Fall Foliage Around Puyallup

Pacific Northwest residents know that this is one of the best areas around to catch the colorful autumn change in our local foliage. If you’re looking for the best places to watch the leaves work their magic near Willow Hill apartments in Puyallup, WA, we’ve compiled a list of our nearby favorites below.

Swan Creek

With plenty of alder, cedar, and maples trees on display, this two-mile trailhead is perfect for catching the changing leaves. The picnic areas, community garden, and wooden bridge that runs over the creek make this area as accessible as it is serene.

It goes without saying that the creek and surrounding areas are muddy in the fall — even when it’s gone a few days without a good downpour. Be sure to wear boots or good hiking shoes. It’s also a great place to mountain bike in the fall. You can get directions here.

Wright Park

Twenty-seven acres with characteristic and diverse trees — some of which are one-hundred years old or more. With a paved loop that’s just a mile long, you’ll be able to take the six-hundred-plus state champion trees that call the park home. They also feature a historical on-site arboretum.

Before you visit, we’d recommend downloading and printing the park’s tree map. And if you’re up for it, playing a game of lawn bowling or bocce ball is a must in this downtown park. You can get directions here.

Naches Peak Loop

This is one of the more popular kid-friendly hikes in the Mount Rainier National Park. What gives this area so much of its unique and memorable color is the local huckleberry bushes. The more leafy bushes on the ground bring the color change to a meadow perspective.

Park just west of the Chinook Pass and follow the trail from the designated picnic areas. Locals like hiking the trail clockwise to get the best views. If you plan on hiking the full three mile — and change — loop, plan on about two hours.

Other Suggestions

For those that don’t mind the drive, Tumwater Falls Park in Olympia and the Mount Baker Scenic Byway are also known for their brilliant autumnal leaves.

Do you have some of your own favorite places to catch the fall foliage? Do you plan on visiting any of the above destinations? Either way, we’d love to hear about it all in the comments below!