Lots of things signal the arrival of Fall here in Puget Sound: less traffic on the weekends, shorter wait times at the ferry terminals, lower gas prices, etc.  But nothing is as loud and clear as the wonder of Fall foliage.

We recently published a list of farm tours for harvest season.  Some of those tours continue through the end of October and just happen to coincide with foliage peaks time.  One lesser traveled route is Highway 9 from Woodinville to SR 542 (Mount Baker Hwy).  This route offers small towns, produce stands, scenic views, varied terrain and a nice contrast to the noise and congestion of I-5.  This is about experiencing what our backroads have to offer.  Once at SR 542, you have the option of heading east to Mount Baker (another foliage route) or west to Bellingham, a great day trip destination any time of year!

Another location that is great for experiencing the colors is the Mountain Loop Highway.  This happens to be one of our favorite areas because it is easily accessed and the opportunities for outdoor activity are abundant.  Hiking, camping, fishing and even just finding a spot by the river are just a few of the activities available to you here.  If you go, we recommend stopping at the Verlot Ranger Station (about 11 miles east of Granite Falls) .  Here you can purchase forest passes and get the scoop on the latest road conditions.  Also, the highway is open to Darrington although it is a gravel road beyond Barlow Pass.  Once east of Granite Falls, there are no conveniences until you reach Darrington.

Want a beautiful drive that takes you across and island, over two peninsulas, through rolling pastures, an historical town, and ends up at a waterfront restaurant in only 37 miles?!?  It’s possible.  From the ferry terminal on Bainbridge Island, this beautiful drive to the Ajax Cafe in Port Hadlock is one of our top day trips.  Beautiful any time of year, the route from Bainbridge Island through the Suquamish Reservation to historic Port Gamble, is a route we frequent with many out of town guests.  From Port Gamble, it takes you across the Hood Canal Floating Bridge and then along Paradise Bay Road which winds its way north to Port Hadlock.  And since the cafe does not open until 5 pm, it’s easy to make this a leisure day trip with stops along the way.

Part 2 to follow in a few days.  For now, check out some of our archived posts on day trips.  Many of them make great fall foliage routes.