Wind Riverfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Right now in Wind River · September
- Falls Creek Falls trail season · Apr–Nov
- Lewis River falls area: reservations needed · Jun–Sep
- Mt. Adams climbing pass season · May–Sep
27days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
- Windy · winds up to 20 mphSaturday Night
- Rain likely · up to 70% chanceTuesday, Tuesday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 11:41 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Gifford Pinchot National Forest
First frost usually in ~8 weeks
Nov 20Average first fall frost
Mar 24Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Cascade Locks station (4.2 mi away, 142 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Gifford Pinchot National Forest through the year
- Falls Creek Falls trail seasonNowApr–Nov
- Mt. Adams climbing pass seasonNowMay–Sep
- Lewis River falls area: reservations neededNowJun–Sep
- High-country wildflowersJul–Aug
Best spots around Gifford Pinchot National Forest
- Falls Creek FallsA suspension bridge over a rock gorge, then on to the falls
- Panther Creek FallsAn easy 200-yard walk to a viewing platform
- Wind River areaVine maples and, near Mount Adams, golden western larches
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Trail #152A Falls Creek Falls (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Trail #137 Panther Creek Falls (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Wind River Historic District (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Fall Colors (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Mt. Adams area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Mt. Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail, Adams Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Tatoosh Ridge (Gifford Pinchot National Forest) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Gifford Pinchot National Forest in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Gifford Pinchot National Forest yet. Statewide for Washington: color is usually well under way by late October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Gifford Pinchot National Forest right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 27 days (usually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
How long is the Falls Creek Falls hike?
About 1.5 miles through forest to a cable suspension bridge over a rock gorge, then 0.7 mile more to the base of the falls. The trailhead is 13.4 miles up Wind River Road from Carson.Source: US Forest Service, Trail #152A Falls Creek Falls ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are the trails free of snow?
Low-elevation trails usually melt out by mid-May and high-elevation trails by mid-July, though snow can linger on north-facing slopes.Source: US Forest Service, Trail #152A Falls Creek Falls ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Gifford Pinchot National Forest?
Falls Creek Falls: a suspension bridge over a rock gorge, then on to the falls; Panther Creek Falls: an easy 200-yard walk to a viewing platform; Wind River area: vine maples and, near Mount Adams, golden western larches.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Gifford Pinchot National Forest?
Lewis River falls area: reservations needed (Jun–Sep).
What is Gifford Pinchot National Forest like through the year?
Falls Creek Falls trail season (Apr–Nov), Lewis River falls area: reservations needed (Jun–Sep), Mt. Adams climbing pass season (May–Sep) and High-country wildflowers (Jul–Aug).