Any time of year is great to enjoy the outdoors in Washington, but fall is an especially good time. There’s so much diversity in the state with its mountains, rainforests, desserts, and coastal areas. Whether you’d like to camp near the beautiful Horseshoe Basin or experience an incredibly canopy tour, we have you covered. Here are the best outdoor fall activities in Washington.
Whether you have a day or a week to hike, one of the best places to visit in Washington is Horseshoe Basin in the North Cascades. Located in the Pasayten Wilderness and one of the northernmost parts of the state, Horseshoe Basin is worth the drive to get there. Six miles into your hike, you’ll reach the Basin, but you’ll discover the beauty of the trail all the way with the tall fir trees, small creeks running through the valley below, and the array of colorful wildflowers. Bring your camera for some great photos and keep your eye out for wildlife. This is a remote area and one of the best hidden gems of the state, so stop for a bite to eat and fill your water bottles before you get there.
If you’re planning to spend the night while visiting Horseshoe Basin or any of the neighboring trails, there’s primitive site camping at the trail head at Cottonwood Campground. Those who love the outdoors will have no lack of things to do here with elevated areas to explore by hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, or rock climbing, and there are plenty of places to fish in the American or Naches rivers. Whistler’s Family Restaurant in Tonasket is a great place to stop. If you love breakfast, they serve it all day long.
If you have an RV to stay in, Riverbend RV Park is the perfect place to stay. Besides hiking and backpacking from the park, you can hunt, fish, go rock climbing, ride horses, and swim. Both family and pet friendly, Riverbend RV Park is your home away from home. The park has full hook-ups, a laundry room, onsite store, and a dog park. Great prices and friendly folks. If you find that you forgot a anything for you adventure, or just want to stock up on a few outdoor essentials, stop by Cascades Outdoor Store in Winthrop. It is the ideal place to stop in the morning before heading out for the day, as the staff will be happy to recommend any spots, products, or other local information.
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If you want to see the beauty of Washington from a different view, check out Canopy Tours in Camano Island. You’ll be soaring through the treetops on one of the six available zip lines on a daytime or night zip trip led by expert guides. Imagine the spectacular view that awaits, all of the vibrant hues of orange that you'll be immersed in. After a long day of living-out your Tarzan dreams, you'll want to find a good place to feast. Check out a local favorite the Crow Island Farms. This restaurant uses the most fresh locally-sourced produce, fish, and meat. There is certainly something for everyone on their well-cultivated menu.
If outdoor camping isn’t your idea of adventure, but you still enjoy being outside, Washington has some of the best fall festivals in the Pacific Northwest. Pumpkins and beer are celebrated in various ways at the Festival of Pumpkins in Snohomish Valley. This festival is the collective effort of seven pumpkin farms working together to bring you a plethora of exciting happenings throughout the months of September and October. Enjoy corn mazes, an exciting pumpkin hurl, and after dark adventures like zombie walks.
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If you love beer and can only attend one festival this season, the Inland NW Craft Beer Festival in Spokane is the one to experience. Hop on over to the largest celebration of craft beers from over 40 local and statewide breweries and distilling companies and sample from more than 150 different types of beer. This festival takes place at the outdoor Avista Stadium, so expect to be treated with an immaculate view of the fire colored tree-lined mountains. Grab some friends, and head out to this stadium filled with beer lovers alike!
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The Fall Harvest Festival at the local treasure Beck's Harvest House in Colbert features one of the state’s most notable commodities and goes on for six weekends in the fall. Besides seeing the gorgeous colors of fall, you’ll hear great bands, taste some of the best desserts and baked goods including Beck’s Harvest House World Famous Pumpkin Donuts. You'll also be strolling around through craft booths, and food trucks, so there will be a variety marvels for you to look at. It’s fun for the whole family, there's something for everyone!
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