Oregon ranked among top 5 states to visit in the fall. Here's why
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A new ranking released Thursday lists the best fall destinations across the United States, with Oregon scoring among the top spots.
For their rankings, LawnStarter, a landscaping company, compared the 48 contiguous U.S. states based on several factors – including projected length of fall foliage and peak foliage, best scenic drives, and pumpkin patches.
According to LawnStarter, the west coast is the best coast to visit in fall 2024.
California scored the number one spot on the list overall, ranking first for scenic drives, its numbers of forest trails, and the portion of the state covered by national and state parks.
The state also received high marks for wine tasting and grape stomping through Napa Valley in the fall, scenic drives through the Avenue of the Giants, and Half Moon Bay – the self-proclaimed “pumpkin capital of the world.”
Heading into the Pacific Northwest, Oregon was ranked the third best state to visit in the fall.
Oregon ranked first for wineries per 100,000 residents, and second for the projected number of days of peak fall foliage, and total acreage of forest land.
LawnStarter recommends hopping on Mt. Hood Railroad’s scenic Fall Train in Hood River or boarding the Halloween Train for leaf-peeping.
Washington state ranked second, receiving high marks for wineries per 100,000 residents, the number of forest trails, and the number of scenic drives. LawnStarter recommends visiting Leavenworth, an alpine-themed village, for skiing and wineries.
Vermont ranked fourth on the list, followed by Michigan and Virginia.