Fall in Oregon is a quick flash of bright leaves and crisp, sunny afternoons, here and gone again all too quickly. With another great weekend in the forecast, we asked a few people around Metro for their favorite places to visit in the autumn.
James Dalton, scalehouse technician
One great choice for fall is Oxbow Regional Park. Nestled in the Sandy River Gorge, clear running waters allows viewing of salmon returning to their spawning ground. The riparian zone is on fire with the glow of the late afternoon sun on the turning color of the foliage. The old growth forest offers even more seasonal experiences that delights all the senses. Of course, there are no bad choices with Metro Regional Parks!
Martha Bennett, chief operating officer
The Oregon Zoo. The zoo seems best to me in the fall. The crowds of the summer months have thinned. The animals, like humans, seem to relish the cold nights and warm days. My favorite animals – the cheetahs, the polar bears, and the orangutans – seem more active, and my kids favorite exhibits (Lorikeet Landing in particular) are still open. I always get a sense of the precious shortness of autumn on a beautiful October day at the zoo.
Melisa McDonald, cemetery program manager
My favorite fall place is Mountain View – Corbett Cemetery. The amazing colors, majestic view of Mount Hood, community harvesting and gathering all around seem from the vantage point atop the hill, and the peaceful sense that overcomes the soul upon entering the property all combine to create bittersweet melancholy as we leave summer behind.
Marv Fjordbeck, attorney
My favorite Metro place to visit in the fall is the Glendoveer Golf and Tennis Center. The fall afternoon sunlight and colors on the golf course are fantastic, and the course remains very playable throughout autumn. Usually there’s just the right chill in the air so that you know it’s fall, but can still comfortably stroll the course in search of an elusive par. The views on the East Course from the fairway of the second hole or the tee sixth are spectacular, and give even the highest handicapper the feeling that if we could just get the ball in the air, it would fly forever. The tree-lined 17th hole has majestic firs standing sentinel on both sides of the fairway as you make your way to the finish of a lovely round of autumn golf.
Craig Dirksen, Metro Councilor
Cooper Mountain Nature Park – The view, the colors, fresh air.
Barbara Edwardson, land negotiator
My favorite place in autumn is Oxbow Park. The salmon arrive as if on cue and hang out in a spot where it is convenient to watch them from the banks. The mixture of deciduous trees in with the giant conifers lets you know it is autumn, and that some things don’t change. The crisp cool air gives you the energy to take long walks in the woods, and you quickly forget the trappings of civilization that usually occupy your mind. You get Thoreau!
Howard Rasmussen, ranger
On a gloomy day, you can walk the trail at Smith-Bybee and the bright yellow leaves of the cottonwoods laying on the path light up the darkness. Bybee-Howell and the surrounding farms are winding down as winter approaches, if you wish to reflect and observe wildlife. There is no place that I would rather be this time of year. I truly love this area.
Kate Holleran, natural resources steward
North Fork of Deep Creek in the fall is dappled with sunlight and golden Indian-plum leaves. Tall trees, cold clear water, beautiful black basalt rock – just one of the combinations of nature’s beauty that I love about fall in the northern Willamette Valley!
Paul Slyman, Parks and Environmental Services director
My favorite fall place is Blue Lake Park in Fairview. As you walk the trails of the wetlands, orange and red leaves scatter at your feet, fluttering in front of you as a brisk breeze carries them into winter…. Pause for a moment to take in a crystal clear view of a snow capped Mount Hood at the head of the lake. Watch as ducks and geese sun themselves in the warmth of autumn sun breaks and hawks soar above… Blue Lake will take your breath away!