Tips for Traveling to Portland in Fall/Autumn + What to Pack
Autumn in Portland is a beautiful sight. You'll see bold & bright trees of orange, yellow, & red. You'll spot a blanket of rainbow colored leaves on the ground, perfect for taking a selfie or Instagram shot. You'll find yourself walking in mist of rain, struggling to stay dry. On average, it rains 150 days each year in Portland, Oregon. Make sure you're prepared for your fall trip!
Related reading: How to Spend 48 Hours in Portland, Oregon: A Travel Guide
Should I Bring an Umbrella to Portland?
Although umbrellas weren't very plentiful, I did spot some people with them. You'll see online claims that using an umbrella in Portland, Oregon is the sign of the tourist, but I saw an equal amount of umbrellas from tourists & locals. It's more accurate to say that people who walk more tend to use umbrellas rather than those to have a car.
Where is the Best Place to Find Fall Colors & Foliage?
Autumn in Portland is ideal for a leaf peeping! The colors are incredible. You can find some gorgeous fall foliage by simply walking the streets, especially some of the more residential areas. Washington Park, Lan Su Chinese Garden, & Portland Japanese Garden were especially stunning because they're so dense with nature.
What to Pack for Fall in Portland, Oregon
No trip to the Pacific northwest is complete without at least a little bit of rain, so be prepared with your fall layers such as beanies, scarves, coats, & layers of all kinds. In addition to your regular travel essentials, make sure to pack:
Comfortable/Waterproof Shoes - Make absolutely certain that your shoes are comfortable. You'll likely be walking 5+ miles per day. Your shoes get wet once it starts to rain & you find yourself stepping in puddles to make it across the street. In an ideal world your shoes should be comfortable & relatively waterproof, so your toes aren't soggy for hours at a time.
Rain coat - Bring a raincoat or something that won't make you wet. Chances are that you'll walk in the rain at some point & you don't want to be sopping wet. This is the type of layer you can take off & set on the back of your chair to dry when you head inside to eat.
Jacket with a Hoodie or Hat/Beanie - Unless you want frizzy & poofy hair, bring a hat, beanie, or rain coat with a hood to keep your hair dry during the wet times.
Other Layers - Stay warm with scarves, leggings, & whatever warm layers work best for you. Fall in Portland is cold but not freezing. The rain & wind are contributing factors to the temperature.
Check the Calendar of Events
As the temperatures start to drop, Portland's calendar fills with cultural, wine, & holiday events. Do a bit of online research to see what kind of events are happening during your stay. Whether it's Oktoberfest, a harvest festival, or even a Portland Trail Blazers game, you'll find plenty to do.
Related reading: How to Spend 48 Hours in Portland, Oregon: A Travel Guide
Have you visited Portland in autumn? :]
the streets are so pretty as are the leaves! Never been but would love to!
ReplyDeletePam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥
Oh those places look so peaceful! Thank you so much for sharing those pics!
ReplyDeletexx, Carmen - http://www.carmitive.com
wow, such a lovely post. Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteKisses & Happy Monday,
BLOG | TAISLANY
These pictures are gorgeous!! I've heard such amazing things about Portland, would love to visit one day!
ReplyDeletemoorizZLA xx
Lovely view!
ReplyDeletehttp://zunera-serena.com/
looks amazing, would love to visit!
ReplyDeleteThe Fashion Matters- Travel & Fashion blog | Instagram: TheFashionMatters
I haven't been to Portland before ,so i am taking notes. Lovely pictures here.
ReplyDeletewww.stylenbeautylounge.com
So gorgeous! Love the leaves when they change color :)
ReplyDeleteXx
Molly
www.trendychickadee.com
Wow! Portland looks amazing in fall. I had no idea. Thanks for sharing and love these photos!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kathrineeldridge.com
A few of my friends just did a trip to Portland. It looked so amazing! They did the trails where there are a bunch of bridges and waterfalls. No idea what that area is called. It was definitely rainy from the looks of Snapchat. And cold! I definitely need to make it to Portland soon, and these are really great tips. :)
ReplyDelete-Emily www.coatandcoffee.com
The trees and leaves look beautiful but I don't think I could handle 150 days of rain
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Carly at A Modern Mom Blog
i love this picture.Beautiful leaves.
ReplyDeletehttps://makychurchill.blogspot.ca/
Portland really does look beautiful this time of year- gorgeous autumnal images.
ReplyDeleteViolet
www.iamnoshrinkingviolet.co.uk
Portland looks so beautiful! Would love to visit someday! =)
ReplyDelete- Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
this is one of the few places i haven't been in america, i'd like to visit one day though!
ReplyDeletewww.avecdanielle.com
I used to live in Portland and loved all the gorgeous nature up there. Oregon in general is a unique place - although for me it proved to be one of the places I'd rather visit than live. I just didn't like all the rain but loved everything else! I see you took some photos from SW 23rd street, I think?
ReplyDeleteLena
http://zoyaandme.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/zoyaandmestudio
Ah! I've still never been to Portland but can't wait to visit! Looks like it really shows up and shows out for Fall! Love the pictures. Thanks for the tips :)
ReplyDelete/ Maria
I've never been to Portland before your photos (especially the last one) makes me wanna spend Christmas there <3
ReplyDeletewww.foregathers.life
How pretty! I was thinking of going for a visit sometime this winter, but I'll have to see, since now my family is going to come visit me instead. Thanks for sharing. These photos are stunning,
ReplyDeleteXo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Never been to Portland but the season perhaps it´s a little like my native Norway, if so then Portland is no worries. :) Used to snowy and cold winters, the pictures are gorgeous! https://kjandersen.wordpress.com/
ReplyDeleteIt's so gorgeous in autumn! :]
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to visit. :]
ReplyDeleteIsn't it pretty?! :]
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading, Maria! :]
ReplyDeleteYep, we stayed near SW 23rd. I enjoyed my visited to Portland, but I'm not sure if I'd live there. I like the sun in San Diego. :]
ReplyDeleteVisit in the fall & you'll love it. :]
ReplyDeleteMe neither. :]
ReplyDeleteWe wanted to visit the waterfalls! I hear they're gorgeous. :]
ReplyDeleteSo pretty!
ReplyDeleteI loved it. :]
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteMe too! :]
ReplyDeletePeaceful is the perfect word. It's very serene. :]
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