Extended Weekend Getaways 
One of the greatest draws for a fall extended weekend getaway is Washington’s breathtaking scenery. From the Cascade Mountains to the Olympic Peninsula, the landscapes shift into a brilliant palette of red, gold, and orange. Leavenworth, a 
Bavarian-style village in the Cascades, hosts its famous Oktoberfest with lively music, authentic food, and seasonal brews, all against the backdrop of changing leaves. Wine lovers can head to Walla Walla or Yakima Valley for fall harvest tours and tastings, when vineyards are buzzing with activity and the fresh crush fills the air with earthy aromas. Meanwhile, Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Park offer hiking trails where visitors can walk through forests cloaked in autumn hues.
In Wenatchee, the fall season brings a host of local flavors and outdoor charm. At Mission Ridge, the Tamarack Festival invites guests to enjoy live music, guided hikes, local craft booths, and autumn photography classes—an immersive way to soak in mountain colors. Down in the valley, the Wenatchee River Salmon Festival at the Rocky Reach Dam Discovery Center celebrates the natural migration of salmon with educational exhibits, hands-on activities, and family-friendly fun. Naturalists at the Wenatchee River Institute also lead “autumn amble” walks along the riverfront to point out seasonal changes in flora, fauna, and the valley’s geology. And for those who prefer strolling in town, the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail provides a scenic 10-mile riverside path perfect for biking or walking through golden foliage.
Over in Vancouver, fall puts on a festive show of its own. The city hosts Haunted Walking Tours that lead visitors through ghostly tales in historic neighborhoods, while Dine the Couve spotlights seasonal menus across local restaurants throughout October. On Franklin Street, entire blocks of homes deck themselves out in spooky displays—some neighbors spend weeks creating eerie scenes that attract visitors of all ages. For full-throttle frights, you’ll find haunted attractions like the Cinema of Horrors Haunted House, FrightGate Cemetery, and haunted pumpkin patches in the area. Farms such as Pomeroy Farm host “Pumpkin Lane” hayrides and photo-friendly fall setups each weekend, while local “Trunk or Treat” events and costume contests light up the calendar for families. See more at Wahauntedhouses
Seattle, the state’s cultural hub, embraces fall with seasonal markets, cozy coffee shops, and spooky fun. The Museum of Pop Culture often hosts Halloween-themed exhibits and events, while Pike Place Market transforms into a harvest haven with fresh cider, pumpkins, and artisanal goods. Ghost enthusiasts won’t want to miss a guided Seattle Underground Tour, which dives into the haunted history of the city’s buried streets. Tales of restless spirits and eerie happenings make it one of the most talked-about paranormal experiences in the region.
For those who crave full-throttle Halloween thrills, Washington has several top-notch haunted attractions. Georgetown Morgue in Seattle is consistently ranked among the scariest haunted houses in the Pacific Northwest, offering bone-chilling sets and heart-pounding scares. In Tacoma, Fright House Station delivers another immersive haunted experience inside an old armory, while Stalker Farms in Snohomish takes visitors on haunted corn maze adventures filled with twisted storylines and terrifying actors. These attractions combine creative storytelling with jump-scares that keep guests on edge from start to finish.
The paranormal side of Washington goes beyond staged thrills. Port Townsend, a charming Victorian seaport, is well known for its ghostly reputation. Visitors can take ghost walks through its historic district, where stories of haunted hotels and lingering spirits are as much a part of the town’s fabric as its beautiful waterfront views. Likewise, the old Northern State Hospital in Sedro-Woolley is a legendary spot for ghost hunters, drawing those fascinated by eerie histories and unexplained phenomena.
Families will also find plenty of fall fun. Pumpkin patches and apple orchards are scattered throughout the state, offering hayrides, cider presses, and harvest festivals. Remlinger Farms in Carnation, Carpinito Brothers Farm in Kent, and Gordon Skagit Farms in Mount Vernon are just a few of the favorites where kids can pick the perfect pumpkin and parents can sip warm cider while enjoying the seasonal charm.
Autumn in Washington is more than just a season—it’s an experience. Whether you’re exploring harvest celebrations in Wenatchee, wandering haunted streets in Vancouver, getting lost in a haunted maze, walking through historic towns with ghostly tales, or simply breathing in mountain air beneath a canopy of golden leaves, the state offers something for every traveler. The blend of natural beauty and festive spirit makes fall one of the best times of year to visit the Evergreen State.
