Fall is one of my favorite times of year. When the trees turn bright, warm hues of golden yellow, red and orange and I get to put on a great sweater and my favorite pair of boots. Fall is also nature’s way of reminding us that change is the only constant in life. I love walks on crisp, fall mornings here in the Pacific Northwest, when the fog lies low to the ground and the sun warms up and shines in all it’s glory in the cool afternoons. These afternoons make me want to bake a loaf of pumpkin bread and jump in the car and head to the mountains to take in the beauty of nature. Today on Q13FOX, I shared some fun road trips around the Northwest to take in the colors of fall. 
Did you know that with a quick phone call, you can get the latest on where the leaves are changing color?
Here’s the number to CALL 1-800-354-4595 and press 6 for the Pacific NW. You can also visit the National Forest Service website at http://www.fs.fed.us/fallcolors/2013/
Take a Hike to Fall Color
Guidebook author and Northwest hiking expert, Craig Romano (who coincidentally, I’ve known for 20 years and we used to work together in college!), has some suggestions on where to hike for great fall color this month, including our National Parks. He mentioned that trails should be open and back to normal this weekend (October 19-20, 2013). If you are planning on hiking this weekend, be sure to call before you go to ensure the trail you want to hike is open.
Here are 2 of Craig’s recommendations for great Northwest fall color hikes:
SR 20 North Cascades Hwy and Sherman Pass Scenic Byway
SR 31 Along the Pend Oreille River.
For more ideas, you can pick up one of his Northwest hiking guides on Amazon.
Fall Crafts with the Kids
Want to know what to do with those little leaf peepers? I’ve pulled together a fun Fall Leaves Crafts with the Kids board on Pinterest. I especially love the owls… and love this fall craft article from Parent Map that shows you how to make cute leaf animals. It made me want to say… “What did the fox say?!” [once he discovered he was made of leaves?]
Photo: ParentMap
What is your favorite place to go to see the colors of fall in the Northwest? Share with us using the hashtag #welltraveledfamily.