Spring
Okay, so. Spring is when the locals go... a little crazy. The winter rains taper off, the cherry blossoms burst, powder blue sky reveals itself, and everyone – everyone – comes out…
Fall in Snohomish County
From the farmlands to the hills, fall drapes a magic cape over the Pacific Northwest.
Imagine hayrides on a golden afternoon. A pumpkin field at dusk filled with gourds like orangey planets crashed into plowed fields. Feel a chill up your spine when you encounter the rustling leaves of a corn maze under a harvest moon. That Halloween feeling.
In higher altitudes the mountains turn rust-colored with deciduous transformation. There’s coffee to warm your hands against autumnal chill. Witness tendrils of mist in the tree line. Twin Peaks, much?
Autumn tastes like orchard-fresh cider. Autumn presents itself as a walk down redbrick small towns with a loved one, feeling aglow with small-batch whiskey against the gathering chill.
Is fall the best time to visit Snohomish County? We’ll let you decide. (But yeah, it definitely is.)
Trip Inspiration
We've collected top itineraries and experiences to guide you through the season.
Planning tips for fall in Snohomish County
Where can I see the best fall foliage, and when is the peak season?
The best fall foliage is in the river valleys. Drive Highway 2 up the Skykomish River Valley or take Highway 530 out along the Stillaguamish River. Rolling foothills are painted in ochre, crimson, and... well, you’ll just have to see.
Peak season for catching fall foliage is mid-September through mid-November.
What are the recommended fall outdoor activities?
A hot air balloon ride over Snohomish. Fresh cider from Swan’s Trail Farms. A fall hike up to Heather Lake. A trail run at Lord’s Hill. A hot Americano, courtesy of Narrative Coffee. The corn maze at Bob’s Corn. The sunflower fields at Stocker Farm. Seasonal pumpkin glassblowing at the Schack Art Center.
Are there any harvest festivals or autumn cultural events?
Yes. Your best bets are to visit farming communities like Snohomish or Arlington. A list of up-to-the-minute seasonal events can be found on our events page.
What is the weather like in fall, and how should I dress?
Early fall (September to mid-October) is typically warm. Like, summer warm. The evenings and mornings will be a bit crisp and foggy.
Late October through November is foggy, and the rain starts to move in for the season.
For early fall, wear light layers and pack a flannel shacket or a denim shirt to layer up. If you’re in the mountains, be sure to bring along a packable insulated down parka and a beanie. For late fall wear light layers and be sure to have waterproof shoes/boots and a light raincoat ready.
Can I participate in any Halloween or Thanksgiving events?
Definitely. Trick or treat! Gobble gobble. Check out events page to see what’s up.
Experience Other Seasons
Summer
We wait all year for this. The months of rain and grey skies clear in the spring. And by the time it hits summer? Glorious! The PNW is in full splendor. When…
Winter
Snow in the Cascade Mountains. Winter is made for snowboarding at Stevens Pass. And Nordic skiing in the backcountry. And holiday shopping in the small towns of the river valleys. Winter means…