2023 at 09:00PM
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10 Of The Least-Crowded Towns In Oregon To Catch The Fall Foliage - TheTravel
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