There’s nothing quite like a Pacific Northwest fall. After the beautiful summer we've had, it is hard to say goodbye to long, warm, and sunny days as we officially welcome autumn. However, the change in season brings much desired cooler temperatures, crisp outdoor air, beautiful orange, red, and yellow foliage, and exciting community events, which we can all appreciate. Now that we’re approaching fall, here are some of our favorite things to do to celebrate the season, in and around the area.
Attend one of Seattle's local beer festivals
Hosted at the Fremont Studios, the Seattle Scotch & Beer Festival is a two-day event on November 19th and 20th, during which you can partake in authentic scotch, tequila, and mezcal tastings, attend whiskey seminars, and taste-test more than fifty beers and ciders on tap. There will also be a bottle shop and local food truck on-site so you can dine while you drink. Best of all, this festival is actually a fundraising event for Youth Experiential Training Institute (Y.E.T.I.), a non-profit organization devoted to utilizing the outdoors to create meaningful, adventure-based experiences for students aged 5 to 18 in South King County.
Pick apples at a local orchard
As the largest apple producer in the country, Washington State is proud to produce over forty percent of the nation’s apples. Annual apple harvests reach their peak in the early fall months, so this is a great time of year to visit one of the many local U-pick orchards. If you’re looking to venture a little north, opt for Skipley Farm or The Farm at Swan’s Trail, both of which are in Snohomish. There’s also Piper’s Orchard at Carkeek Park which is the oldest known orchard in the city and includes 29 different apple varieties. Wherever you decide to go, you won’t regret planning an apple picking visit so you can enjoy the beloved Washington fruit in all its glory—whether that’s raw or as a cider, strudel, or pie!
Plan a weekend getaway
The perfect setting for a weekend away, Cle Elum is just shy of a two-hour drive away from Lake Forest Park. It’s best known for Suncadia, an all-season mountainous vacation destination set on the outskirts of Cle Elum that offers wonderful accommodations, as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that are suitable for all ages. If you’re looking to stay, there are ample lodging options including traditional lodges, vacation rental homes, and even a glamping site that connects visitors with hiking and cycling trails overlooking the Cle Elum River. While there, make sure to spend some time in downtown Cle Elum, where you’ll enjoy delicious local drink and eateries, as well as an abundance of fun outdoor activities.
Go on a hike to see some stunning fall foliage
Thanks to fall’s cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage, now is the perfect time to plan your next hike or hiking trip. In Washington, the best time to witness bright yellow, red, and orange leaves is between the months of September and October, though an extra rainy season could cut the fall foliage timeline short. The Columbia River Gorge and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest are considered two of the best places in the state to plan a fall hike, though you’ll see still see beautiful autumn vistas from more local hikes, as well.
Regardless of where you opt to go or what you choose to do, make sure to prioritize getting out and enjoying the best that this season has to offer.