Falling for fall in the Pacific Northwest

Though my Aussie blood has me naturally wishing for long, hot and sunny days spent beach-side (particularly in November), it really has been magnificent to witness the change of season here in Washington.

As the days grow ever so slightly shorter and cooler, and the tree leaves begin to turn those dramatic autumn hues, there’s a magical crisp feeling in the air.

There’s no denying it, I am a total sucker for fall.

But you know who else is? America!

Seriously, the way this country celebrates a change in season amazes me. I am certainly among my people here.

Fall means perfect hiking weather, perfect day-long adventures weather, and perfect sit-by-a-sunny-window with a cup of tea and book weather.

Police Station Concrete WA — America’s cutest police and fire department, in Concrete WA.

Over the past month or so I’ve been enjoying the best of fall in the Pacific Northwest. On the home front, I’ve celebrated harvest festivals and attended my first ever but definitely-to-be-repeated Pumpkin Pitch (a trebuchet pumpkin throwing competition where participants compete for both distance/range and accuracy).

I’ve picked pumpkins and apples from local farms, sipped pumpkin ale and pumpkin chai lattes (the latter being a touch overrated in my humble opinion), got into the spirit of Halloween and treated myself to sunset picnics in the park.

Anacortes Farmers Market — Around my local farmer’s market in Anacortes.

Apple Picking Gordon Skagit Farm — Freshly picked apples

One of my favourite fall displays at Gordon Skagit Farm

Brunch and bread in Edison WA — Brunch and Bread Farm visits in Edison, WA

The weather has been great for hiking, and together with new friends we have spent weekends camping in the North Cascade National Park, along with getaways to Portland, Vancouver and Seattle.

Hiking Mt Baker — Hiking around Mt Baker on a cloudy day

Vancouver Queen Vic Park — Queen Victoria Park, Vancouver BC.

Leaves in Vancouver — Queen Victoria Park, Vancouver BC.

Camping Cascades National Park — Our campsite at North Cascade NP

I adore fall.

But I’m already looking forward to winter and all it brings. My first Thanksgiving with my new American-Aussie family, weekend ski adventures at Mt Baker, Stevens Pass and Whistler, finding the perfect tree (a real one!), Christmas markets and sparkly lights in Leavenworth.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

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What do you love about fall in the Pacific Northwest? Where are your favourite places to visit?

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Exploring the best of fall in the Pacific Northwest, from hikes and camping to pumpkin picking and city getaways - and plenty of golden fall colours! Read more at www.liverecklessly.com