10 Picture Perfect Fall Day Trips To Take In Washington

Smell the faint scent of pumpkin spice in the air? After a somewhat turbulent summer, we're ready to welcome fall (and the rain) back to Washington. And since it looks like the wildfires will soon be under control, now is the perfect time to start planning a few fall getaways.

If you only have one day to spare, these destinations make beautiful day trips.

1. Bainbridge Island

Once the summer tourism dies down and the leaves start to turn, Bainbridge Island becomes a peaceful haven perfect for exploring in the fall. Don't miss the autumn hues at Bloedel Reserve (pictured here).

2. Walla Walla

There's never a bad time to visit Walla Walla wine country, but just look at how stunning the area is in the fall. Going after summer and before the first snowfall is ideal.

3. Leavenworth

Oktoberfest aside, the Leavenworth area is absolutely incredible in the fall. It's only two hour from Seattle, an hour from Ellensburg and 30 minutes from Wenatchee, so it makes for a great day trip.

4. Carver Farms

Located in Newman Lake near Spokane, Carver Farms is the kind of rural retreat you need on a beautiful autumn day. You can pick you own apples, explore the pumpkin patch, and buy the freshest possible produce.

5. San Juan Islands

We know this is an unlikely day trip for anyone not living in Anacortes or the Bellingham area, so you may have to make it a weekend. But it comes as no surprise that the islands are especially vibrant and gorgeous in the fall.

6. Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway

Cruise along the rocky shoreline of Chuckanut Bay, stopping every few miles to take in the fall foliage.

7. Apple Creek Orchards

They keep things simple at Apple Creek Orchards, located in Ferndale: U-pick fruit, wandering geese, chickens and turkeys, and plenty of peace and quiet.

8. Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle

This picture really speaks for itself. Just go.

9. Manito Park, Spokane

You could easily spend an entire autumn day wandering the grounds of Manito Park, especially the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden. Typically the Japenese Garden closes on November 1, but last year the fall foliage was so incredible, they left it open longer.

10. Winthrop (and the entire Methow Valley)

This part of the state can be tough to reach after it starts to snow, so head there in October and check out the amazingly colorful foliage.

Fall is such an incredibly beautiful season in Washington. Here are some other great spots to see this autumn.