For one of the best places to see fall foliage, head to the rainforests of Olympic National Forest. You’ll find a mix of bright maples that stand out against the emerald-green hemlock and spruce trees, creating a stunning contrast. While the trees are usually draped in lush green moss, fall brings a touch of red, orange, and yellow to their coats. The scene may be subtler than the vibrant displays on the East Coast, but when the wind brings the giant colored leaves fluttering down around you, it’s like being in a dream!
There are plenty of great places to see fall foliage on the Olympic Peninsula! “Leaf-peeping” is a popular pastime and easy for people of all ages since these stunning displays can often be seen from the windows of your car or reached by easy hikes. While the Olympic National Forest is a prime spot for hiking in the fall, there are so many beautiful places to see fall foliage in Sequim, Port Townsend, and Port Angeles. Three charming small towns on the Olympic Peninsula with lots to discover!
First, you’ll want to secure your lodging on the Olympic Peninsula this fall. Sequim is a beautiful hidden gem of a town known for sharing the same latitude as Provence, France. Its location is nestled in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains range, granting the area fewer rainy days than many other places in the Northwest. That’s where you’ll find our charming Sequim lodging property, with six stand-alone cabins overlooking the sparkling water. The Dungeness Bay Cottages are the perfect place to stay this fall! Check our availability and book your cabin today!
Best Places to See Fall Foliage: Olympic National Forest
You’re likely to see stunning fall foliage all over the state of Washington in the fall due to our diverse forests, which include old-growth Evergreens, firs, and pines mixed with hardwood maples, oaks, and alders. The bright colors pop against the dark backdrop of the lush forest. The Olympic National Forest spans over 600,000 acres, five wilderness areas, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails.
Here are the popular places to see fall foliage at the Olympic National Forest:
- Hurricane Ridge: This is one of the Olympic National Forest’s most popular hiking destinations for most of the year. The higher-elevation trails give you a bird’s eye view of the wave of fall colors; for a moderate hiking challenge, hit the Elwha to Hurricane Hill Trail, a 5.8-mile trek that heads through a subalpine meadow and mountain forest for pretty autumn scenes.
- Hoh Rainforest: Known as one of the quietest places on earth, this forest is home to the famous Hall of Mosses Trail and the 18-mile, out-and-back Hoh River Trail that meanders under spruce and Douglas fir. The moss takes on a golden hue in the fall, creating an even more magical experience on a crisp sunny day.
- Marymere Falls: This hidden gem is accessible via a well-maintained one-mile dirt trail that winds through a lush forest of old-growth fir, cedar, alder, and hemlock trees. Along the way, clear signage guides you to Marymere Falls and other popular trails in this beautiful section of the forest.
- Lake Crescent: Situated in a glacial basin surrounded by mountain peaks and forests, the crisp, clear waters of Lake Crescent are a popular destination. The hikes here offer some of the most beautiful places to see fall foliage in Washington State!
- Rialto and Ruby Beach: Though these Pacific Coast beaches are a bit of a road trip from Sequim, they are worth the scenic drive for the striking coastline, beautiful driftwood, and rock formations. While the fall colors will be subtle, bundling up and wandering these beautiful beaches on a fall day is an incredible adventure.
Cozy Waterfront Cabins for Your Fall Getaway Lodging in Sequim
Staying at our waterfront cottages in Sequim this fall is always a memorable experience. Our prime location, perched on a bluff overlooking the stunning waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, allows you to step out of your cozy cottage and be greeted by beautiful views of the bay. Behind you are the distant peaks of the Olympic Mountains. It’s the ideal place for a peaceful and relaxing getaway, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest right from your doorstep.
Each of the six cabins is beautifully appointed, offering a blend of comfort and style that makes you feel right at home. Each cottage is thoughtfully designed with charming themed décor, featuring comfortable furnishings, warm wood accents, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Whether you’re curled up by the fireplace with a good book, enjoying a meal at the dining table, or relaxing in the hot tub, you’ll feel the stress wash away!
In addition to the comfortable accommodations, we have a range of amenities to make your stay even more enjoyable. Each private cabin has a kitchenette, allowing you to prepare your own meals. The location also provides easy access to various local attractions, including the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and the charming town of Sequim, known for its lavender fields and quaint shops. Book your lodging in Sequim today!
