Zip up your hoodie and grab your pumpkin spice latte because it’s finally time for fall in Seattle!
If you’re new to Seattle—or haven’t been yet—you may be surprised by all that Seattle has to offer in autumn. Even if you’ve lived here for years, it can be nice to spend some time thinking about all the exciting fall things coming up in our city. To that end, we asked Seattleites themselves what they love the most about fall in Seattle.
Here are the top things Seattleites are most looking forward to about fall in Seattle, as shared by our followers on Instagram and Facebook…
1. Cooler weather
Many Seattleites shared that they’re most looking forward to “no more heat” and “cooler weather and rain.” Seattle summers typically don’t get too hot but we still get excited for that crisp fall air.
2. Fall hikes
“Fall hikes in cooler weather,” was a common response. One person offered these fall hike recommendations: “I’m always the biggest fan of Rainier. Skyline for fall. I’ve heard Maple Pass and Yellow Aster Butte are great too! I just want to see those changing colors 😍”
3. Visiting the pumpkin patch
Turns out that Seattleites love a good pumpkin patch. One person shared that Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm was their favorite place to go. You can find our guide to pumpkin patches around Seattle here.
4. Picking mushrooms
First, a disclaimer: we can’t tell you where in Seattle to pick edible mushrooms or how to know which mushrooms are safe to eat. However, a couple of Seattleites expressed their love of mushroom picking in the fall and we have to admit it sounds very idyllic and PNW cottagecore in theory. Do your thing, as long as you’re doing it safely!
5. Pumpkin spice lattes
Even in Seattle, where you’ll find many a self-professed coffee snob, we can’t resist the pumpkin spice latte once the leaves start turning orange. One Seattleite shared that they get their pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks (sticking to Seattle’s coffee roots!). Another shared their favorite neighborhood coffee shops with bonus latte recs: “Leon Coffee House for Mango Latte and Hood Famous for Pandan Latte. Hard to pick one!” See more places to get a pumpkin spice latte or cozy fall treat in Seattle.
6. Sweater weather
“Leggings and sweater weather,” one Seattleite said. Many others agreed that they are ready for sweater season. What’s better than getting cozy in a warm sweater and going to Elliot Bay Book Company to pick out a good book? Get a latte at Oddfellow’s while you’re there, of course.
7. Vibrant fall foliage
Did you know that you can see tons of fall foliage in Seattle and Washington State? Seattleites are excited for “the leaves turning color” and “fall colors before the rains come.” One person even shared a specific location: “Driving over Hwy 2 in October! The leaves are magical, and the larch trees are fantastic!”
8. Misty fall mornings
Some Seattleites shared their love of the fog that descends upon Seattle in the fall. As one person put it poetically: “The fog around the evergreen trees in the morning.” Yes, give us those Twilight vibes.
9. Visiting Leavenworth
Several Seattleites said they’re most excited to go to Leavenworth this fall. Between the gorgeous fall foliage, charming Bavarian-style mountain town, and Oktoberfest fun, we’re excited too! Read all about this fall’s Oktoberfest celebrations happening in and around Leavenworth.
10. The larches
If you know, you know. Oh, you don’t know? Sorry about that. Larches are trees located on the eastern side of the Cascades and every September through October they turn into a golden yellow that lights up the region. This article has some suggestions of Washington hikes that you can take to see the larches this fall.
11. The salmon runs
You gotta love salmon if you live in Seattle. From June through November, you can go to the Ballard Locks (for free!) to watch the salmon migrating at the fish ladder. The best time to go in the fall is the last two weeks of September.
12. Pie from the farm
Multiple Seattleites said they love to go to Remlinger Farms in the fall for their pie, carnival rides, and more. If that’s too far from the city for you, check out our guide to the many Seattle farmers markets.
13. Corn mazes
Just because we live in a city doesn’t mean we can’t experience the wholesome fun of a fall corn maze! One good place to go is the aforementioned Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm.
14. Fall flavored donuts
Sign us up for a dozen apple cider donuts, please. Some bakeries that offer seasonal donut flavors in Seattle include The Flourbox, Dough Joy, and Mighty-O Donuts. See our full guide to the best donuts in Seattle here.
15. Seeing Seattle in the fall for the first time
A few lucky followers shared that this fall will be their first time in Seattle. Some are moving here and some are only visiting, but either way, they’re sure to quickly fall in love (pun not intended and also not regretted!).