For most people, the ideal times to visit Portland are late spring and throughout the summer.  However, for those of us that live here,  we’d argue that there’s something simply magical about fall in Portland.  It’s certainly worthy of making the time to explore your city this October and November.  As the weather cools and settles into it’s typical fall pattern, Portland’s calendar fills up with a wonderful variety of cultural, wine, and holiday events worthy of your time.  Whether your ideal fall outing means time spent outdoors amidst the beautiful hues of fall, or whether you’d rather focus on fall events and activities around the area, there’s something for everyone in Portland this fall.

Hiking

Enjoy a little solitude on the Maple-Wildwood  Loop Hike in Forest Park

Take in the stunning colors at Hoyt Arboretum, in Washington Park.

View wildlife and migrating birds along the Oaks to Wetlands Trail at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

Take in the incredible beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, on the Hamilton Mountain Trail.  It’s a bit farther outside of Portland, but worth every second.  You’ll enjoy 3 waterfalls along the way, along with a beautiful grove of bright yellow maples.

Meander the 21 mile stretch of former railroad-turned multi-use Banks-Vernonia Trail. Each path is lined with deciduous trees, all reaching their peak of fall foliage.

There’s never a bad season when it comes to visiting Oregon’s stunning Multnomah Falls.

Events

Now is the perfect time to experience Portland’s gastronomical delights.  Coming up on November 9, 2019, is the annual Northwest Food & Wine Festival at the Oregon Convention Center.

Also on November 9th, will be Portland’s annual Portland Book Festival at the Portland Art Museum.  It’s the largest book festival in the Pacific Northwest, and a great chance to hear from over 100 authors, 90+ vendors, 14 writing workshops and more.

Portland is a great home base for adventuring through Oregon’s premiere wine country.  November is a wonderful time to experience Willamette Valley, as wineries open their cellars and tasting rooms for special events throughout Thanksgiving Weekend.