As Lake Oswego residents we live in a city that is celebrating its 36^th year as a Tree City USA honoree and its designation as the Oregon Tree City of the year. And we are only 12 miles away from Portland which was voted by the American Forests organization as one of the 10 best cities for urban forest in the United States. So you would think that to view fall colors we wouldn’t have to travel very far, right?

According to Patrick Breen, retired member of Oregon State’s Department of Horticulture and self-proclaimed “plant nerd,” Oregon cities and towns may in fact offer some of the best foliage displays thanks to the diversity of leafy trees and plants.

While hiking the Deschutes River Trail or visiting Lithia Park in Ashland will also help you get your fall color fix, you can also stay close to home for a DIY fall foliage tour. Although we will be officially into fall come Monday, you’ll want to wait a couple weeks before you go leaf peeping to give those cold nights a chance to work their magic.

1. Bike tour of Heritage Trees of Lake Oswego. Download this map of a 14 mile loop through Lake Oswego neighborhoods where many of the city’s heritage trees stand in all their majestic splendor. Most of the 37 listed trees are evergreens; however, you won’t want to miss the show-stopping sugar maple on the corner of 3^rd and C. Other ones to check out include the scarlet oak at 15100 Boones Ferry Road and the Pacific dogwood in the Oswego Pioneer Cemetery. Along the way you’ll catch some other beauties as well.
2. Kruse Way. If you need a daily dose of fall color pick-me-up, just turn down Kruse Way off Boones Ferry Road and applaud the starring lineup of maples that will drench you in shades of orange, red and yellow. Or catch the dazzling row on Jean Road between Pilkington and Bryant. Stop in at Happy Sparrow Cafe and try out a kolache.
3. Reed College and surrounding neighborhood. You’ll find 11 different varieties of maples on the Reed College campus bursting in shades of yellow, gold and copper. Look for Japanese maples throughout as well. Then stroll down some of the neighborhood streets. The tree canopy here is extensive with neighbors getting their cardio workouts just by raking up their leaves in preparation for their scheduled Leaf Removal Day.
4. South Park Blocks. According to a Portland State University study, the trees that stretch along the 12 blocks from SW Salmon to Jackson are worth $3.4 million. The arching canopy includes oaks, maples, ash, lindens and elms so you’ll be awash in color.
5. Hoyt Arboretum. Called Portland’s “museum of living trees” you’ll find 12 miles of trails to wander in as you explore over 2,300 tree and plant species. If you’re on the hunt for fall colors, your best bet is the Wildwood Trail bursting with shades of scarlet, maroon and plum or the one-mile Maple Trail where you’ll find vine, red and sugar maple trees. Colors usually begin changing in October and are on full display in November. 4000 SW Fairview Blvd., 503.865.8733.
6. Portland Japanese Garden. Check out the garden’s Fall Colors Tracker to plan your visit for the maximum WOW factor. There is an admission charge that gives you access to the gardens, Cultural Village, Art in the Garden and the Umani Café. You can also check out a cultural pass through the Lake Oswego Library that provides free admission, based on availability.
7. Lone Fir Cemetery. With more than 700 trees, Portland’s oldest cemetery is also its second largest arboretum that really puts on a show in the fall. Combine a little history with your leaf peeping as you locate the plots of some of the area’s founders with the names of Lovejoy and Hawthorne. Downloadable cemetery and tree tour maps will help. Southeast 26^th and Washington Streets.
8. Columbia River Gorge. If you want to venture out further, the Columbia River Gorge promises not to disappoint, as long as you time your visit right. Generally, the first signs of fall’s arrival occur by mid-October with peak foliage displaying by the end of the month. Some of the key spots for leaf-peeping include Multnomah Falls, Rowena Crest Viewpoint, and Hood River.

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Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehasson.com 971.322.6205