Fall in the Pacific Northwest officially kicks off at the end of September along with all the pumpkin-spiced, costume-donning, candy-scarfing, apple-picking, and slasher-watching fun of the season. But, if you’re a true fellow fall fanatic, you know there’s nothing like the first sight of reds, yellows, and oranges splashed across the trees. If nothing kicks you into holiday gear more than the crunch of fallen leaves and some glorious sights of foliage, then you’ve come to the right place! Pierce County is chock-full of autumnal beauty, and to ensure you don’t miss a second of it on your next visit to the South Sound, we’ve put together a list of our top drives and destinations by region —though you’ll have to source your own pumpkin spice latte along the way.
Tacoma
No South Sound fall tour would be complete without a stop in Tacoma, offering its visitors an abundance of opportunities to spot seasonal colors while squeezing in some great shopping, museum tours, and seemingly endless dining options along the way.
For a fabulous fall drive and some crisp autumn air, we recommend checking out the Five-Mile Drive in Point Defiance Park (now fully accessible to pedestrians, and partially car-friendly) where you can enjoy old-growth forests, waterfront views, and a visit to the Japanese Garden, where you’ll find bold maples celebrating the season with bright oranges and purples.
Make sure to also visit Wright Park, spanning 27 acres in downtown Tacoma and featuring plenty of shades of the season. While in the area, also take a visit to the Stadium District where you’ll find Stadium High School, the castle-esque building famously featured in the movie “10 Things I Hate About You” to catch trees turning for fall.
Puyallup
Puyallup is known for its nationally recognized State Fair and farm-fresh foods but another notable aspect is all the great opportunities to catch sightings of fall foliage!
For a scenic drive, we recommend exploring any of the local orchards and farmlands where you’ll find not just gorgeous colors, but an opportunity to soak in some extra autumnal activities at one of Puyallup's many well-known working farms.
You should also take a trip to Pioneer Park, where you’ll find beautiful mature trees full of color and a pavilion to picnic and soak in the sights. Also available for a visit are Wildwood Park boasting 55 acres of natural forest (plenty of crunchy leaves for pile dives guaranteed!) and Bradley Lake where you’ll find shades of the season reflecting in the water while strolling along its various trails.
Lakewood
To find a unique fall foliage experience in the South Sound, a visit to Lakewood is a must! Known for sprawling gardens and well-manicured golf courses, there’s plenty of fall color to find on your next trip to town.
We recommend a visit to Thornewood Castle (accessible by booking a room), one of America’s few standing castles, to take in the architecture nestled against an autumn backdrop. We also would be remiss to not mention a visit to Lakewood’s Lakewold Gardens on Gravelly Lake for a tour of its Georgian-style mansion, a national historic landmark, nestled among 10 acres of rare plants including 30 Japanese maples famously colorful in the fall! And, if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to Lakewood after your last two stops, turn your attention to Harry Todd Park for a leisurely walk along the renovated lakefront or a game of tennis on the public courses between color spotting sprints.
Mount Rainier
Fall famously turns to early winter amongst the peaks of Mount Rainier National Park, but not to fear, there’s still plenty of fall color to catch near “the mountain.” While you may not see much in the way of classic splashes of red and orange maple trees shedding their leaves, you will find golden Larch and a display of shrubs turning ruby and amber along the hillsides. For a driving tour (recommended for our cold-weather-averse readers), visit Reflection Lakes for sights of stunning autumn foliage presented like watercolors splashed across the waterfront. You can also take a journey up to Sunrise, the highest drive-up point in the park, to catch a glimpse of the surrounding landscape turn for the season.
For readers looking to sightsee on foot, a hike along the Paradise area of the park is sure to reward you with plenty of fall colors. We also recommend a stroll around Tipsoo Lake.
Before you go, we recommend reviewing our First Timers' Guide to Mt. Rainier for all critical tips and treats (no tricks!).
Gig Harbor
Last, but certainly not least, on our fall colors guide to the South Sound is the maritime village of Gig Harbor. Aside from all the great dining options, history, and opportunities to get to know the marine life of the area, there’s also lovely leaf peeping to boot!
We recommend cruising along Harborview Drive to enjoy the seasonal changes while also soaking in waterfront views and Mount Rainier's looming figure on a clear day. You can also take the family on a trip to Sehmel Homestead Park with 98 acres of well-maintained trails, wetlands, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and of course plenty of fall color to go around. Rocky Creek Conservation Area is also worth a stop, featuring woodlands on the key peninsula and plenty of trails to explore the season.
Bonus Tip:
The best time to catch fall colors is early to mid-October, so mark your calendars and book your lodging ahead of time to snag an autumnal opportunity.
Did we miss a fall foliage hotspot you’re willing to share? Tag us on Instagram or Facebook @visittacomapiercecounty!
