PNW Fall Calendar

September

Early September

  • Kids are back in school.

  • Peak blackberry season comes to an end.

  • The first hints of color appear in the mountains.

  • Drier trails before the fall rains arrive.

  • Dahlias are everywhere.

  • Farmers markets overflow with tomatoes, corn, peaches, and flowers.

Mid September

  • Apple season begins.

  • Pear harvest.

  • First pumpkins appear at farm stands.

  • School settles into a rhythm.

  • Cool mornings, warm afternoons.

Late September

  • The first cozy weekends.

  • Pumpkin patches begin opening.

  • Larch trees start changing at higher elevations.

  • Mushroom season begins after the first good rains.

October

Early October

  • Peak pumpkin patch season.

  • Corn mazes.

  • Apple cider donuts.

  • The salmon begin returning to local rivers.

  • Vine maples begin turning red.

Mid October

  • Peak fall color across much of western Washington.

  • Harvest festivals.

  • Cozy cabin weekends.

  • Foggy mornings.

Late October

  • Halloween decorating.

  • Fall baking.

  • Last chances for many hiking trails before snow.

  • Leaves blanket neighborhood streets.

November

Early November

  • Bald eagle sightings become more common.

  • Salmon spawning reaches its peak.

  • The rainy season settles in.

  • Cozy bookstores and cafés become the destination.

Mid November

  • The forests become lush again.

  • Mushroom walks.

  • First mountain snow.

  • Holiday markets begin opening.

Late November

  • Thanksgiving.

  • Tree farms open.

  • Cozy weekends at home.

  • The last leaves finally fall.

Tiny Traditions

Celebrate the first sweater-weather coffee walk.

Tiny Tradition: Press your favorite leaf inside a book.

Tiny Tradition: Eat dinner by candlelight one rainy evening.