Peak foliage times in WA State? (Bellingham, Redmond: best areas, areas, locations)

[ctr88]

This is my first fall in WA State. What are the weeks when the foliage peaks? In Vermont where I grew up generally the first 2 weeks in October were considered to be peak time for leaf peeping. What are some best areas of the state of WA for leaf peeping?

[Hemlock140]

It won't be anything like Vermont, since our best color is limited to the vine maples and the Golden Larch. Any of the mountain passes with the exception of I90 will have the best fall color, from about 1,500 feet on up to the summits.
They will mostly be along the sides of the highway under the taller firs and cedars.

Since we are getting lowland color now, I would expect the higher elevations to be at peak or even finished in the next two weeks. Take a drive out Highway 2 to Leavenworth, then have a beer and lunch there and come back, or stay overnight and explore the area. Our Vine Maples are plentiful in the local woods, too. Go for a hike in one of the following areas and you will see some decent color but not as spectacular as in the mountain foothills.

Sammamish - Soaring Eagle Park
Redmond - Watershed Preserve
Issaquah - Tiger Mountain/Tradition Plateau Trails
North Bend - Mount Si

The Golden Larch are harder to find, at higher Cascade altitudes. I found some on a hike at White Pass at about 5,500' one year, on forest service trails. There are also some in the Teanaway area off highway 970 north of I90 between Cle Elum and Ellensburg. You have to hike up to over 5,000 foot elevation from the trailhead at about 4,000.

We planted some quaking aspens here for fall color, that are now 30+ feet tall, but this weekend's windstorm blew off most of the leaves before they could turn yellow.

[rockyinyourradio]

This link may be helpful. I know that after all the rain that's fallen recently along with the wind, I fear the color won't be as good as it was in the last two years. Still, I would venture out and take advantage of the area. The beauty is intoxicating.. any time of the year.

Fall Color Viewing Locations - WNW

[fnh]

Chuckanut Drive up near Bellingham.

[analogkid84]

Check out the trip reports section of NWHikers, NWHikers.net forums. Many folks will post hiking or driving trips where colors are coming out. Also, head to the east slopes of the Cascades for the Golden Larches, The 'Golden Week:' Larch in the high Cascades - seattlepi.com. Gosh I miss that; Houston has no fall.

[ctr88]

Thanks all for the excellent advice!