Portland area vs. Seattle area - Fall activities and fall foliage? (best, state)

[theforestmoon]

Hello!

My boyfriend and I will be heading up to the PNW in mid-to-late October for my belated birthday trip, and we're coming from Los Angeles, where fall is basically non-existent. We won't have a lot of time, and we were originally planning on splitting our trip between Portland and Seattle, but when we thought a bit more about it, we'd really prefer to just dedicate the trip to one city to get the most out of it instead of losing a day to travel.

I've been doing quite a bit of research on some autumnal activities in both Seattle and Portland areas, but I wanted to come here for advice as well, because I'm really torn between both! I'd love to see some fall foliage, visit a pumpkin patch, drink hot apple cider (the non-alcoholic kind), maybe pick some apples, etc. I'm talkin' real pumpkin-spice-loving basic b*tch kinda fall stuff, since we don't really get to do this sort of thing in LA.

I've stumbled upon this website, which has some pretty good suggestions for Portland, but I'd love to hear your recommendations for either place! Best pumpkin patch that isn't overrun with children? Best apple picking or hot apple cider? Apple cider donuts or pumpkin spice donuts? Hidden gems this type of website might not include? I'll take any and all info you guys can provide. Halloween events are welcome as well!

If it helps, we are both 26 and definitely into calmer and slower paced activities as opposed to crazy nightlife or wild festivals. We see this trip as a relaxing little fall getaway to enjoy some cool weather, finally wear our sweaters, and see some orange leaves -- not to party. We are active people and open to hiking to see fall foliage, and will have a rental car as well so we can drive a little bit outside of Portland or Seattle if needed.

Is there one clear winner for fall activities and foliage between the two cities, or are they pretty similar? Additionally, are we missing out by sticking to only one city, and should we really try to do both?

Also, has anyone on this sub been to St. Helens, OR in October? I heard that's where Halloweentown (the Disney channel movie) was filmed, and they have a month-long Halloweentown event based on the movie!


Thank you for your help in advance!


PS. I know that the PNW is mostly evergreen, and that New England/east coast autumns can't be beaten, but we have a limited amount of time off (about 3-4 days) and we don't want to lose a day or two for just travel by being in airports and flying across the country.

[Bluefox]

Washington state produces about 60% of the nation’s apples, so it’s safe to say there are plenty of orchards.

https://www.parentmap.com/article/7-...shington-state

As far as foliage goes, there are a lot of deciduous trees here as well and the fall colors are pretty nice.

[CrazyDonkey]

Seattle Japanese Garden:




New date: Maple Viewing Festival at Seattle Japanese Garden, Oct. 23 - Parkways

Washington Park Arboretum:



https://www.city-data.com/articles/Wa...m-Seattle.html

Pumpkin Patches:

5 of Wash. state's best pumpkin patches | Seattle Refined

[pnwguy2]

It generally is a tie. Both Western Oregon and Western Washington offer almost equal bits of fall activities. As for fall foilage, WA might have a slight edge due to it being slightly further north.

And when I describe Western WA and Western OR, I usually throw in the disclaimer that Western OR generally begins about at Cottage Grove, OR and northward. SW Oregon is a different climate and has different vegetation in many cases.