Author: Scott Bowler | Published: November 14, 2024 | Category: Where-To
This article originally appeared in the Fall + Winter 2024 Desert Ramblings
Where to go this season
As temperatures cool and daylight shortens in Oregon’s high desert, deciduous plants begin to metabolize and withdraw certain leaf pigments and sugars, altering their complexion. As pigments like green chlorophyll leave plants, other colors begin to dominate their appearance. Each plant will have a different sequence with varying color dominance. As time, elevation and water levels change, continual new opportunities to explore colorful scenes appear.
While Oregon might not have the species diversity and abundance that gives the East Coast its iconic fall show, you’ll find the state’s high desert has longer autumnal seasons and gorgeous color-viewing experiences. Mountainside aspen groves, hot spring meadows and streamside trees aflame are some of the best parts of the season on Oregon’s dry side.
As summer fades, plan your color safaris around elevation changes and waterways. Get up into the high country first to look especially for aspen groves, which can be magnificent and quite varied in color. Along desert streams, look for beautiful strips of several varieties of willow, cottonwood, red stem dogwood and hackberry trees. Meadows and “ecotones,” where one habitat changes into another, can be amazing in their diversity, as grasses, forbs and shrubs all begin to change color at different times and locales.
If you are looking for day or weekend adventures, here are several places to start exploring, listed in more-or-less seasonal progression.
Steens Mountain: The crown jewel of our high desert, fall color is among this region’s most spectacular attractions. The mountain’s huge groves of aspens color up significantly, along with willows and more varieties surrounding the few small lakes and creeks, putting on a great show. Fish Lake is a popular, larger campground, but the tiny campground in Jackman Park further up the road is glorious. For more color, explore the summit area and hike the various trails. Also consider exploring Trout Creek and Oregon Canyon mountains to the east of Steens.
Hart Mountain: Home to vibrant aspen groves, there’s much to enjoy here in the fall. The Hart Mountain Hot Springs campground sits amidst beautiful willows and shrubs like wild roses, all coloring up throughout the season. And, of course, there’s a hot spring to enjoy in the middle of the meadow.
Winter Rim: Sitting high above Summer Lake, Winter Rim is a diverse area that can be gorgeous in October as aspens up high and willows and grasses of valley floors all turn color synonymously. Camp or rent a cabin at Summer Lake Hot Springs to fully explore the area. There is also a lot of beautiful camping throughout Fremont-Winema National Forest.
South Fork Crooked River: The South Fork Crooked River and much of the upper John Day River have beautiful riverside and wetland areas. In October and later, these areas will be colored by willows, cottonwoods, several shrubs and many different grasses showing a wide variety of hues. Cottonwood Canyon State Park is an excellent location to stay by the upper John Day River during this time of year. For a place to stay near the South Fork Crooked River, Congleton Hollow is a primitive camping spot with no amenities but plenty of solitude.
Note: Since fall brings different hunting seasons, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors while out hiking and to keep your kids and dogs close.
