Columbia River Gorge
Scenic drive · Oregon
The Historic Columbia River Highway threads waterfalls and bigleaf maples between Troutdale and Hood River, with Vista House at Crown Point framing the gorge 700 feet below. The route's maples turn in late October, after summer's crowds thin out.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 17–October 21
Color builds from October 4 · mostly bare by November 8
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Columbia River Gorge’s own coordinates and elevation (162 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Columbia River Gorge on the map
More things to do in Oregon
Silver Falls State Park
State parkPeak October 20
The Trail of Ten Falls loop passes behind and beside ten waterfalls through a canyon of vine maple and Douglas fir that color through October. South Falls, a 177-foot curtain you can walk behind, anchors Oregon's largest state park.
Don’t miss: Trail of Ten Falls loop · South Falls walk-behind curtain · Vine maple color
Portland Japanese Garden
GardenPeak October 24
Terraced ponds and a strolling garden in Washington Park turn deep red and gold as Japanese and vine maples color through late October into November. Regularly ranked among the finest Japanese gardens outside Japan, it's Portland's most concentrated fall-color stop.
Don’t miss: Japanese and vine maples · Strolling pond garden · Tea house and terraces
Hood River Fruit Loop
OrchardColor nearby peaks October 13
A signed 35-mile drive loops through the orchards and vineyards between Hood River and Parkdale, where pear and apple trees turn color alongside Mount Hood views. Farm stands along the route sell fresh-pressed cider through the October harvest.
Don’t miss: 35-mile signed farm drive · Fresh-pressed cider stands · Mount Hood views
Mount Angel Oktoberfest
Fall festivalColor nearby peaks October 24
The Pacific Northwest's largest Oktoberfest fills this small Willamette Valley town's streets with biergartens, a Grand Parade, and Northwest wines and microbrews each September. It's been running since 1966 and draws crowds many times the town's population.
Don’t miss: Grand Parade · Biergartens and folk dancing · Northwest wine and beer garden
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does Columbia River Gorge peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 17–October 21 (best estimate October 19). Color starts around October 4 and is mostly bare by November 8.
- What is Columbia River Gorge best for?
- Scenic fall drive.
- How do I get to Columbia River Gorge?
- The closest city is Portland, about 21 mi away. It's part of Oregon's fall lineup.
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