Your Fall Bucket List: Exciting Things to Do in Southwest Washington This Season

As the bright colors of summer fade and the air turns cooler, Southwest Washington becomes a beautiful place to enjoy all the fun things fall has to offer. Whether you love nature, have kids, or just enjoy the cozy feel of the season, there’s something for everyone here. From pumpkin patches and fall festivals to scenic hikes and fun Halloween activities, Southwest Washington is full of ways to enjoy the autumn season. Let’s take a look at some of the best fall activities you can try this year!

1. Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals

Nothing says “fall” like visiting a pumpkin patch, and SW Washington is brimming with them. These family-friendly spots often come with more than just pumpkins, including hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos.

Pomeroy Farm

Located in Yacolt, Pomeroy Farm is not only a historic treasure but also a go-to destination for fall enthusiasts. Their annual Pumpkin Lane event runs throughout October and features a scenic tractor-pulled hayride through pumpkin fields. You’ll find pumpkins in all sizes, and kids can enjoy their quaint barnyard animals. The farm also hosts educational demonstrations about early pioneer life, making it both a fun and enriching experience.

Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch

Bi-Zi Farms in Vancouver is one of the most beloved fall attractions in SW WA. Their pumpkin patch is vast, offering a wide selection of pumpkins to choose from. Families can explore the corn maze, enjoy hayrides, and even participate in apple cider pressing demonstrations. The festival atmosphere here is top-notch with local food vendors and fall-inspired treats. Don’t forget to check out their night maze for a spooky twist on a classic fall activity.

La Center Farms

If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, La Center Farms offers a small yet charming pumpkin patch, ideal for younger kids. They also host their annual fall festival where visitors can sip hot cider, explore a corn maze, and take in the crisp autumn air.

2. Hiking in Fall Foliage

SW Washington is a hiker’s paradise year-round, but there's something extra special about hitting the trails when the leaves have turned bright oranges, reds, and yellows. The scenic vistas, cool temperatures, and wildlife sightings make fall hiking a must-do activity.

Silver Star Mountain

For breathtaking views of fall foliage, Silver Star Mountain near Battle Ground offers several trailheads with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding mountains. The summit trail weaves through meadows, forests, and rocky outcrops, all ablaze in fall colors. Bring your camera—the views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood are particularly spectacular in the fall.

Moulton Falls

Moulton Falls Park, located on the East Fork of the Lewis River, is an accessible hike that offers scenic beauty in spades. The loop trail winds through old-growth forests and along riverbanks, and in autumn, the canopy of trees bursts into a fiery display of colors. The picturesque Moulton Falls Bridge offers a perfect photo op, making it a great destination for a family hike or a leisurely stroll.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

For those looking for a more rugged outdoor experience, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, stretching over 1.3 million acres, offers numerous hiking trails perfect for soaking in fall’s splendor. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as the fall season is prime time for spotting deer, elk, and even bears preparing for hibernation.

3. Fall Train Ride: The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad

If hiking isn't your thing, take in the beauty of fall from the comfort of a vintage train ride.

The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad offers a charming fall foliage train tour that winds through the forests of northern Clark County. The steam-powered locomotive chugs along at a leisurely pace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the season. As you travel through lush forests, over bridges, and through tunnels, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the autumn landscape. The Fall Leaves Special is a particularly popular option, perfect for a romantic outing or a fun family excursion.

Another must-see is the Mount Hood Railroad in Hood River, OR, where you can soak in the vibrant colors of autumn while riding through the scenic landscapes. Both are perfect options for a day trip filled with picturesque sights and local charm.

4. Halloween Lights and Haunted Attractions

When October arrives, SW Washington embraces the spooky spirit of Halloween with an array of hauntingly fun activities, from elaborate Halloween light displays to haunted houses that will send chills down your spine.

Clark County Scaregrounds

For those who enjoy a thrill, the Clark County Scaregrounds in Ridgefield delivers spine-tingling excitement. This event features multiple haunted houses, a haunted hayride, and escape rooms. With professional actors and detailed set designs, each attraction delivers heart-pounding scares that are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit.

Halloween Light Displays

Not into haunted houses? No problem! Many neighborhoods and local businesses in SW WA go all out with Halloween light displays. One standout location is in Vancouver’s Felida neighborhood, where homes are decked out with hundreds of lights, inflatables, and spooky decorations. It’s a great way to enjoy Halloween with the family, minus the frights.

5. Trick-or-Treating Hotspots

Whether you’re looking for traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating or organized events, SW Washington has plenty of options for families.

Downtown Camas Boo Bash

Downtown Camas turns into a trick-or-treater’s paradise during the annual Boo Bash on October 23, 2024 at 3-5 pm. Local businesses line the streets to pass out candy, and the whole area is decked out with Halloween decorations. It’s a safe, fun environment for kids, complete with costume contests and Halloween-themed activities.

Battle Ground Halloween Fright Night

Another family-friendly option is the Battle Ground Halloween Fright Night, where families are welcome to this free, fun-filled event featuring games, prizes, candy, and plenty of tricks and treats for everyone on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 4-6pm.

6. Mushroom Hunting

Foraging for mushrooms is a popular fall activity in the Pacific Northwest, and SW Washington is no exception. With the cool, damp conditions that come with autumn, forests come alive with a variety of edible mushrooms like chanterelles, matsutake, and porcini.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

This massive forest is a prime location for mushroom hunters. The mix of coniferous and deciduous trees creates ideal conditions for mushroom growth, particularly after the first fall rains. It’s important to be familiar with the types of mushrooms you’re collecting, so consider going with an experienced forager or participating in a guided mushroom hunting tour.

Lewis River Recreation Area

Another great spot for mushroom hunting is the Lewis River Recreation Area, particularly along the trails near Swift Reservoir. In the fall, you can find a variety of mushrooms growing in the moist underbrush. Always remember to bring a mushroom identification guide and to follow foraging regulations.

7. Wine Tasting and Harvest Celebrations

Fall is also the season for harvest festivals and wine tasting events in SW Washington. The area is home to several wineries and vineyards that celebrate the grape harvest with special tastings, food pairings, and live music.

Bethany Vineyards & Winery

Located in Ridgefield, Bethany Vineyards hosts a series of fall wine tasting events where visitors can sample local wines while enjoying views of the colorful vineyards. Their annual harvest festival is a perfect fall outing for wine lovers, complete with live music and food trucks.

Domaine Pouillon

Further east in Lyle, Domaine Pouillon offers wine tasting with a view. Nestled in the Columbia River Gorge, this boutique winery has spectacular fall scenery, making it a great stop during an autumn drive through SW Washington.

Fall in Southwest Washington is a magical time, filled with vibrant colors, crisp air, and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Whether you're picking pumpkins, exploring the trails, or taking a scenic train ride, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your cozy sweater, head outdoors, and make the most of this beautiful season.

For more details on specific events or destinations mentioned, stay tuned for our upcoming blogs, where we’ll delve deeper into each activity, offering tips, best times to visit, and hidden gems to explore.

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