Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

With a rainy end to our beautiful Oregon summer, you might be tempted to hole up and skip straight to winter. But regardless of the weather, fall will officially arrive Sept. 23, ushering in a new season of opportunities to tour our beautiful state.



Fall in Oregon can feel fleeting, with the promise of regular rain (yes, more rain) by the middle of the season, along with snow in higher elevations. Because of that, it’s best to kick off fall by exploring the mountains while you still can, working your way down to lower elevations throughout October.

You'll find plenty of places around the state to see the changing fall foliage at trails, viewpoints and scenic drives resplendent in yellow, orange and red. Most fall color is found in the Willamette Valley, but don't discount the other side of the Cascades. The high desert, often sweltering in summer, is a great place to visit once things have cooled down, with fascinating volcanic attractions and the best stargazing in Oregon.



The window for these fall adventures is short. By November, if not sooner, the rain and snow will set in, opening more opportunities for adventure but closing many others. If you want to see Oregon in all its autumnal glory, you’d be wise to head out there soon.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

1. Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

The newest segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is a three-mile paved pathway designed for cyclists and hikers, running through one of the most scenic stretches in the Columbia River Gorge. Even better, it connects to existing segments, creating an 11-mile round-trip ride between Wyeth Campground and Viento State Park.



When to go: Early to mid-fall

Where to start: Start at the new Wyeth Trailhead, found just past the Wyeth Campground at exit 51 on Interstate 84.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

2. Silver Falls State Park

Fall foliage and waterfalls are a wonderful combination, and you'll be able to find plenty of both at Silver Falls State Park. Whether you're stopping by the South Falls viewpoint or tackling the whole Trail of Ten Falls, it's a great way to spend an autumn day.



When to go: Early to mid-fall

Where to start: You'll find plenty of parking at the South Falls Day Use Area, where you can get a quick look at South Falls or pick up the trail network.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

3. Mount Hood

Recreation on Mount Hood is typically divided between summer and winter, but the shoulder seasons can be a perfect time to visit. In early fall, visit lakes, campgrounds and trails that are usually busy in the summer. In late fall, get your first taste of snow on the mountain – the ski season at Timberline Lodge usually begins by the middle of November.

When to go: Early fall for hiking, late fall for skiing

Where to start: See our Mount Hood guide for "summer" recreation, and head to any ski area or sno-park for "winter" activities.

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4. Mushroom Hunting

Mushroom hunting is a cherished fall tradition in Oregon, as foragers of all experiences scour the forest floors for all kinds of edible fungi. If you don't have much experience identifying and harvesting mushrooms, consider going on a ranger-led hike at Fort Stevens State Park on the coast, or attend a workshop at Hoyt Arboretum in Portland.



When to go: Early fall

Where to start: Fort Stevens State Park and Oxbow Regional Park are well-established spots for mushroom hunters.

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Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service

5. Deschutes River Trail

Surrounded by stands of deciduous trees and following the banks of a scenic river, the Deschutes River Trail south of Bend (not to be confused with the urban trail by the same name) is a phenomenal place to go hiking in the fall. Several trailheads offer access, starting at the Meadow Day Use Area on the north end and the Benham Falls East Trailhead in the south. Hike the whole trail and you're looking at a 17-mile, out-and-back adventure.



When to go: Early to mid-fall

Where to start: Any trailhead will do. Aside from the endpoints, there's access at the Benham West, Dillon Falls, Big Eddy and Lava Island Trailheads, as well as a few others.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

6. Waldo Lake

Whether you're hiking, biking, kayaking or sailing, Waldo Lake is an ideal destination in late summer and early fall. The crystal-clear lake in the central Cascades east of Eugene is well-known for its clouds of mosquitos and crowds of people, but both tend to die down after Labor Day. The Jim Weaver Loop Trail (a.k.a. Waldo Lake Trail) runs 19.2 miles around the lake, open to both hikers and mountain bikers.



When to go: Early fall

Where to start: Head to the North Waldo, Shadow Bay or Islet Bey areas, where you can camp, pick up hiking trails or launch your boat onto the lake.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

7. Painted Hills

Oregon's high desert can be unbearably hot in the summer, making fall a better time to explore. And while there are plenty of natural attractions across central and eastern Oregon, it's hard to top the Painted Hills. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon – and only one part of the phenomenal John Day Fossil Beds – the Painted Hills are a must-see for any Oregonian.



When to go: Early to mid-fall

Where to start: Head to the Painted Hills Overlook, found just north of U.S. 26 west of Mitchell, but don't miss the rest of the John Day Fossil Beds.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

8. Steens Mountain

Steens Mountain is an unexpected place to find fall foliage in Oregon, but thanks to a huge stand of aspen trees in its canyons, the high desert landmark is beautiful this time of year. While you're exploring the southeast corner of the state, you might as well check out the Alvord Desert on the other side of the mountain. You can see the foliage, along with spectacular views, while driving the Steens Mountain Loop Road to the summit.



When to go: Early fall

Where to start: Head to the tiny community of Frenchglen south of Burns, then head east on Steens Mountain Loop, a gravel road to the summit that loops back.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

9. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

Early fall is a beautiful time to visit the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Oregon, as the grasses and trees turn color, and wildlife gathers for the season. Look for flocks of sandhill cranes in September, as well concentrations of pelicans, herons, raptors and songbirds. Mule deer, elk and antelope are also known to visit the refuge.



When to go: Early fall

Where to start: Find the refuge headquarters on Sodhouse Lane, about six miles east of Oregon 205 south of Burns.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

10. Wallowa Mountains

The Wallowa Mountains are nothing short of majestic. If you avoided joining the crowds there and in nearby Joseph over the summer, consider exploring the northeast Oregon mountain range this fall. While the Eagle Cap Wilderness within the Wallowas is a popular backpacking destination, a day spent wandering the trails is a great experience.



When to go: Early fall

Where to start: The primary trailhead is found at the southern end of Wallowa Lake, south of Joseph. Also consider the Hurricane Creek Trailhead west of town.

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Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service

11. Klamath Basin

The Klamath Basin of south-central Oregon can be a picture-perfect destination come fall, with both early autumn bird migrations and plenty of colorful foliage. For the birds, head to the Upper and Lower Klamath national wildlife refuges that straddle the Oregon-California border. For the trees, check out the Fremont-Winema National Forest around Klamath Falls.



When to go: Early to mid-fall

Where to start: The Rocky Point Day Use Area is known for its stands of aspens, and it neighbors the Upper Klamath refuge. You can explore both by kayak or canoe.

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12. Covered Bridges

There's something about a covered bridge that's evocative of fall. With red and yellow leaves above and a trickling stream below, it's a storybook scene that is surprisingly easy to find in Oregon. There are more than 50 covered bridges around the state, more than any of our western neighbors.



When to go: Anytime

Where to start: Lane and Linn counties have the highest concentrations of covered bridges. You can find pockets of bridges around the town of Scio and near the Dexter Reservoir.

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--Jamie Hale | jhale@oregonian.com | @HaleJamesB