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#9 on this list
Columbia River Gorge
Oregon / Washington
Big-leaf maples go yellow over the waterfalls.
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#10 on this list
Door County
Wisconsin
Orchards, lighthouses, and Lake Michigan shorelines in color.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Columbia River Gorge | Door County |
|---|---|---|
| Managing Agency | US Forest Service & State Parks | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
| Primary Terrain | Basalt canyon, temperate forest, river gorge | Dolomite bluffs, cobble coastlines, hardwood forests |
| Peak Foliage | Mid to late October | Second to third week of October |
| Passes Required | NW Forest Pass or WA Discover Pass | — |
| Elevation Range | 50 to 4,055 feet | — |
| Primary Access | Interstate 84 (OR) and Highway 14 (WA) | — |
| Location | — | Door Peninsula, Eastern Wisconsin |
| Key Public Lands | — | Peninsula, Newport, and Potawatomi State Parks |
| Access Requirement | — | Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Columbia River Gorge
- Peak big-leaf maple color contrasts intensely with black basalt cliffs
- Waterfall flows rebound from dry late-summer lows after early fall rains
- Noticeable drop in trail traffic and highway congestion compared to July
- Immediate access to completely different climates within an hour drive
- Persistent, chilling funnel winds strip body heat on exposed cliff tops
- Wet basalt and wet maple leaves create notoriously slick footing
- Unpredictable Pacific frontal storms can bring multi-day rainouts
Door County
- Vivid hardwood foliage framed against open freshwater bluffs
- Internationally recognized dark skies for crisp autumn stargazing
- Moderate coastal trail elevation suitable for extended day mileage
- Noticeable drop in foot traffic compared to peak midsummer months
- Sudden Lake Michigan gales can rapidly shut down coastal plans
- Primitive backcountry camping is limited to a single state park
- Many local amenities and water services close after mid-October
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