Chasing Autumn’s Splendor: Top 5 Hikes for Fall Colors in Oregon with Kids

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. Take your kids outside in rain, wind, or snow.

This is a season of crisp air, cozy sweaters, and, most importantly, nature's brilliant display of fall colors. As the vibrant tapestry of summer slowly yields to the golden, fiery hues of autumn, there's no better time to introduce your kids to the wonders of the great outdoors. Oregon, with its diverse landscapes and temperate climate, offers a plethora of hiking opportunities that showcase the breathtaking beauty of fall foliage.

In this blog post, we will highlight 5 of the best hikes for fall colors within 3 hours of Portland. So, grab your backpacks, put on your hiking boots, and let's explore the stunning colors of autumn together.

Clear Lake

Nestled in the Willamette National Forest, Clear Lake is surrounded by lush old growth forests and vibrant vine maples. The 5 mile Clear Lake Loop Trail takes you around the lake and is relatively flat. Clear Lake is the headwaters of the McKenzie River (when you cross a bridge you can see where the river begins). The loop includes lava fields, old growth forests, and a spur trail to Great Spring. The lake is aptly named since the water is bright blue and crystal clear. If you are hiking with younger kids and can't walk the whole trail, rent a boat from Clear Lake Resort and paddle around. Be on the lookout for submerged ancient trees.

Silver Falls State Park

As a parent, one of the first places that come to mind when considering a family-friendly hike in the fall is Silver Falls State Park. Located in the Cascade Mountains near Silverton, this gem offers an easy stroll for families and kids of all ages. The 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls Loop is a family-friendly favorite, passing by several waterfalls. You don’t have to do the whole loop to enjoy the fall colors here. One of our favorite trailheads is the North Falls Trailhead. Walk across the bridge and take a right: you will descend a series of stairs and arrive at North Falls (.3 miles from the parking lot). The trail takes you behind this waterfall! Extend your hike further or backtrack to the bridge and walk 1/4 mile the other direction to see Upper North Falls.

Cape Lookout

The trailhead for Cape Lookout Trail is easily accessible from the Oregon Coast Highway, also known as U.S. Route 101. To reach the trailhead, you'll want to head to Cape Lookout State Park, which is approximately 12 miles southwest of Tillamook. Once you enter the park, you'll find the trailhead near the day-use area and campground. This family-friendly hike is about 5 miles round-trip. It is all downhill switchbacks for 2.5 miles to the beach. Be on the lookout for mushrooms as well as fall colors!

Wahclella Falls

Next on our list is the iconic Columbia River Gorge, a haven for fall foliage enthusiasts. The Wahclella Falls Trail is worth the effort. This 2.0-mile round trip trail is filled with vibrant fall foliage and leads to a beautiful waterfall at the end, making it an ideal choice for capturing the essence of the season. After the hike, cross the highway and check out the Bonneville Dam. If you are looking for more waterfall hikes check out Bridal Veil Falls for a quick add on hike!

Tamanawas Falls

Our fall foliage journey wouldn't be complete without a visit to the stunning Mt. Hood National Forest. The Tamanawas Falls trail is a moderate, out-and-back hike that's approximately 3.2 miles round trip that leads to a stunning 100-foot waterfall. Part of the trail meanders alongside the Cold Spring Creek. The deciduous trees along the trail, such as vine maples and alders, burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The contrast between the colorful foliage and the lush green of the evergreens make this a wonderful fall hike. For the truly adventurous: you can scramble up the rocks to walk behind this waterfall.

As the days grow shorter and the leaves start to turn, gather your family and head out to explore Oregon's magnificent fall foliage. Try to check these 5 hikes off of your fall bucket list and tag #wildandbarefootadventures in your photos.

Happy hiking!