The Absolute Best Spots to See Fall Colors in Seattle

If you’re already living here in Seattle—or have ever been here in the autumn months, however briefly—then you already know there’s no shortage of great spots to take in the resplendent colors of the changing leaves. There are lots of things about living in the Pacific Northwest that we take pride in and the beauty of our lush, widespread greenery is one of them. And when that greenery turns to gold, orange, red, and every other fiery color on the spectrum every year, it’s quite a sight. And if you’re not sure where to go to enjoy such scenery, or are looking for some new places to visit this fall, we’ve got you covered. Because these are the twelve best spots to see fall colors in Seattle.

1. Bellevue Botanical Garden

Where better to see beautiful foliage any time of year than at a botanical garden? And the Bellevue Botanical Garden is 53 acres of natural splendor right in the heart of the city. With both cultivated gardens as well as restored natural sections, you can see how fall colors burst to life in a variety of habitats.

2. Discovery Park

Located on Magnolia Bluff with panoramic views of magnificent Puget Sound, Discovery Park is the largest park in the city of Seattle. Stretching over 530 acres from the sandy shoreline to swaths of thick woods inland, there’s so much to do and see here that a trip to see the autumn leaves will end with you already planning to come back.

3. Green Lake Park

Another picturesque city park right in the midst of the hustle and bustle of town, Green Lake Park is as pretty a place to see fall foliage as you’ll ever find in an urban area. And with 2.8 miles of path circling its namesake lake, it’s a perfect place for a fall stroll out in nature.

4. Japanese Garden

Gorgeous greenery with a unique cultural style, Seattle’s Japanese Garden is 3.5 acres of immaculately cared for landscape in the style of a late-16th/early 17th-century “stroll garden.” Walk the many winding paths or find a nice bench and take a load off. Either way, you’ll be looking at some truly breathtaking fall colors.

5. Kubota Garden

Regularly referred to as a “hidden jewel,” this 20-acre park began as the private property of famed gardener Fujitaro Kubota. Since its purchase by the city in 1987, Kubota Garden has been a treasured piece of public land here in Seattle. And with all the plant life covering the grounds, including 140 varieties of maple trees, there’s a magnificent explosion of color to see every fall.

6. Lincoln Park

While this massive multi-purpose park has plenty of open meadows, picnic areas, and sports fields, Lincoln Park has more than enough forested land to satisfy anyone looking for the best spots to see fall colors in Seattle. And with all the playground amenities, it’s a particularly pleasant spot to bring the kids in any season.

7. Mount Si

Less than an hour’s drive from the city and towering 3,100 feet above sea level, the tree-covered slopes of Mount Si are amazing places to hike through the changing colors of fall foliage. Most of the trails are manageable for even the most novice of hikers, so if you like a little exertion with your autumn sightseeing, a trek up this peak offers both.

8. Mount Rainier

You can’t talk about any kind of outdoor activity in Washington State without talking about Mount Rainier. While the climbs up the mountain are only for experienced climbers—and don’t have much in the way of foliage—the area surrounding the peak is covered in a thick oak forest. So there’s plenty of gorgeous fall color to see right in the shadow of our state’s iconic peak.

9. Rattlesnake Ledge

Another spot well worth the relatively short drive out of town, Rattlesnake Ledge is just one of the parts of the Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area all nature lovers should visit. And the ledge is probably the best part for anyone looking to see fall colors in and around Seattle. The view from atop it must be seen to be believed, and it’s even more stunning when autumn comes to vast forests below.

10. Saint Edward State Park

Just a bit north of Seattle, on the shores of Lake Washington, Saint Edward State Park was once the grounds of a seminary by the same name. But today its 326-acre ground offers all the amenities of a picturesque public park, including plenty of forested land where the seasonal color changes can be seen. And dogs are welcome—as long as they’re on a leash—so your good fluffy boy or girl can come enjoy the scenery with you.

11. Seward Park

Named for President Abraham Lincoln’s famed Secretary of State, William Seward, this 300-acre peninsula jutting into Lake Washington offers everything from fishing to tennis courts. And Seward Park is a perfect place to see the fall colors in Seattle on top of that, with its tract of old-growth forest and sizable garden of local plant life.

12. Tiger Mountain State Forest

Fifteen miles of trails meander through the fertile woodland that surrounds Tiger Mountain and every foot of them affords spectacular views of fall color. And the flora those lovely, winding paths stretch through includes coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests. So the variety of trees is as wide as can be with a variety of lovely fall colors to match.

Enjoy the Sights of Autumn Right Here in Seattle

There are so many things to love about fall. The brisk days full of pumpkin-spiced everything make up many people’s favorite time of year. And the changing of the leaves is another beloved upside of the season. Chances are, wherever you live in our city, there’s a lovely green space getting ready to burst with bright fall colors within walking distance. And if you’re lucky, it’s one of the ones listed above because they truly are the best spots to see fall colors in Seattle.