Murali Narayanan Photography

October in Washington State is a magical time, with landscapes transformed by vivid fall colors that draw locals and travelers alike. From the fiery reds and oranges of maple trees to the golden yellows of aspens and cottonwoods, the scenery shifts into an autumnal masterpiece. Areas like the North Cascades, Mount Rainier, and Leavenworth offer some of the most spectacular displays, each region boasting its own unique palette of foliage.

Summer presents unique challenges for my photography. Early sunrises and late sunsets stretch my schedule, and the abundance of clear, cloudless skies often leaves me missing the moody, dynamic lighting that adds drama to landscapes. Without clouds to diffuse sunlight, images can feel flat and lack the depth that comes more naturally in spring or fall. Yet, there’s one summer spectacle that keeps me inspired: Mount Rainier’s transformation into a wildflower paradise. The alpine meadows burst with vibrant lupines, paintbrush, and asters, creating a vivid backdrop against the mountain’s snowy peak. While Shelley famously mused, “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”, for me, the mantra is, “If summer comes, can fall be far behind?” By late July, I’m eagerly counting down the days to autumn, already planning my October itinerary for capturing those crisp, colorful fall scenes.

Starting in late September, the Northern Cascades begin to display brilliant fall colors, creating a stunning backdrop for the changing season. As the month progresses, this vibrant transformation gradually travels southward, reaching its peak along Highway 2 by mid-October. This scenic route from Seattle to the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth becomes especially picturesque, framed by autumnal reds, yellows, and oranges. By the end of October, peak foliage colors reach areas around Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Southwest Washington, showcasing a final burst of fall’s beauty. I plan my itinerary to follow this north-to-south progression, ensuring that I capture the season’s peak colors at each stop.

Northern Cascades (Late Sep – Early Oct)

Photographing Heather Meadows and Artist Point in Washington State during the fall is a dream for photographers, as the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges of alpine foliage contrast beautifully with the early snow on nearby peaks, especially Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker. The area’s lakes, like Picture Lake and Highwood Lake, offer stunning reflections of Mt. Shuksan, amplifying the beauty of the fall landscape. Crisp air and clear skies often make for incredible visibility, highlighting the rugged terrain and adding depth to photos. With winding trails and scenic viewpoints, this area provides endless opportunities to capture the essence of fall in the Pacific Northwest.

Highway 2 East of Stevens Pass (Early to Mid October)

In early to mid-October, the area east of Stevens Pass and along the Wenatchee River is a breathtaking display of fall colors. As you descend from the pass, the evergreen forest gradually gives way to vibrant patches of deciduous trees that seem to ignite the landscape. The maple, aspen, and cottonwood trees transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, set against the rich greens of the surrounding pines and firs. The Wenatchee River meanders through this vibrant corridor, reflecting bursts of color on its surface and enhancing the view as it winds through valleys and rugged hillsides. The interplay of light and color at this time of year makes it one of the most picturesque stretches in Washington.

Around Seattle & the East Side (Mid October)

By mid-October, fall foliage in the Seattle area reaches its peak, with vibrant colors illuminating the landscape. Numerous spots around the region provide fantastic photography opportunities, from urban parks to nearby trails. The area’s occasional fog adds a mystical quality, creating depth and contrast in images.

The greater Seattle metropolitan area boasts three Japanese gardens where maple trees put on a stunning display of vibrant orange and red hues. The Seattle Arboretum near Lake Washington, Kubota Garden in Rainier Beach, and Point Defiance Park in Tacoma are all must-visit spots for experiencing these autumnal colors.

Fenwick Lake Park in Kent, near SeaTac Airport, provides a great spot for capturing fall foliage on sunny early afternoons. Parking can be a challenge, especially on fall weekends when visitors flock to the park to enjoy the autumn scenery.

East of Seattle, towns like Snoqualmie and Carnation offer abundant opportunities to capture vibrant fall foliage.

Mt. Rainier National Park (Early October)

By early October, Mount Rainier National Park transforms into a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and gold, as huckleberry bushes and deciduous trees display their peak colors. Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make it an ideal season for hiking and landscape photography, with trails leading through colorful alpine meadows and forests. Around Paradise, Stevens Canyon Road and Tipsoo Lake are excellent point to photograph fall foliage.

Southwest Washington (Mid to Late October)

In southwest Washington, fall colors start to intensify by mid-October, typically reaching their peak in late October or early November. While not as popular as the nearby Columbia Gorge, this less-crowded area offers a great chance to photograph creeks and waterfalls.

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill in southwest Washington is a beautifully preserved historic mill set against a backdrop of lush forest and cascading waters. Built in 1876, it is one of the few remaining 19th-century water-powered mills in Washington, still fully operational and grinding grain as it did over a century ago. In the fall, the surrounding trees burst into color, adding vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows to the picturesque scene.

I still have areas in Washington State to explore in the fall, including the Olympic Peninsula, Methow Valley in the Northern Cascades, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and around Mt. Adams. I hope to make it happen next year.