Typically, Oregon fall consists of fun outdoor gatherings and farm festivals. Unfortunately, in 2021, things may still be a little different as many regions continue to battle COVID-19 outbreaks. Despite this, there are still plenty of activities and day trips you can do when visiting Oregon in the fall.
Pumpkin Patches and Farm Stands During an Oregon Fall
Oregon has no shortage of farm stands and pumpkin patches. If looking for something to do an a crisp Oregon fall day, take a scenic drive out to Smith Rock Ranch in Terrebonne and fill up your car with fresh, home grown pumpkins. You can even pick your own bright orange orbs and then shoot them from a cannon.
For more excitement, try to find your way out of the themed corn maze or get in touch with your inner cowboy at the Skull Hollow shooting arcade. Little ones will enjoy pony rides, wagon rides and a hay maze. Even Fido is welcome at Smith Rock Ranch with a dedicated dog park offering tons of canine amusement.
Bauman’s Farm and Garden is another option for Oregon fall fun. The festival typically offers a slew of activities for adults and children alike, including an apple cannon, bug train and barnyard bridge.
Hay rides, bounce houses, and many of the highly touch interactive activities have resumed this year. You can also U-pick pumpkins, enjoy the apple tastings, try the cider, and venture into the corn maze. Bauman’s Farm and Garden is located in Gervais, and their Harvest Festival is open during the month of October.
Exploring the Spooky Side of Oregon Fall
If you are a Halloween fanatic, maybe you would like your Oregon fall to be a little spookier than most. This year, instead of the fake ghosts and ghouls offered at haunted houses and the like, try a real-life Oregon ghost town.
The abandoned mining town of Bohemia City sits atop a mountain in the Umpqua National Forest. Here you will find a pristine abandoned town straight from the past. The town still has buildings, some still standing, and some in shambles. Many abandoned and collapsed mines can be found in the area, as well as mine cart tracks.
Perfect Oregon Fall Hikes
Fall in Oregon can be the perfect time to go on a hike. The weather is milder, and there is always a light breeze to keep you cool. In addition, many kids are back in school, and fewer families are vacationing, so the trails are quieter and more private.
The Oregon fall foliage can be bright, colorful, and breathtaking and add an extra element to your hike.
McDowell Creek Falls near Sweet Home, Oregon, is a trail to two waterfalls. If wanting to hike during the Oregon fall, we recommend this trail because of the amount of deciduous trees. These trees will be covered in bright reds, oranges, and yellows as they shed their leaves in preparation for winter.
The McDowell Creek Falls trail can be long or short, depending on how motivated you are that day. There is a one-and-a-half mile loop that connects the two waterfalls. Or, if you aren’t able to or up to walking that far, each waterfall has a parking lot and trailhead nearby.
Another great Oregon fall hike with plenty of deciduous trees would be Beazell Memorial Forest. This area has many trails to keep you occupied all day. One of the trails even ascends to the ridgeline to give some more far off views of the beautiful Willamette Valley.
Of course, it’s hard to beat the Columbia River Gorge when seeking fall splendor. Stick to the historic highway and you’re bound to cross paths with the roadside Horsetail Falls. Travel up the path a short half mile and you’ll find even more beauty at ponytail falls. If you’re up to the challenge, keep trekking on for more waterfalls on a 3-mile loop.
Museums for a Rainy Day
While Oregon fall can be beautiful, we locals know fall also means rain, especially late in the season. For those dreary rainy days, a museum is a great way to add excitement and education.
The Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinville is open during Covid-19, and is big enough inside to actively social distance. The museum showcases airplanes and space craft from all periods and eras. Many historical planes are displayed here, including the Spruce Goose.
The Spruce Goose was an experimental airplane, made entirely of wood. During the war effort of World War 2, metal was in severe scarcity. This prompted the need for a potential wooden plane to aid in the war.
The Spruce Goose was technically a success in that it did manage to fly 72 feet above the ground for about a mile. But many consider this massively unique airplane a failure in that it never made it to war.
The Evergreen Aviation Museum does have a few of the higher touch activities closed, such as interior tours of the Spruce Goose (due to lack of space inside,) and many of the kids play areas. For updates on what is open and what is closed, click here.
Exploring the Oregon Coast During Oregon Fall
Oregon’s coastline is magnificent during anytime of year, but the cooler fall weather reduces crowds and tourists. And during the pandemic, the coast has many outdoor activities that make social distancing easy.
On the beach, you can walk for miles along the smooth sand, and look for seashells and sand dollars. If you keep an eye on the tide calendars, you can explore tide pools during low tide and discover the Oregon sea life.
Also during low tide, you can dig for clams, just make sure you have a license for doing so. These can be purchased at most fishing and tackle shops. Clamming is a fun activity for kids who love to dig and explore.
The fall breezes on the coastline also make a perfect setting for flying kites. Many kite shops in the downtown areas sell kites that range from traditional to long and dramatic.
