Planning Your Fall Trip To The Willamette Valley
The most popular time to visit the Willamette Valley is from May through September—and the fall months are the perfect time to soak up the sunshine with vineyard outings, hiking, and fall events before the rainy season arrives in late October.
Fall in the Willamette Valley
Western Oregon is deeply forested with peak leaf color developing in mid-October. You can typically expect to see the leaves changing in the first weeks of September and still lingering into early November.
For those looking to plan a fall itinerary in the Willamette Valley, Tributary Hotel is your ideal base for a stay in downtown McMinnville. Conveniently located steps away from some of the city’s most vibrant attractions, Tributary is perfectly placed for enjoying winery excursions and city days alike. We’ve created the ultimate fall itinerary for your trip to Oregon Wine Country.
Fall Activities and Events
Embrace the magic of autumn with fall activities and events throughout the Willamette Valley. Stop by the annual Harvest Festival at Fir Point Farms in Aurora, which features a 6-acre pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and fresh apple cider donuts. Bernards Farm, just 13 minutes from Tributary, offers fresh walnuts, hazelnuts, and cider from the family’s on-site cider operation. But one of the main draws is the farm’s “U-pick” produce and flowers, a favorite site for those who want to revel in the sights and smells of fall. Nostalgia and whimsy await at the Enchanted Forest, a beloved theme park that has become a quintessential road trip stop for all ages just off of I-5 south of Salem, OR featuring rides, a light show, and an Old European Village.
Be sure to check out the McMinnville events calendar during your trip to catch events like farmers' markets, live music, complimentary wine tastings, stargazing, and more. Tributary’s dedicated concierge can also help you find seasonal events and activities during your stay.
Bike and Hike the Willamette Valley
Bike all or part of the 134-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, whose Northern point begins with Champoeg State Park before cutting through Salem, Albany, and Corvallis before ending at Armitage County Park outside of Eugene.
Get your fill of Oregon waterfalls and autumn colors at Silver Falls State Park, home to the Trail of Ten Falls, a hiking path that passes by, and behind, 10 waterfalls.
Go Wine Tasting in Oregon Wine Country
Explore the over 700 wineries in the Willamette Valley and over 800 vineyards during the harvest season and watch the vineyard employees out in the fields gathering the grapes as you sample the fruits of their labor.
You can expect perfect wine-tasting conditions with September weather falling in the mid-70s with low rainfall, and October offering a slight chill with highs in the mid-60s and peak fall colors.
Stop by Historic Covered Bridges
In Lane County, there are twenty preserved covered bridges dating back as early as 1920. These historic treasures offer a nostalgic appeal, especially when paired with fall foliage. Some can be driven through, while others are better suited for biking during a loop of the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway.
Embrace Small Town Life
Nothing feels more appropriate in autumn than wandering the streets of a small town perfectly decorated for the season.
Pop into cozy coffee shops, curated local boutiques, and local museums in historic downtown McMinnville; get a taste of Germany at Oktoberfest in the Bavarian-themed town of Mt. Angel; and check out the nearly two dozen street murals in Silverton after your hike at Silver Falls State Park.
Plan Your Fall Stay in McMinnville Today
If you’re planning a stay in downtown McMinnville, Tributary offers a boutique hotel experience featuring world-class hospitality and luxury suites. With a lavish in-room breakfast spread from Tributary’s nearby farm and larder, curated amenities from local artisans, and close proximity to Oregon Wine Country, Tributary will be your ideal launchpad for fall adventures in the Willamette Valley.
Book now to reserve your stay.
