Oregon is known as a wonderland of green, and rightly so. Our state practically bursts with forests, lush state and city parks, mighty waterfalls, beautiful meadows studded with wildflowers, wild, winding rivers, and deep, cool lakes. And green is not our only color. Our biggest city, Portland, is heralded as The Rose City, too. And many other towns in Oregon pop with a bounty of flowers as winter recedes. But while spring is king in the Beaver State, the fall in Oregon is magical, too.
Autumn is when many of Oregon’s verdant trees come alive with a swath of vibrant colors. And there’s no better small town to base your leaf-peeping adventure than Sisters. This lovely western town boasts a fabulous downtown for shopping and dining, and is surrounded on all sides by the wonders of nature that truly come alive in September, October, and November.
You’ll find gorgeous stands of golden orange trees in the nearby Metolius Natural Area in the Oregon Cascade Mountains. A stunning rainbow of reds, yellows, oranges, greens, and browns blankets the forest floor and lines hiking paths and sidewalks.
One of my favorite parts of fall is collecting leaves, and you’ll find a treasure trove of these beauties in and around Sisters. If you lace up your hiking boots, you can tackle one of the many beautiful hikes in the area. The Whychus Creek Overlook, for example, is a short and easy trail that takes you to a gorgeous overlook. This is a fabulous family-friendly autumn hike near Sisters, Oregon, and a great afternoon adventure. Just be aware that the road to the trailhead is seasonal, so you’ll want to add this hike to your bucket list before the winter weather arrives.
There are also many excellent camping spots, fishing holes, bike paths, and other outdoor recreation activities available in the Sisters area. The Metolius River is a popular fly fishing destination, and is also just a lovely river to stroll alongside.
In Sisters, you’ll find fun activities, such as the annual Sisters Harvest Faire, which is typically held the second week of October. There are also several options where you can enjoy a meal, such as at Open the Door, Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill, Three Creeks Brew Pub, and Cottonwood Cafe. I also recommend you simply walk around town and enjoy the Old West and friendly vibes of town. You never know what treasures you’ll find in the locally-owned shops and galleries that line the main streets.
Sisters, Oregon, not only comes alive in the autumn months with its gorgeous fall foliage, but there is also plenty to do to keep you busy. It’s a small town that deserves a spot on your bucket list this beautiful time of the year.
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