Looking for the best places to see fall colors in Seattle? Despite being known as the land of evergreens, the Seattle area bursts with autumn beauty every October. From Japanese gardens to waterfront parks, you’ll find maples, oaks, and forest trails glowing in shades of red, orange, and yellow. These kid-friendly spots are ideal for leaf-peeping, family walks, and capturing seasonal photos.
Fall color in the Pacific Northwest typically runs from September to November, with the peak week usually in mid-October. However, later in the season, it provides another fun family activity: playing in the leaves.
Washington Park Arboretum & Japanese Garden: Seattle’s Fall Color Hotspot
- Address: 1075 E Lk Washington Blvd, Seattle, WA 98112
- Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday, with seasonal schedule changes in effect. Check here for each season.
The Arboretum is the star of Seattle during the fall months. With miles of hiking trails with pops of color everywhere and open spaces for making piles of leaves, the Arboretum is always a safe bet for soaking in some fall beauty and burning off some kid energy. The Japanese Garden inside the Arboretum is simply a gorgeous place during the fall. There is a fee to enter ($10 for adults, $6 for youth, seniors, and students, and free for kids five and younger), and food is available for purchase to feed the koi.
Kubota Garden: A Hotspot for Autumn Leaves
- Address: 9817 55th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
- Hours: Open year-round, every day, sunrise to sundown
Kubota Garden is a hidden gem for many people in Seattle. The legacy of Fujitaro Kubota, this formerly private garden, is open to the public. With many maples, it’s a great spot for fall colors and photos. This garden is free of charge and has free parking as well.
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Discovery Park: Forest Groves and Meadows in Full Color
- Address: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd., Seattle, WA 98199
Sporting 534 acres of space, Discovery Park has a little of everything. The meadowlands and forest groves are the best areas to spot fall color and find a great photo spot.
Saint Edward State Park: Trails and Fall Foliage in Kenmore
- Address: 14445 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028
With great open spaces and miles of trails, Saint Edward State Park has always been a family favorite (bring your Discover Pass, or, if you don’t have one, buy one in the parking lot). Some of the best colors at Saint Edward can be found along the entrance drive before you reach the parking lot. The color along some of the trails can be spotty, but you only need one great tree to capture a memorable photo. The massive play structures are sure to delight the kids as well.
Lincoln Park: West Seattle’s Leafy Escape
- Address: 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA 98136
Lincoln Park is a great multi-purpose park in West Seattle. Its 135 acres include more than 4.6 miles of walking paths. The best fall color is found deeper in the park, away from the water.
Bellevue Botanical Garden: Peaceful Leaf-Peeping Paths
- Address: 12001 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005
- Hours: The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk
The Bellevue Botanical Garden is spectacular in the fall, with the best spots being the Perennial Border, Waterwise Garden, and the Yao Garden. Bring your family in for a beautiful, peaceful visit. The Visitor Center is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission fee.
The Bellevue Botanical Garden glows with reds, yellows, and golds each fall, offering peaceful trails and photo-worthy backdrops. (Image: Bellevue Botanical Garden/Facebook)
Blyth Park in Bothell: Family-Friendly Fall Color Walks
Located in Bothell, Blyth Park is a 40-acre oasis of natural bliss. The giant oaks provide a wonderful filtered light for photographs, while the small trees add pops of color.
More Fall Adventures in Washington
Seattle’s fall colors are just the beginning. If your family loves autumn outings, here are more seasonal adventures to add to your list:
- Golden larches: Head to the mountains to see Washington’s famous larch trees turn brilliant gold. Don’t miss our [guide to larch hikes for families].
- Pumpkin patches: Nothing says fall like a visit to the pumpkin patch. Check out our [roundup of the best pumpkin patches near Seattle].
- Apple picking: Crisp apples and fresh cider make for the perfect fall day. Plan a trip with our [guide to apple picking around Seattle].
