When Oregon’s skies turn gray and the air begins to cool, many people retire their hiking boots for the year. But for those who love the outdoors, autumn might just be the best season to explore the state’s trails.
That’s the message from Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor, co-hosts of The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Peak Northwest podcast, who argue that the Pacific Northwest’s famous “moist season” brings its own kind of magic to Oregon’s landscapes.
The Magic of Moody Mornings
Fall transforms Oregon’s wilderness into a moody masterpiece — misty forests, moss-draped trees, and trails painted in amber and crimson hues.
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“This is such a good time to stay outside,” Hale said. “Fall means not only color for foliage but also fewer crowds, cool mushrooms sprouting up, and that green spongy moss and moody mist. It’s that fall forest aesthetic, and this is the time to go out and get it.”
That aesthetic — fog winding through evergreens, leaves crunching underfoot, and the steady patter of soft rain — is what many hikers say defines the true Oregon experience.
Connor added, “This is the time when Oregon truly becomes Oregon. It’s like when people joke about ‘Twilight’ season — that’s what it feels like. If that’s what you dream about, it’s here.”
A Different Kind of Adventure
Embracing fall hiking requires a shift in perspective. Gone are the hot, dry days of summer. Instead, the season invites a slower, more reflective rhythm — one that celebrates resilience, solitude, and comfort in the elements.
Connor explained, “You have to have a very different mindset for this season. Get the raincoat out, expect to be moist, have a runny nose, and then come home, make some soup, and get cozy under a blanket.”
It’s about preparation and attitude. A waterproof jacket, wool socks, and an appreciation for Oregon’s rain can turn a drizzly day into something deeply restorative.
Trails Transformed
Autumn’s rainfall reshapes Oregon’s landscapes. Trails that bake under the summer sun are reborn with lush moss, emerald ferns, and flowing waterfalls. Crowded destinations suddenly become quiet sanctuaries.
Hale highlighted how even popular trails like the Salmon River Trail in Mt. Hood National Forest take on a dreamlike quality. “It’s like walking in a dream,” he said — a misty corridor of mossy trees, rushing water, and damp earth.
Other fall favorites include the Wilson River Trail in the Coast Range, where golden leaves shimmer in the fog, and Buck Mountain Loop in Silver Falls State Park, where tiny mushrooms dot moss-covered logs.
Why You Should Lace Up, Not Pack Away
For many, fall hiking is about reconnecting with Oregon’s natural rhythm — one defined not by endless sunshine but by balance, color, and quiet renewal.
While others head indoors, fall hikers get to witness nature’s transformation firsthand. Waterfalls regain their strength, forests hum with the soft music of rainfall, and wildlife becomes more active in the cool air.
Yes, you’ll get wet. But in return, you’ll find trails that feel alive — vibrant, peaceful, and unspoiled.
So instead of pushing your hiking gear to the back of the closet, follow Hale and Connor’s advice: embrace the mist, pack a thermos of soup, and rediscover Oregon’s trails in their most authentic season — fall.
