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The Best Parks to Enjoy Fall Colors in Seattle 

Fall is in full swing in Seattle, with crisp autumn air, colorful leaves covering the ground, and trees across the city showing off their vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. Whether you’re looking for the perfect fall photo, a peaceful afternoon walk, or an excuse to get outside before the rainy season settles in, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Seattle. 

Now is a great time to explore our parks and take in the autumn scenery! Read on to discover some of the best spots around the city to enjoy the fall colors. 

Central Seattle 

Seattle Japanese Garden
Few places capture the beauty of fall quite like the Seattle Japanese Garden. Its Japanese maples put on a spectacular seasonal display, with vibrant reds and oranges surrounding the garden’s peaceful paths and ponds. Admission fee required. Check seasonal hours before visiting. 


Volunteer Park 
Located in the heart of Capitol Hill, Volunteer Park is a beautiful place to experience the changing seasons. Stroll along tree-lined paths, admire the colorful leaves surrounding the park’s open lawns, and enjoy the autumn scenery near the historic water tower and conservatory. 


Washington Park Arboretum 
Looking for a variety of fall colors? The Washington Park Arboretum is a must-visit! Explore its winding paths, stroll down Azalea Way, or discover the colorful maples in the Woodland Garden. 


Trolley Hill Park 
This small neighborhood park on Queen Anne offers a peaceful spot to enjoy the season with a picnic or a stroll through the community P-Patch. 


Occidental Park 
Fall colors aren’t limited to Seattle’s forests and trails! Located in the heart of Pioneer Square, Occidental Park offers a colorful escape in the middle of the city, 


Southeast Seattle 

Kubota Garden 
A fall favorite for good reason! This beautiful Japanese garden in Rainier Beach features colorful maples, winding pathways, ponds, and bridges that make it a wonderful place to experience autumn in Seattle. Check out upcoming fall events at the garden! 


Lake Washington Boulevard 
Enjoy a walk or bike ride along Lake Washington Boulevard, where colorful trees and scenic lake views make for a lovely fall outing. 


Columbia Park
Columbia Park offers open grassy spaces framed by trees that change with the season. Bring a blanket, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the autumn scenery. 


Cheasty Natural Area 
Escape into the woods without leaving the city! Cheasty Greenspace offers forested trails for hiking and biking, with vibrant shades of gold and orange peeking through the evergreens during the fall season. 


Stan Sayres Memorial Park 
Located along the shores of Lake Washington, Stan Sayres Memorial Park offers a scenic spot to enjoy views of the lake on a crisp autumn afternoon. 


Northeast Seattle 

Cowen Park and Ravenna Park 
Follow the trails through these connected green spaces for a fall walk surrounded by towering trees. 


Magnuson Park Wetlands 
Explore the wetlands at Magnuson Park, where winding trails, native plants, and peaceful ponds offer a beautiful fall setting.  


Northacres Park 
Northacres Park offers a wooded retreat with towering trees and winding trails, along with a playground and open spaces for the whole family to enjoy a fall day outdoors! 


Northwest Seattle 

Discovery Park 
Seattle’s largest park is beautiful year-round, but fall brings an extra layer of color to its forests, meadows, and trails. Explore the changing landscape while enjoying sweeping views of Puget Sound.  


Green Lake Park 
A classic Seattle walk gets a seasonal makeover! Enjoy colorful trees along the popular 2.8-mile loop, with autumn leaves reflecting off the lake on calm days. 


Carkeek Park 
Can’t decide between a forest walk and a beach visit? Wander through wooded trails surrounded by fall foliage before making your way toward the waterfront at Carkeek Park. 


West Seattle 

Lincoln Park
Fall colors meet waterfront views at Lincoln Park! Take a stroll beneath the trees, enjoy the colorful canopy overhead, and catch glimpses of Puget Sound along the way.


Walt Hundley Playfield 
Located in West Seattle’s High Point neighborhood, Walt Hundley Playfield offers family-friendly play, open grassy areas, and trees that bring a splash of color to the surrounding park.  

Make the Most of Fall with Seattle Parks!