Scenic and Cozy: 5 Must-Visit Fall Road Trip Stops Along the West Coast
Each season has its own beauty, but there’s something spectacular about mid-September through early November. If you’re planning a fall road trip during this time, the West Coast offers scenic routes. You’ll see bold, bright colors and beautiful landscapes as you drive along, enjoying the breathtaking wonder of it all.
If you live on the West Coast, that’s a plus. You may be aware of the magnificence near you. However, if you’re not in the area, a drive over to the west may be just what you need. Here are some amazing must-visit places for your next fall road trip.
Angeles Crest Scenic Byway (California)
As you drive along this scenic route in the San Gabriel Mountains, you’ll see a rich tapestry of vibrant fall foliage. You’ll be mesmerized by its splendors. The rich hues are from fiery reds to beautiful blues and pale yellows. It’s well worth a fall road trip to see the autumn colors of this beautiful byway.
This West Coast drive has picturesque and tranquil views, accompanied by wildlife sightings along winding roads with amazing overlooks. You’ll love the views as you drive along this landscape with its lush alpine meadows.
Bishop Creek Canyon (California)
If you’re a foliage lover, you must include Bishop Creek Canyon on your next fall road trip. It offers views of some of the most dazzling hues. The colors must be seen to be believed. Every fall foliage enthusiast will be grateful. From the beginning of fall through early October is the best time to witness the canyon’s foliage at its peak vibrancy.
You won’t want to miss this gift of nature that’s calling your name, inviting you into its colorful artistry. Gold and orange aspens pop vibrantly throughout this canyon, making it the perfect spot for nature lovers.
Siskiyou Scenic Byway (Oregon)
This is a fall road trip lover’s dream. This scenic byway offers an amazing fall palette. You’ll be left speechless at the rich, warm hues of the foliage surrounding the landscape. There are some great stopping points. Colorful leaves change at Siskiyou Pass, and various ecosystems are found within the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument.
Greenspring Mountain and Pilot Rock are two stops you’ll want to make for their fantastic viewpoints.
Mount Hood Scenic Byway (Oregon)
Located within the Mount Hood National Forest, this grand escape offers deeper hues than nearby regions. Mount Hood Scenic Byway offers Oregon’s best fall colors with majestic mountain views sprinkled throughout the landscape. The vine berries and huckleberries offer a splendid array of colorful fall beauty that’s pleasing to behold.
You won’t get enough of these gorgeous views. It’s truly a paradise for foliage lovers desiring a fall road trip to enjoy the best of Oregon’s west coast.
Lake Tahoe Loop (California/Nevada)
Well-known as a summer destination spot, the Lake Tahoe Loop is 72 miles of a fall foliage haven. It’s a symbol of beauty in this region and offers a magnificent, scenic drive along the west coast. Fiery colors and radiant warm tones meet golden aspens against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
These sights are well worth the drive to delight in the beauty of nature. You can enjoy Fallen Leaf Lake, where calm waters meet the brilliance of fall foliage. Also, there’s Spooner Lake, offering a tranquil setting amid a stunning landscape. This is a west coast adventure you won’t want to miss.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. Five of the most captivating places to see fall foliage on the West Coast. You’ll enjoy every moment of driving through these landscapes and admiring the gorgeousness they offer. Enjoy driving through these scenic locations, but also savor the stops with fantastic viewpoints.
Experience the serene lakes and spot the wildlife throughout the mountainous regions. Enjoy your fall touring before it’s too late. Take a drive out west to California, Nevada, or Oregon, and be mesmerized.
