There is a nip in the air and the Libra sun smiles warmly at Seattleites. Red and orange are not just colors in your paintbox anymore, they now surround you. Dangling from tree tops ochre leaves rustle, jingle and tease before swooshing to your feet with the autumn breeze. These top places to see Fall colors in Seattle will take your breath away!

Top places to see fall colors in Seattle

1. RockWood Farm:

This picture postcard driveway image from Seattle’s autumn will leave you in awe. Can this really be Seattle? The evergreen Emerald City with such gorgeous fall colors? Yellows, oranges and reds of every fathomable shade dazzle you.

Rockwood farm is a mere 40 minute drive from Seattle, through misty mountains of Snoqualmie. Located in the shadow of  majestic Mount Si, Rockwood farm’s famous driveway lined with crimson trees is an instagram sensation.

This hidden gem of Seattle boasts beautiful fall foliage. Visit it before the word spreads! 

Mid October is the best time to catch the red leaves still on the trees, we went in late Oct and most leaves were on the ground. Nevertheless, it still looked spectacular – a red carpet of sorts.

With a regal looking gate (that’s always shut) and a long driveway, the property behind those gates looks formidable and unapproachable. That is not true. It is in fact an inviting Bed and Breakfast.

Rockwood Farm is one of top places to see fall colors in Seattle – its a cozy collection of stone and wood cabins, done up in true Northwest style. The interiors are not as stunning as the grounds, but the property makes for a beautiful holiday spot. Huge expansive lawns and visiting deers for company add to the charm.

2. Mt. Rainier

From pinks, purples and blues, the wildflower carpet in the meadows of Mount Rainier, gives way to fall colors as October sets in. Take a guided tour foraging mushrooms for dinner or just soak in the sun-ripened beauty of undulating meadows. Fiery colors contrast the snowy mountain making it a photographer’s delight. Paradise and Sunrise are the two top places to see fall colors in Seattle.

3. Snoqualmie Falls -Best Fall colors in Seattle 

If you really want to enjoy this waterfall in Fall, then the best way is to hike all the way to the bottom. It’s an easy hike that be done with kids – about 0.7 mile.The path takes you among winding firs and native northwest trees dotted with various berries. You dont see any fall colors yet, everything till the way down is lush green in Seattle’s signature style.

The downhill hike is fun and you reach a lower parking lot. You can even park here if you don’t want to burn calories.

Once down, you are mesmerized by a teal blue pool of water surrounded by gorgeous fall foliage. The ivory water from Snoqualmie falls passionately gushes towards the earth to reunite with her cool blue partner.

The path leading up to the viewing point is a neat wooden bridge where fall colors begin to play hide and seek with you. Some even try to kiss you as you duck and escape their flirtatious attempts. At the viewing deck, the colors are visible in full glory and its a sight to behold. Its one of our favorite Fall photography spots in Seattle.

4. Elliot Bay Marina at Smith Cove Park  

Under the gentle autumn sun, this is the place where crimson trees sway and turquoise waters glitter against Seattle’s skyline.

The pebble beach cove and sight of elegant boats docked at the marina make this a perfect place to admire fall colors in Seattle. Every angle here is a photographer’s delight.

 And guess what ? Its a free and fantastic thing to do in Fall in Seattle! 

5. Washington Park Arboretum

Some of the best fall colors in Seattle are found here. This place is a woody wonderland and no matter how many times I praise it, it’s not enough. This is one of the best Fall photography spots in Seattle.

Absolutely stunning fall colors, the brightest of yellows and the darkest of reds compete with brilliant tangerine leaves, while the burgundy ones frown at being ignored! 

6. More Hidden Parks of Seattle

Still looking for gorgeous foliage? Lucky for you I have more in store! Kubota garden and Judkins park are 2 more Seattle parks famous for fall colors. Very popular with photographers, these two give the perfect backdrop for that family portrait you’ve been longing for. Trees seemingly ablaze in warm hues of saffron and vermillion, while the ground is carpeted in crimson leaves.

Hope you enjoyed reading this article on top places to see fall colors in Seattle. Do check out the fabulous Free Fall activities in Seattle!