Best Clackamas County Parks To See Fall Colors

As autumn sweeps through Oregon, Mt. Hood Territory comes alive with vibrant shades of red, gold and orange. But the question always comes up. Where are great places for leaf peepers and nature lovers to enjoy the fall season? Here’s a guide to some of the best Clackamas County Parks for experiencing fall colors, including what activities you'll find at each.

Metzler Park is perfect for those seeking a mix of riverside views and colorful forests. Nestled along Clear Creek, the park feels wonderfully isolated, surrounded by hills covered with towering Douglas-fir and western red cedar trees.

What to do:

• Hike the creekside trails: Metzler Park offers 2.5 miles of trails for you to spot fall colors along Clear Creek.
• Play disc golf: The park features an 18-hole disc golf course, offering a fun way to explore the woods while enjoying a round of disc golf.
• Sit and relax: Soak in all the beauty of the creek and forest by just sitting and listening to the sounds of this beautiful park.

Address: 24526 S. Metzler Park Road, Estacada, OR 97023

Eagle Fern Park is ideal for those wanting a peaceful hike with beautiful forest views. The park features fern-lined trails and old-growth trees that offer a rich display of fall colors reflected in the water of Eagle Creek.

What to do:

• Hike the Fern Creek Trail: Rated easy, this ADA-accessible nature trail offers 18 stops along the route to learn about the nature surrounding you.
• Enjoy the creek views: Spend some time by Eagle Creek and take in the beauty of the fall season.
• Photograph the trees: This park offers a great opportunity to photograph fall colors against the always green of the surrounding evergreens. 

Address: 27505 Eagle Fern Road, Eagle Creek, OR 97022

Located near the Willamette River, Hebb Park offers a peaceful spot to enjoy the changing leaves, with great views of the river and forested areas.

What to do:

• Enjoy a beautiful walk: Enjoy a .5 mile easy walk through the park to spot red alder, big leaf maples and vine maples.
• Birdwatch: Fall migration makes this park a great place for spotting birds.
• Ride the Canby Ferry: Take the historic Canby Ferry across the Willamette River. The ferry is located down the road from Hebb Park and makes for a fun additional adventure. It is one of only three operating ferries on the Willamette River.

Address: 500 S.W. Hebb Park Road, West Linn, OR 97068

Tucked in a quiet part of the county, Wilhoit Springs Park features two mineral springs and in the fall, towering maples and oaks turn the park into a tapestry of beautiful hues. This property used to be home to a spa and resort. Around the turn of the 20th century, Wilhoit Springs was one of Clackamas County's most popular tourist destinations. The resort later lost its popularity and closed in 1928.

What to do:

• View the natural springs: There are two separate springs at the park: a soda spring where the water bubbles out of the ground and a sulfurous spring.
• Picnic under colorful trees: Enjoy lunch at one of the park’s many picnic tables surrounded by fall foliage.
• Walk the paths: Meander along the forested trails and take in the peaceful surroundings of the park.

Address: 38160 S Wilhoit Rd, Molalla, OR 97038