NOTE: There have been several wildland fires in Oregon recently. Be sure to visit TripCheck to be sure the roads and locations described below are open and safely accessible.

Best Five Central Oregon Fall Color Photo Locations

Central Oregon is high dry desert terrain. Elevation ranges from 3,500 to over 6,000 feet. The most abundant native trees are the Western Juniper and the Ponderosa Pine. Neither display spectacular fall color.

So, why consider Central Oregon a fall color photo destination? Well, if you know where to look stunning fall foliage is plentiful. Expect both brilliant color and subtle fall color scenes.

For example, maple vines, quacking aspens, and other deciduous species thrive along the many creeks and rivers. These plants put on quite a show if you time your visit right.

Late Fall Aspens 191057NWND850 | Deschutes River, Bend, Oregon

Central Oregon is home to a number of the Western Larch stands. The Larch is a deciduous pine needle conifer that displays an amazing yellow fall color. Found among the Junipers and Ponderosa Pine stands, the yellow Larch tree needles make a wonderful color contrast image.

Science Behind the Color & Autumn Season Predictions

There are two primary triggers that cause leaves to lose their green color; shorter days and lower nighttime temperatures. Both cause plants to turn off their chlorophyll energy production systems. As energy production decreases leaves begin to turn yellow, orange, and red before falling off the plant.

As the September equinox approaches keep a close eye on nighttime temperatures. If you don’t live in Central Oregon but plan to visit during peak fall color, consider using an online fall color predictor.

There are a number of predictor websites. The site most frequently referenced is https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/. Despite its name the interactive map predicts fall color throughout the entire continental US. Just move the timeline button and watch the color change state-by-state, subregion-by-subregion, week-by-week.

The 2020 Central Oregon region color peak prediction is between October 5th and 25th.

General Location Recommendations

Most Central Oregon locations listed below are easy access and not far off the beaten path. A few require a bit of hiking. These are my five favorite locations but there are many more.

The locations listed are general area recommendations. Once on site you will need to do a bit of walking reconnaissance.

If you plan to search for locations on your own, here are some tips to help increase your chance of finding good color.

Pull out the map and look for accessible river trails, high country mountain valleys with water runoff, and cultivated public gardens. These are places deciduous plants thrive.
Check the elevation. Because nighttime temperature is a primary trigger, expect to see color changes in higher elevations first.

#1 Locations Near Town - Bend, Oregon

Most towns plant deciduous trees and shrubs in common areas, parks and other public spaces. If you are goal is to capture well-manicured and symmetrically fall color photos, consider walking downtown areas. Ask locals for their recommendations. Find local parks and gardens.

This image was taken at Pioneer Park near downtown Bend, Oregon. I passed this tree frequently during the weeks leading up to its peak color. I simply waited for the day with the best light and spent several hours photographing this tree and others in the park.

Bend Fall 151287NWND8 | Pioneer Park, Bend, OR

Another great location in Bend is Drake Park and the Old Mill area. This pedestrian friendly park is walking distance from downtown. Mirror Pond, a slow spot of the Deschutes River adds to the beautiful photo backdrop. It is a delightful place to take autumn photograph. It has park benches, pedestrian bridges over the river, and many more built-in props. The image below was taken from the pedestrian bridge in the Old Mill shopping center!

River Bend Sunrise 111071COND8RF | Old Mill, Bend, OR

#2 Deschutes River Southwest of Bend

The Deschutes River gets its water from the Wickiup Reservoir 50 miles southwest of Bend. It winds its way through the Deschutes National Forest and communities like Sunriver and Bend. It eventually empties into the Columbia River far north.

Soft Lines 141139ABIND8_3-1 | Above Dillion Falls, Bend, OR

My favorite spots are all a short drive from downtown Bend. Above and below Dillion Falls (see above & below photos), Lava Island, and the Big Eddy & Aspen Day Use areas will provide plenty of fall color options. The Deschutes Trail follows the river. You can hike from any one of these locations to the next or to all of them!

