Escape to These Charming Mountain Towns in Washington Before Fall Ends

If you are looking for a charming getaway, a place where you can stay for several days, have easy access to outdoor activities, enjoy breathtaking views, and even step away from the hustle of daily life, there’s no place better than a small mountain town. Here in Washington State, we are blessed with some of the most charming, peaceful, and gorgeous mountain towns, and while beautiful any time of the year, there’s nothing quite like the autumn when these areas come alive with vibrant fall colors.

This autumn season, I recommend you escape to a charming mountain town in Washington. While there are several to consider, the following are seven of my favorites. In fact, I believe these are the best mountain towns in Washington to visit in the fall.

1. Leavenworth

No list of the best mountain towns in Washington is complete without mentioning Leavenworth. This Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains is a popular destination all year long, but is particularly magical around the holidays. However, I recommend visiting before the winter activities begin to experience its full autumn magic. Plus, Lake Wenatchee State Park is one of the most beautiful places in Washington to view fall foliage and is only 20 miles away. If you don’t want to leave town, spend some time at Waterfront Park or drive down Icicle Road for colorful views.

2. Winthrop

Winthrop is a small town of less than 700 people that sits along the North Cascades Highway. This is a place where it’s easy to escape the craziness of life and just slow down, enjoy Washington’s natural beauty, and admire Mother Nature’s creations. This area is a hiker's paradise as there are several bucket-list-worthy trails at North Cascades National Park, just a short drive away. If you don’t want to put on your hiking boots, simply drive along State Route 20, one of our favorite scenic drives in autumn.

3. Index

Index is a small town in the Cascade Mountains that you may not even know exists. In fact, it’s one of our favorite hidden gems in Washington State. This area is best known for its incredible rock climbing opportunities along the nearby cliff wall, which is an impressive 1,200 feet tall. While this is a great place for a quiet fall getaway, if you want a little excitement, tackle the short and steep Heybrook Lookout Trail, where you can not only capture breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, but experience fall foliage from a new perspective—from above.

4. Port Angeles

Yes, Port Angeles is not a small town and is much larger than many other destinations on our list, but I had to include it. Port Angeles is one of the most beautiful places in Washington to visit in the fall, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast. During the autumn months, this popular city on the Olympic Peninsula experiences smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and breathtaking views. Yes, you can easily spend a day or two in town, but I recommend spending some time walking or biking along the Olympic Discovery Trail or hiking along one of the many trails in the area. My personal favorite is the Madison Falls Trail, which is short, easy, and beautiful. Plus, each fall, Port Angeles hosts the Dungeness Crab Festival, one of the best food festivals in the U.S.

5. North Bend

Approximately 30 miles outside of Seattle is North Bend. This beautiful town has many claims to fame and is known as the home for nearly 600 elk. Simply walking around this city will put you in the autumn spirit, especially after spending time at one of the local parks. However, this town is also near several of the best places in Washington to view fall foliage like Snoqualmie Pass and the Alpine Lakes Scenic Byway. It is also a great place to set up base camp if you wish to tackle the Mount Si Trail, one of the most popular hikes in Washington and one that will challenge you in many ways. Yet, the views will make every step well worth the climb.

6. Ashford

Located just outside Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford is a small town that transforms in the autumn. This town is tucked away in the foothills, and if you time your visit just right, you may find yourself completely surrounded by gold, red, and orange leaves. Ashford is a beautiful place to walk around town and visit local restaurants, businesses, and even art galleries. For a truly remarkable fall adventure, consider the Mount Tahoma Trails system, which is home to the largest hut-to-hut trail system in the U.S.

7. Roslyn

Roslyn is a historic mining town in the Cascade Mountains with a population of approximately 1,000 people. This is another town on our list that has many claims to fame. For example, Roslyn was the filming location for the TV show “Northern Exposure,” and it is home to the state’s oldest continuously operating bar, The Brick Saloon. When fall foliage is at its peak in this small town, vibrant colors can be seen everywhere you look. I recommend you make the short drive to Cle Elum Lake to experience the colorful autumn landscape. It’s stunning here.

Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I only wish it lasted longer. Fortunately, there are plenty of destinations around the state to experience this beautiful season before winter arrives.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own fall getaway using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.