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Fall Foliage in the Northwest US

By Angela Brown, About.com

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Northwest Fall Foliage Overview

Fall foliage in Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Picture of fall foliage taken on the Caribou-Targhee along the west side of Palisades Reservoir.

USDA Forest Service
Fiery red. Vibrant yellow. Deep, rich gold. The fall color in the Northwest can be as spectacular as any in the country. The display varies from year to year, the color and duration dependent upon the weather conditions. Dry Indian summers, which often occur in the Northwest, lead to breathtaking hillside panoramas. Unfortunately, the occasional wet early fall can cut the fall foliage season short.

Northwest trees and shrubs that provide color include vine maples, larch, and aspen. The leaves change color as the days become shorter and cooler. The vine maple, which often lines Northwest hiking trails, turns to hues of yellow and orange and red. The larch and aspen leaves contribute shades of yellow and gold to the fall palette. Because these trees are often intermingled with evergreens, the fall foliage display in the Northwest is rich and varied.

Savoring the beauty of fall foliage can be a day trip or an entire weekend getaway.

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