Looking to frolic in the fall foliage? Want a fall-focused Instagram post that's not you drinking a pumpkin spice latte in the city? Here are 7 of our favorite Pacific Northwest day trips to help you make the most of the fall season. And the best part? They're all no more than two hours from Seattle-so let's start planning!
Best Places To Take A Fall Day Trip Near Seattle in 2018
Bellevue Botanical Garden by bluebrightly is licensed under CC 2.0
Bellevue Botanical Garden
Travel time from Seattle: 15 minutes
Bellevue Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to ogle the beautiful fall leaves. Offering visitors more than 53 acres of gardens, meadows, wetlands, and woodlands to explore, you're sure to spend more than a few hours here. Great for dates (and for the kiddos!), Bellevue Botanical Garden will be in full bloom through mid-November.
Address: 12001 Main St., Bellevue, WA 98005
Web: bellevuebotanical.org
Washington Park Arboretum
Travel time from Seattle: 10 minutes
Washington Park Arboretum is another great spot to admire the fall foliage. Soak up the orange and red leaves on a stroll through these gardens, or become explores for the day. Make a quick stop at the Graham Visitors Center before you begin your journey. You can treat your kids to Family Adventure Packs-supplied with field guides, scavenger hunts, magnifying lenses and more, you're sure to keep the kids busy for quite a full day.
Address: 2300 Arboretum Dr. E., Seattle, WA 98112
Web: botanicgardens.uw.edu/washington-park-arboretum
Mount Rainier
Travel time from Seattle: Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes
Has it been awhile since you've visited Mount Rainier? Fall is the perfect time to return. We promise the view will not disappoint-and crowds tend to be thinner during the fall than the summer season. Strap on your hiking gear and head out for the afternoon or the night.
Address: 39000 State Route 706 E., Ashford, WA 98304
Web:visitrainier.com
Rails in Elbe
Travel time from Seattle: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
Take a ride on the rails in Elbe this fall-it's one of the most charming afternoons you'll have had in awhile. Mount Rainier has had a railroad around for what feels like forever-but it got an upgrade in 2013. The 99-ton Heisler locomotive (that used to haul lumber!) is ready to take you on a scenic ride through the forests and foothills of Mount Rainier. Just make sure to schedule your ride beforehand.
Address: 54124 Mountain Hwy E., Elbe, WA 98330
Web:mtrainierrailroad.com
Whidbey Island
Travel time from Seattle: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes (including ferry ride)
An easy drive north of Seattle, Whidbey Island is a great antidote for escaping the city stress. Home to scenic vistas, outdoor adventures, and haunted spots, you're in for the perfect fall afternoon. Pumpkin patches, haunted barns, and hay bale mazes are open through October 31.
Address: 614 Front St, Mukilteo, WA 98204 (Ferry Terminal)
Web: whidbeycamanoislands.com
Hood Canal
Travel time from Seattle: Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes
Looking to go on a fall retreat? Head out to Hood Canal. Celebrate the abundance of autumn at the Hood Canal Harvest Party on October 20th at the Union City Market (more details to come on their website). Or, simply go to enjoy the mountains, orcas, and fresh oysters. You're in for a real fall treat.
Address: Red Caboose at 230 W. Railroad Ave, Shelton WA (Visitor's Center)
Web:www.explorehoodcanal.com
Halloweentown
Travel time from Seattle: Approx. 3 hours 56 minutes
Reminiscent of the Disney Channel Original movie, the town of St. Helen's transforms into a spooky, autumn paradise in October. Nestled away on the beautiful Columbia River, just 30 miles outside of Portland, you will find Halloweentown. For the entire month of October, the town celebrates Halloween-and invites its visitors to do the same. While it's a bit of a drive to enjoy a single afternoon, make a weekend of it and really get into the fall spirit.
Address: 265 Strand St, St Helens, OR 97051
Web: portlandmofo.com/halloweentown-oregon-st-helens
Arrive Safely When You Choose Suburb Service As Your Subaru Repair Shop
Fall is the perfect time for a day trip somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Getting out of the city and breathing in fresh air can help you reset this fall...but we want to make sure you arrive safely. Bring your Subaru to Suburb Service for an oil change or maintenance check-up before heading on an adventure-you can schedule an appointment online or give us a call today at (206) 705-8695. Let us get you and your Subaru to your fall destination safely so you can get back to enjoying a day of apple picking with your family. Show your Subaru some love.