13 Places To Find Fall Color Around Grants Pass
Around Grants Pass, our three river valley’s are in full color mode. Luckily, you don’t have to go far to find it. Here are 13 spots worth adding to your fall color road trip.
1. Reinhart Park
Just minutes from downtown, Reinhart Park is one of the easiest places to catch fall color. Wander the paths along the Rogue River, stroll past fiery maples, and keep an eye out for birds around the ponds.
Best for: An easy fall walk, river views and peak leaf-peeping without leaving town.
2. Lake Selmac
Tucked into the Illinois Valley, Lake Selmac is a peaceful place to soak up fall color. The lake is surrounded by forest, with colorful trees reflecting across the water on crisp autumn days. Take a walk along the shoreline, bring a picnic or cast a line and enjoy the quiet side of fall in Southern Oregon.
Best for: Lakeside views, fishing, picnicking and a peaceful fall escape.
3. Indian Mary Park
Follow the Rogue River toward Galice and you’ll find Indian Mary Park tucked into a forested riverside setting. In fall, the surrounding trees add plenty of red and golden color to the already scenic Rogue River landscape.
Bring a picnic, take a walk along the river or make a weekend of it with a fall camping trip.
Best for: A scenic drive, river recreation, and fall camping.
4. Riverside Park
You don’t have to leave downtown to find fall color. Riverside Park is one of Grants Pass’ classic riverfront parks, with heritage trees, open lawns, walking paths and plenty of Rogue River views.
Grab a coffee downtown and take a stroll through the park, where the changing leaves make an especially pretty backdrop along the river.
Best for: A quick dose of fall color close to downtown.
5. Applegate Valley
Fall is a beautiful time to explore Applegate Valley as the hillsides turn gold, vineyards turn shades of red, and the river welcomes spawning salmon.
Pair your leaf-peeping with a wine tasting, farm stand stop, and hike along the East Applegate Ridge Trail or Enchanted Forest.
Best for: Wine, scenic drives and golden hillsides.
6. Tom Pearce Park
Follow the Rogue River to Tom Pearce Park, where fall color mixes with towering trees, open grassy areas and the sounds of the river.
Take a walk, play a round of disc golf or pack a picnic and settle in for an afternoon surrounded by autumn scenery. The park sits along the Rogue River near I-5, making it an easy fall escape.
Best for: Those interested in disc golf or families looking for a great playground.
7. Downtown Historic District
Take a stroll through the historic district, where colorful trees frame historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, and murals. It’s an especially good place to spend a fall afternoon—browse the boutiques, grab a drink or meal and enjoy the changing leaves along the streets.
Best for: Shopping, dining and easygoing fall wandering.
8. Waters Creek Trail
For a quieter fall adventure, head west toward Waters Creek. The Waters Creek Interpretive Trail follows the creek through a forest of old growth Douglas firs, golden oaks and bigleaf maples, with footbridges and forest scenery along the way.
Choose the accessible one-mile loop or explore farther along the East Branch of Waters Creek.
Best for: A peaceful forest walk and creekside fall color.
9. Dollar Mountain
Want your fall color with a view? Head up Dollar Mountain.
Just minutes from downtown, the trails wind through oak, madrone, pine and fir forests before opening up to sweeping views of Grants Pass and the valley below. In fall, colorful foliage dots the surrounding hillsides, making the climb even more rewarding.
And if hiking isn’t your thing, the Dollar Mountain Trail System also offers miles of mountain bike trails.
Best for: Hiking, mountain biking and big valley views.
10. Illinois River Forks State Park
Take a scenic drive south toward the Illinois Valley and stop at Illinois River Forks State Park, where the East and West Forks of the Illinois River meet.
The river, rocky shoreline and surrounding forest make a beautiful autumn setting, especially when the trees begin turning gold. Find the best colors along the Westside Trail Loop as maples and dogwoods change brilliant hues.
Best for: Those seeking color in the Illinois Valley
11. Local Cemeteries
Some of the best fall color in Grants Pass can be found in unexpected places. Quiet paths, towering trees, golden leaves and a little bit of history—our cemeteries are surprisingly beautiful places to slow down and take in the season. This time of year, the trees put on a show, turning peaceful corners of Grants Pass into a sea of gold, orange and red. For panoramic views of town, head to Hillcrest Memorial or for older resting grounds, find pioneer graves at Granite Hill Cemetery.
Best for: Leaf-peeping with a side of history
12. Hellgate Canyon
Take a scenic drive to Galice and get a birdseye view of Hellgate Canyon, the Rogue River’s deepest river canyon. Patches of gold skirt the river as rafters and drift boats float by, making this viewpoint one of the most iconic in the county.
Best for: those looking for a quick pitstop without having to stray far from your car.
13. Cartwrights on the Rogue
Formerly known as Taprock, Cartwrights on the Rogue is nestled along the river just minutes from downtown’s historic district. From its fiery trees and sculptures to its views of Caveman Bridge, the full service restaurant is one of the best locations to take in the fall scenery.
Best for: enjoying some fall color with a side of fries.
Whether it’s a colorful riverside trail or a stroll through downtown Grants Pass, enjoy the fall season here in Southern Oregon.
