Seattle's Top 5 Fall Foliage Trips

Here are 5 must-visit fall foliage destinations near Seattle, each under 2 hours away!

① Kubota Garden

🚗 ~20 minutes from Downtown Seattle

Tucked away in South Seattle, this 20-acre Japanese-style garden feels like a peaceful escape from the city. In fall, vibrant Japanese maples, red-leaf dogwoods, and golden ginkgoes transform the space into a painter’s palette.

Stone bridges, koi ponds, and winding trails make every turn photogenic.

📸 Perfect for: Relaxing strolls, photoshoots, leaf-loving couples

✨ Don’t miss: The zigzag bridge under the maple canopy

② Washington Park Arboretum

📍 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112

🚗 ~15 minutes from Downtown Seattle

A classic Seattle fall spot! This 230-acre park is home to rare and colorful trees from around the world. Walk under golden arches of ginkgoes, fiery Japanese maples, and sweeping willow trees.

Whether you explore the Japanese Garden (ticketed) or stroll through the free trails, it’s a fall dream.

📸 Perfect for: Families, nature walks, plant lovers

🌿 Tip: Head to Azalea Way for one of the most colorful and walkable paths

③ Discovery Park

📍 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199
🚗 ~20 minutes from Downtown Seattle

Seattle’s largest park offers sweeping coastal views mixed with glowing big-leaf maples and forested trails.

The 2.8-mile Loop Trail takes you through meadows, woods, and bluffs—with golden fall tones around every corner. On clear days, catch Mt. Rainier in the distance!

📸 Perfect for: Scenic walks, solo thinking time, ocean + fall in one

🧣 Tip: Bring a thermos and enjoy a quiet moment at the North Bluff lookout

④ Rattlesnake Lake & Ledge

📍 17905 Cedar Falls Rd SE, North Bend, WA 98045
🚗 ~45 minutes from Downtown Seattle

This spot is a fall favorite for both hikers and chill walkers. The flat lakeside trail is lined with trees that blaze yellow and orange in late October, and the lake’s reflection on a still day is breathtaking.

If you’re up for it, hike the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail (4 miles roundtrip) for one of the most rewarding views in the region.

📸 Perfect for: Hikers, day trips, drone shots

🥾 Tip: Go early on weekends—parking fills fast by 10 AM!

⑤ Leavenworth

📍 Leavenworth, WA 98826

🚗 ~2 hours from Downtown Seattle

Fall in Leavenworth is straight out of a storybook.

This alpine-style village in the Cascades turns into a riot of color in October, surrounded by mountains glowing gold with larches and aspens. Stroll through downtown, sip cider, catch a fall fest, or drive to nearby Lake Wenatchee for bonus color.

📸 Perfect for: Weekend getaways, couples, Oktoberfest fans

🍂 Tip: Weekdays are quieter, and you’ll still catch the colors!

Book Directly with STAYOO !

Your Short-Term Home to Experience the World!

Own a Property ? List With Us !

Enjoy Higher Profits from Short or Mid-Term Rentals, 100% Hassle-Free!