Below Dillon Falls 1810258WND8 | Dillion Falls, Bend, OR

Deciduous trees and plants populate the shoreline. The common maple vine is particularly plentiful and very colorful. Black volcanic rock in places helps to create some nice color contrast.

#3 Camp Sherman & Wizard Falls Near Sisters, Oregon

Camp Sherman is a small unincorporated community north of Sisters, Oregon. The Metolius River parallels the road to and past the Camp Sherman general store. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the route including stands of Western Larch. Larch trees are easy to spot. Unlike most conifers, the needles of the Larch tree turn bright yellow in the fall. These beautiful trees are interspersed among the Juniper and Ponderosa trees.

Metolius Larch Conifer 1810265NWND | Camp Sherman, Oregon

Wizard Falls near the fish hatchery is a must visit location. This is not a typical waterfall. Frankly, it is more like a narrow, fast water spot where the blue water of the Metolius River rushes under the bridge. Beautiful maple vines and other red, yellow and magenta deciduous plants populate the shoreline along both sides of the river. Just pick a direction and walk the designated trail along the river.

Metolius Autumn 1810256NWND8 | Metloius River, Wizard Falls, Oregon

#4 West Side of McKenzie Pass

The autumn color on McKenzie Pass can be spectacular. Most of the color is on the downhill side traveling west.

I suggest accessing the McKenzie Pass (Highway 242) from Sisters, Oregon. The Pass climbs to about 5,300 feet. At the top is a prominent landmark, the Dee Wright Observatory. This volcanic stone observatory was built in 1935. You won’t find a telescope here. Instead expect stunning 360º views from the top open air deck!

Rivers of black volcanic rock punctuated by islands of trees that stretch to the base of several mountains. You won’t find any fall color at this summit but be sure to return for sunset!

Just a few miles beyond the observatory get ready for color explosion. The west side of the Pass gets more rain and therefore more big leaf plants.

Proxy Falls Autumn 1810249LNND800 | Proxy Falls, McKenzie Pass, OR

Consider stops at Scott Lake and Proxy Falls. Proxy Falls is my favorite. There is a roadside parking area. It’s a short hike with lovely colors along the trail. The big prize is the veil falls at the end of the trail. A word of caution, the last part of the trail is a steep downhill. But if you can navigate your way to the falls you’ll be a happy photographer.

Scott Lake provides a small lake with a foreground of foliage and mountain scene backdrop.

#5 McKenzie River Plus Waterfalls

Highway 242 over McKenzie Pass eventually intersects Highway 126 (McKenzie Highway). You have two choices; turn around and head back up to the Dee Wright Observatory for sunset or continue on and complete the entire McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway loop back to Sisters.

If you choose to complete the loop you’ll turn north where Highway 242 meets Highway 20 / 126. This section of road not only has beautiful color but includes a few waterfalls worth visiting. Koosah and Sahalie falls are highly recommended. Both are beautiful especially when surrounded by stunning fall color.

McKenzie River 131755WND8 | McKenzie Trail, Oregon

If you have the time, I highly recommend hiking the McKenzie trail along the McKenzie River between Koosah and Sahalie Falls. The forest walk provides numerous opportunities to capture long exposure blue water river images dressed in autumn color.

Koosah Falls Autumn 191094WND850 | McKenzie River, OR

If you decide to do the entire scenic loop make a stop at the top of the Santiam Pass where the Pacific Crest Trail cross the highway. From the trail parking area you’ll have telephoto views of Mt. Washington.

Other Locations

The above list is certainly not all inclusive. Here’s a few more Central Oregon locations to consider.

Shevlin Park, Bend, Oregon
Crooked River south of Prineville, Oregon
Toketee Falls, Highway 4 / 138 west of Diamond Lake, Oregon
Salt Creek Falls, Highway 58 near Oakridge, Oregon
Tumalo Falls near Bend, Oregon

I wish you the best in capturing fall color. If you need an experienced professional photo guide, consider sending me an email or giving me a call (480.204.3109). I would be happy to create a personal fall color photo workshop tailored to meet your interest, knowledge and skill level.

Cheers,

Steve