Top Five Spots to Take Fall Photos

Colorful leaves, crisp temperatures and pumpkin spiced lattes. Yes, we’re talking about fall. It’s a great time to wear layers and head out to take photos of this magical season. There are so many amazing locations to capture the essence of fall in the Portland area, so we created a list of five places to take fall photos. And, they’re all accessible by transit. Here’s where to go and how to get there 🍂⛅☕

Hoyt Arboretum

Beautiful fall photo adventures await at Hoyt Arboretum in SW Portland. It’s pretty much the coolest backyard Portland could have, and with good reason. It’s home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs spread over 189 acres. There are 12 miles of hiking trails to explore, making for endless adventures. There’s limited parking, so you’ll want to hop on the free (!) shuttle serving Washington Park. You can get to the shuttle by riding a bus or MAX to the Washington Park MAX Station. 

📍4000 SW Fairview Blvd., Portland – Plan a trip
🚌 63-Washington Park/SW 6th
🚈 MAX Blue Line
🚈 MAX Red Line

Laurelhurst Park

SE Portland’s Laurelhurst Park is an easily accessible destination for perfect fall photos. It’s stunning, welcoming and we always find something new to fall in love with, whether we’re on the paved trails or wandering among the colorful trees. Don’t forget about the pond, which will provide a great backdrop for your photos. Skip the headache of parking and ride there with us.

📍NW Corner of SE César E. Chávez Blvd. and Stark St.., Portland – Plan a trip
🚌 20-Burnside/Stark
🚌 75-Cesar Chavez/Lombard

Elk Rock Island

We love, love, love Elk Rock Island. It’s a special place no matter when you go, but especially in the fall. It’s all there for taking unforgetting photos: scenic views of the Willamette River, a few little “beaches,” majestic trees and more. Bus and MAX stops are a short walk or roll from the entrance. 

📍SE 19th Ave. and SE Sparrow St., Milwaukie – Plan a trip
🚌 33-McLoughlin/King Rd
🚌 34-Linwood/River Rd
🚈 MAX Orange Line

Pittock Mansion

If you’re looking for fall photos with sweeping views of our cityscape, then Pittock Mansion is your spot. You’ll get an amazingly framed fall background of Portland. On clear days, you’ll get views of Mt. Hood. Go early to catch the breathtaking sunrises, you’ll thank us. Ride TriMet to avoid paying for the limited parking.

📍3229 NW Pittock Dr., Portland – Plan a trip
🚌18-Hillside
🚌20-Burnside/Stark

Tualatin Hills Nature Park

Tualatin Hills Nature Park has trails, trees, meadows, streams and lush vegetation spread over 222 acres. And, deer, too! You can get some great shots of all of it on the paved or soft surface trails. We like getting there for the “golden hour,” when the light makes the park’s vibrant red, yellow, green and orange colors really pop. 

📍15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton –Plan a trip
🚌 57-TV Hwy/Forest Grove
🚌 67-Bethany/158th
🚈 MAX Blue Line 
🚈 MAX Red Line

Top photo courtesy of Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.
Bottom photo courtesy of Portland Running Co.