Capitalizing on Autumn's Charm in the Pacific Northwest: A Guide to Maximizing Fall Experiences
Autumn's here, baby, and if you're a true Pacific Northwesterner, you know it's the best kept secret of the season. So grab your boots, flannel shirt, and a pumpkin spice latte - we're diving into the vibrant, crisp embrace of the Pacific Northwest fall.
Trekking Through Colors
From a casual sidewalk stroll to an intense summit climb, autumn in Washington state is all about those reddish, golden, and orange hues. Anna Roth, hiking content manager for the Washington Trails Association, urges us to remember that low-country hikes can be just as inspiring as mountain treks. "The color lasts longer on deciduous trees in the low country," she noted.
If you're feeling ambitious, challenge yourself with something strenuous like the North Cascades' larch-spotting hikes in mid-October. Places like Cutthroat Lake Pass, Easy Pass, Blue Lake, Larch Lake, and Lake Ingalls offer breathtaking views of golden deciduous pine trees. And if you're lucky, Mt. Rainier National Park's Paradise area will deliver.
Remember to check trail conditions and don't forget the flashlight or headlamp, as autumn hiking can mean cooler temperatures and later sunsets. Oh, and if it's icy, bring microspikes or crampons for your shoes and hiking poles. And hey, make sure you know the signs of hypothermia, just in case!
Prefer to stay mobile while soaking up the sun? Charming autumn drives like Chuckanut Drive or the Cascade Loop are waiting for you.
Or, if you're wanting a pop of color closer to home, check out the University of Washington Botanic Gardens. Sit back and enjoy the beauty of Goodfellow Grove (brilliant serviceberry leaves), Woodland Garden (autumn hues galore), or the Seattle Japanese Garden during the annual Maple Festival.
Store up for the Cold
The chill is setting in, but that doesn't mean you have to hibernate. Being outdoors can still be healthy even when it's cold and rainy.
Determination is key to staying active, says Elliot Twiggs, a family medicine doctor. Set achievable goals, find a workout buddy, and remember that exercise is a fantastic stress reliever.
Outdoor activities don't have to be boring either. Get creative with leaf raking, corn maze navigating, and fruit picking adventures. For hardcore chill-averse exercisers, indoor activities like barre, CrossFit, or dance classes can keep things fresh.
During especially cold days, embrace indoor sports teams or workout DVDs. Or, simply resort to taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Fall Feastin'
It's harvest season, y'all! Washington apples abound - from the 31 varieties listed on the Washington Apple Commission's site to countless smaller orchards and farmers markets. There's no healthier apple than another, so snack out and enjoy those crisp, juicy bites.
No need to fret about gourds, either. Sure, they can be decorative, but most varieties are edible. Here's a little pro tip from a dietitian friend: roast 'em with oil, rosemary, salt, pepper, and voilà - an easy, tasty snack!
October's harvest blesses the eastern part of Washington with family farms ripe for visiting. Stock up on local produce like pumpkins, apples, tomatoes, and green beans. What's more autumn than chopping carrots and freezing them for winter soups?
Sippin' Good
Speaking of winter soups, let's talk wine. In the Yakima Valley, the annual Catch the Crush festival is a highlight of the season, complete with chances to stomp on grapes. And yes, they serve adult beverages! (You knew that, though, right?) The festivities are family-friendly, so grab the kids and fur babies too.
While a recent study claims there's no safe amount of alcohol, the American Heart Association recommends up to one drink per day for women and two per day for men. A glass of wine can still be healthy, so long as there's no alcohol abuse.
Wine has been known to help lower blood pressure and contain healthy flavonoids. So go ahead, enjoy that pinot noir curled up in front of a warm, cozy fire. You deserve it.
The Final Word
No matter how you choose to enjoy autumn, one thing's for sure - we're lucky to live in a land where fall is completely badass. So get out there and make the most of it - we'll version 2.0 of ourselves next winter!
"When I was in medical school in Minnesota, I had to ride my bike and walk in knee-deep snow to get to classes in the fall," says a local resident, reminiscing about his former life during a less-crisp season. "And I'm originally from Hawaii, where there are no seasons."
Enjoy your fabulous, crisp, beautiful fall, Northwest pals. It's not a myth - it's magic.
- For those who prefer gentle strolls, Anna Roth suggests exploring the low country for its vibrant, longer-lasting autumn colors compared to mountain treks.
- If you're seeking a challenging experience, consider the North Cascades' larch-spotting hikes in mid-October for breathtaking views of golden deciduous pine trees.
- For those who want a pop of color closer to home, the University of Washington Botanic Gardens offers Goodfellow Grove, Woodland Garden, and the Seattle Japanese Garden during the annual Maple Festival.
