Pacific Northwest Fall Color Landscape Photography Wall Art for Sale
The 5 BEST Locations to see Fall Color Near Portland, Oregon
While the Pacific Northwest is known for its vast forests of evergreen trees, it also boasts some of the best autumn colors in the United States. Maple trees surrounding beautiful waterfalls pop with vibrant yellows, while understory brush explodes with deep red and orange fall colors. Groves of birch and aspen trees pop with a kaleidoscope of colors. The Japanese gardens are at their best, displaying every color of the rainbow, creating a true sense of zen. The mixture of fall colors among the stunning landscapes of Washington and Oregon makes for show-stopping Wall Art that is perfect for hanging in homes and offices.
1: Portland Japanese Garden
Portland is home to one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Photographers from all over the world will visit Portland just to photograph the trees in the garden during peak fall color. In this garden, you will find an array of walking paths lined with azaleas and rhododendrons, which are full of magnificent flowers in the springtime and summer. Ponds with waterfalls and koi fish can be a peaceful spot to rest and reflect while viewing vibrant Japanese maple trees at the water’s edge. Beautifully maintained rock gardens can also be enjoyed along your stroll through the garden. Beauty is found at every corner of the garden. While every season holds beauty in the garden, my favorite time to capture stunning photographs continues to be Autumn. You can view my full Japanese Garden Gallery HERE.
2: Columbia River Gorge
Known for its abundance of waterfalls, the Columbia River Gorge is a photographer’s paradise. Towering waterfalls provide the perfect subject for an impactful image. The vibrant moss-covered boulders and lush maple trees are the perfect recipe to capture photographs that transport the viewer to prehistoric times. Popular waterfalls to visit are Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Recent wildfires have impacted many of the waterfalls in the gorge, which makes these photographs all the more valuable. Many of my waterfall photographs show scenes that no longer exist due to the fires. View the Columbia River Gorge Gallery HERE.
3: Silver Falls State Park
Just an hour south of Portland, you’ll find some of the best concentrations of fall colors near Portland. Towering broad-leaf maple trees surround epic waterfalls. Everywhere you look is a great composition waiting to be photographed. The trail of 10 falls is where you’ll want to start. If you’re not feeling up for the 8-mile hike to all of the waterfalls, don’t worry. It is well worth your time to hike to at least the first three waterfalls and then head back the way you came. While the waterfalls are the star of the show, there are many other scenes to photograph that feature interesting characters of the vining maple trees. View the Waterfalls Gallery HERE.
4: Cedar Creek Grist Mill in Woodland
This location is a historical grist mill that was built in 1876. The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is still operational and also serves as a museum. This is a great place to learn how a historical mill produces its corn meal, flour, and apple cider - which you can get samples of! The grist mill is a place I have known about for years but was never able to find the time to visit. When I finally made the trip this year, I couldn’t have anticipated just how magical it would look. My image, “Fall at the Grist” shows the whole entire scene engulfed in stunning yellow foliage. It was so calming to watch the leaves fall slowly into the stream and be carried along past me. This unforgettable place is only a short 45-minute drive from Portland.
5: Mount Hood National Forest
There is never a bad time of year to visit Mt. Hood. Whether you are looking to camp and hike in the summer, go skiing in the winter, or looking to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the fall and spring, you’ll be amazed at what you can find in this national forest. In the fall, I enjoy photographing Mt. Hood as the main subject reflected in Trillium Lake and Lost Lake. You can also find more intimate forest scenes near Government Camp, Zigzag, and Rhododendron, Oregon. Wildwood Recreation Site is the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll through the forest. The evergreen trees are massive and create the perfect canopy for vining maple trees and ferns to thrive. You can even watch salmon making their way up the Salmon River from the bridge or fish viewing chamber. View the Mt. Hood Gallery HERE.
