The leaves are changing and the smell of fall is in the air. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Washington State this fall, look no further. There’s no shortage of things to do in the Pacific Northwest. Start your planning now!
Visit Farmers Markets
Loads of fresh fall produce as well as home cooked eats make farmers markets a great activity to take in. There are dozens throughout the state but here are three to get you started.
Port Townsend – You’ll need to take the Bainbridge Ferry from Pier 52 in Seattle to reach this market but getting there is half the fun! This market has been named Washington State Farmers Market of the year several times and has over 70 stands to peruse.
Olympia – Over 90 vendors in this capital city market provide a wide variety of goods and foods for guests to sample and purchase. The market is also covered so don’t put off visiting due to bad weather.
Kittitas County Market – This Eastern Washington Market is bordered by the Cascade Mountains and is THE place to stock up on grass fed meats. There are nearby picnic areas and trails along the Yakima River to make a day of your visit.
Spooner Farms Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch
All of October the farm is open for pumpkin picking! There are 49 varieties of pumpkins as well as gourds, squash, and ornamental corn. This farm has been operated since 1882 by the same family and is a true family environment. You’ll also find games, animals, a kids’ barn, corn maze and more. Visit Puyallup and get picking!
Apples, Apples, Apples
If there’s one thing Washington state is best known for it might be apples. Fall is harvest time so take advantage of this local treasure. There are loads of pick your own apple farms across the state, so no matter where you live or are visiting you’re sure to find one nearby. Many also have activities on site. Find a full listing of U-Pick farms at pickyourown.org.
Fall Colors
In the northern Cascade Mountains you’ll find Maple Pass, a great spot to view fall foliage. This is a popular trail to hike but easy enough to do with kids. You can also drive to nearby Lake Ann. For more seasoned hikers Blue Lake is another hike to consider. Keep in mind even in October there can be snow and ice here. In the central Cascades the pass on the way to Lake Ingalls is bursting with color. There are also plenty of hikes to take around Mount Ranier. Get out there and don’t’ forget your camera!
Leavenworth Oktoberfest
The first half three weekends of October mean Oktoberfest in Leavenworth. Live music, German food, and family activities mean you only have to get a babysitter if you want to. A free shuttle bus runs to local parking and if you decide to stay for the weekend many local hotels in Leavenworth and nearby towns also have transportation to the festival. Don’t forget to pick up tickets, Fridays are $10 and Saturdays $20, children under 12 and military with ID are free. Come early as gates close once capacity is reached.
BONUS: Halloweentown in nearby St. Helens, Oregon is a must for anyone that loves this holiday. Through the entire month of October this town is all Halloween, all the time. The Discover Columbia County website has a listing of all the events for each day.
I was lucky enough to visit Washington state a few years ago and found it gorgeous! My trip was in the spring but I can only imagine how amazing it is in the fall with the crisp air and changing leaves.
My recent post DC Kids Super Hero Creator + Giveaway (10/30)
I love fall in Washington!! We are going to a pumpkin patch in Vancouver this next week the kids are so excited!
My recent post Coca Cola Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders
I have never been to Washington but I love the fall activities available. Maybe some day.
My recent post The Easiest Seafood You’ll Ever Make #JustCooktheBag
Such a fun time this looks like. I have never been off the East Coast .. must go check out the rest of the USA some day!
My recent post Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Film – Quiznos $30 GC Giveaway #spon
Sounds like lots to do! I've never been to Washington state but would love to at some point, maybe next fall!
I've never been to washington, but it's on my bucket list! Now, I think i want to go in the fall. I heard their apples are delicious!
My recent post 10 Frugal Grocery Items You Should Always Have on Hand
The Northwest sounds like the Northeast. My husband has been there several times and says it's beautiful, hopefully I'll get to see it for myself someday.
We have family that lives in Washington and they always share the most amazing photos because of all the amazing colors they have. And we are always jealous of all the apples they get to enjoy!
I have never visited Washington State, but it is on my bucket list. There is so much to see and do!
These are great ideas. Washington is an awesome state for seeing the leaves change.
i have never been to Washington before but i have only heard good times about it. thanks for the share love the photos.
Sounds like lots of fun Fall things to do. I wish we had these kind of things in Florida.
I have never been to Washington, but I would love to visit it someday.
My recent post Celebrate Fall With Delicious Apple Muffins for Kids
Oktoberfest in Leavenworth sound like so much fun. I love to go to farmers markets and buy delicious locally grown produce.
Sounds like there’s so much to do there! I hope you had an amazing time!
OMG, there is tons to do there. I definitely want to visit Washington.