Wondering about the best time and place to view the fall foliage peak in Seattle?
This year we can expect a particularly stunning fall in Seattle. Thanks to multiple factors, the colors of the changing leaves are supposed to be more vibrant than usual. This year’s fall foliage peak in Seattle is quickly approaching. In fact, many sidewalks and trails in Seattle are already covered in a lush carpet of crunchy red and gold leaves. It’s time to make your plans to see fall foliage in or around Seattle now before it’s swept away by the rain.
Read on for all the important info!
The reason why you may see extra-vibrant fall foliage in Seattle this year is two-fold. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, moisture and temperature are the two biggest factors that determine the quality of fall foliage. Here in Seattle we had a very wet spring that extended into summer, and our nights are currently cool without being freezing. These conditions are favorable for bright autumn colors.
So when is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Seattle? You can use this prediction map that shows when fall foliage peaks in every part of the country. According to the map, fall foliage in Seattle is already at its peak this week and will be past its peak on Monday, October 10.
Of course, this fall foliage map is just a predictive tool that does not claim to be 100% accurate. So if you won’t be in Seattle until later in October, don’t worry. You will still most likely have a great chance of seeing some vibrant fall foliage throughout the city.
If you’re wondering where the best place is to see the fall foliage peak near Seattle, we have a few helpful suggestions for you. Simply wandering around the city will yield an eyeful of colorful fall foliage, but if you’re looking for that perfect backdrop for a photo you can venture out to Mount Rainier National Park for vibrant colors or seek out the golden larches in North Cascades National Park. For a more bite-size adventure, choose from one of our many state parks.
If you’d prefer to stay within the city limits for your fall foliage hunt, check out our guide to the best places to see fall foliage in Seattle. This list features the city parks with the most scenic fall colors (plus one beautiful place that isn’t a park at all).