Fall Drives In Mt. Hood Territory To See The Best Color

You next stop is Wildwood Recreation Site for beautiful leaves and more. This day-use area features accessible interpretive trails and boardwalks that wander through forest and wetland ecosystems. In the fall, the salmon return to the Salmon River to spawn, and the Cascade Streamwatch Trail leads to a fish-viewing window below the stream level, so visitors can get an up-close-and-personal view of life under the water. Then swing in for lunch at Wraptitude in Welches for a gourmet wrap with Aloha spirit. Or enjoy some traditional Mexican fare at Chicali Cantina in Welches.

Make sure to visit the West Barlow Tollgate, between mileposts 50 and 51, on Highway 26. This is a replica of the last Oregon Trail tollgate on Laurel Hill, and in the fall the trees around this spot really pop with colors. Take a short hike to Laurel Chute, noted as one of the most treacherous portions of the journey for Oregon Trail pioneers, because they had to use ropes and makeshift pulley systems to lower their wagons down a 60 percent vertical slope.

Prepare to be in awe of both views and history as you head up the hill to Timberline Lodge. From the lodge you’ll be able to take in the colors throughout the entire Mt. Hood National Forest, as you can see for miles in each direction. Go on a self-guided tour and find out how this historic landmark was built as a lodge and ski area in 1937 and still is used today for its original purpose.

Bonus Stop: Head a bit past the turnoff to Timberline Lodge and you'll find the road to Trillium Lake. Always busy in the summer, use drops off substantially in the cooler months. For the most solitude, and most scenic times, get there for a sunrise — the morning light on the mountain is nothing short of magical.

Lolo Pass Road quickly crosses over the Sandy River, which offers the first chance at catching some fall color. Keep an eye out for other river crossings as well, which provide even more sightseeing chances.

Vine Maple are one of the most common trees you'll see along this route, and also one of the most brilliantly colored plants as well. The fall turns the leaves a bright, vivid red, making them stand out beautifully amidst their neighbors. 

As you climb to the highest portions of the road, you'll soon be greeted by phenomenal Mt. Hood views.

The best part is when the Mt. Hood views are combined with dazzling displays of fall color. 

Some of the sculptures are permanent parts of the public art fixture, others rotate in each year, making the experience one worth repeating every fall. 

Spots like George Rogers Park offer reactional opportunities as well as art fixtures. 

While at George Rogers Park, be sure to stop and visit the Iron Furnace, a remnant of the city's heritage as an industrial center for the region. 

Once you've seen all the art fixtures, you can charter a ride on the Willamette Shore Trolley. This vintage trolley takes you on a gorgeous ride through history on a rail line that dates back to the 1800s. The ride is made even more special during the fall when the leaves turn. Regular tours are offered Memorial Day through Labor Day but you can charter a private ride anytime throughout the year.