FALL in Love with Washington: Autumn Activities from Small Towns, Farms, Wine, and More
Fall is one of the best times to explore Washington State. The crisp air, colorful leaves, cozy eats, and family friendly events make it a perfect season for a weekend getaway or day trip. Whether you're into charming small towns, pumpkin patches, scenic hikes, or sipping wine by the fire, Washington has something for you.
Here are some of my top fall recommendations—based on my real experiences, not sponsored!
🏘️ Top 3 Small Towns to Visit in Washington This Fall
1. Leavenworth, WA
A must visit in the fall, Leavenworth is a Bavarian themed village nestled in the Cascade Mountains.
This picturesque town offers:
German inspired architecture, restaurants, and shops
Gorgeous fall foliage for hikers and photographers
Outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and riverfront walks
Pro Tip: Leavenworth is very popular in the fall, so plan to arrive early. Parking fills up fast, and reservations at restaurants are a smart move!
2. Poulsbo, WA (a.k.a. Little Norway)
Poulsbo is a quaint historic town located on Liberty Bay. It's known for its Nordic heritage, peaceful waterfront views, and cozy vibes.
Expect:
Local museums, galleries, boutique shops, parks and SEA Discovery Center
Delicious bakeries and cafes (Sluys Poulsbo Bakery is my favorite. Be prepared for a line!)
A relaxing stroll along the marina or kayak if weather permits
Pro Tip: Many shops have limited hours, especially in the off-season, so check before visiting.
3. Snoqualmie, WA
If you love waterfalls and small town charm, Snoqualmie is a perfect fall destination. It's home to the famous Snoqualmie Falls, a 270-foot waterfall surrounded by autumn colors.
Other highlights include:
The historic downtown with unique shops and restaurants
Pro Tip: Parking at Snoqualmie Falls can be tricky. Expect to loop around a few times. If you're dining at the Salish Lodge, you may want to book in advance. Note: I noticed The Attic was marked as temporarily closed on Google Maps. Check here for updates!
🎃 Top 3 Fall Farms & Pumpkin Patches in Western Washington
1. Swan’s Trail Farms – Snohomish, WA (Opened Saturday, September 13 - Friday, October 31)
This family friendly farm is a fall favorite that offers:
Pumpkin patch
Corn maze
Wagon hayrides
Hay maze
Apple picking
Zip-line
Cowtrain
Triple indoor slide
Homemade apple cider donuts (a personal favorite!) 🍩
And more.
Pro Tip: It gets crowded—come early and wear rain boots as the grounds can get muddy. Also, be prepared for higher prices compared to other farms.
2. Mosby Farms – Auburn, WA (Opened Saturday, September 27 - Thursday, October 30)
Mosby Farms is a hidden gem that offers:
A clean and well-maintained pumpkin patch
A classic corn maze
A large variety of fall vegetables
Pets Allowed! (Review direct pet policy on Mosby’s website - Linked above!)
Fall-themed photo ops with professional backdrops (Fall Pumpkin Patch Mini Photo Sessions - BOOK HERE! 📸)
Pro Tip: It’s a great spot for family photos and is quieter than some of the larger farms.
3. Carpinito Brothers – Kent, WA (Opened Friday, September 26 - Friday, October 31)
Located in South King County, Carpinito Bros. offers:
A classic pumpkin patch
Giant corn maze
Farm fun yard for kids
Giant pumpkin weigh off, hosted on Sunday, September 28th
Pro Tip: It can get crowded—come early and wear rain boots as the grounds can get muddy. It’s a great option if you're in the southern part of the Puget Sound region.
🍷 Fall Wine, Beer & Spirits Tasting in Woodinville, WA
If your idea of a great fall day includes sipping wine by a fire, Woodinville is your spot. Just 30 minutes from Seattle, it's home to over 100 wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
The Four Main Wine Districts in Woodinville include:
Vibe: Vibrant & lively
Highlights: An excellent choice for those looking for a lively hub of restaurants and tasting rooms that draws in crowds for an unforgettable social experience.
Pro Tip: You may need to walk on the main street to get to your next tasting location; and parking can be tricky! I recommend getting there early or late to miss the crowds.
Vibe: Easygoing & peaceful
Highlights: Perfect for those looking for boutique wineries with an insider’s view of winemaking in a raw, industrial setting.
Pro Tip: This district is a personal favorite during the Fall. It’s compact, casual, and often times has food trucks. It can get chilly being in the warehouse, so bring a sweater!
Vibe: Relaxing & serene
Highlights: An ideal spot for a laid back wine tasting experience.
Pro tip: The area has scenic trails, making it ideal for a bike ride between tasting rooms. Helmets are recommended! :)
Vibe: Fresh & Modern
Highlights: Combining a mix of fresh food and drink concepts, paired with distinctive winery experiences.
Pro Tip: This district is another personal favorite during the Fall. It’s also compact and casual. Some of the locations in this district have roll-up garage doors, which can get chilly during the fall. I definitely recommend bringing a jacket, just in case!
Insider Tips:
New to the Area? Then we recommend trying Woodenville’s Wine PassPort for the remainder of 2025. Tastings can cost anywhere from $5–$25+ per establishment, but often can be waived when you purchase a bottle. The PassPort is the best way to dabble between the different districts and find out what wines, vibes and locations you like the best without paying for a full tasting per location. Then once you know what you like best, perhaps a Wine Membership may be in your future!
Not new to the area? Inside Scoop: if you have a specific district in Woodenville that you like to visit, you may consider getting a District Specific Passport for either the Hollywood, Warehouse or Downtown District.
Don’t forget to tip! Even if your tasting is free, tipping your pourer is appreciated.
Looking for food recommendations? There are too many great restaurants to chose from, but a personal favorite of mine is Vivi Pizzeria.
🐟 Bonus Fall Activity: Salmon Migration Viewing
Witnessing the Pacific salmon migration is a powerful and educational experience that’s great for families and nature lovers alike.
Where to Go:
Issaquah Salmon Hatchery: Located near downtown Issaquah with easy access to food, shops, museums, and more.
Landsburg Fish Ladder (Ravensdale): A quieter spot along the Cedar River Trail (17.4 miles point-to-point), great for walking or biking while spotting salmon in the river.
🍁 Final Tips for Planning Your Washington Fall Adventures
Bring boots and a change of clothes! Family fun during the fall, tends to attract mud and rain fall - make sure you’re always pre-pared!
Know before you go! Check out the latest alters regarding weather and traffic on the Snoqualmie Pass I-90.
Planning to hike or travel, pretty much anywhere around Washington State? Consider getting a GoodtoGoPass and a Discover Pass before you head out on your next adventure!
Lastly. Stay safe and enjoy!!
🍁 🎃 🏘️ 🍷 🐟 🍁
Hey there!
Thank you for reading and welcome to the Always Celebrating Photography blog; a visual journey through my work, travels, tips and tricks; and everything in between. Stay tuned for more stories behind the lens!
