Have a Ball This Fall

Is Fall the Best Season in the PNW?

Endless harvest activities, gorgeous autumn-color hikes and iconic local creatures make the argument for us By Nicole Persun

Autumn in the Pacific Northwest is a truly magical season. The heat and smoky skies of August have abated. Apple and squash harvests are in full swing. And — despite Washington’s street cred as the Evergreen State — fall hues ranging from rich red to golden yellow decorate our favorite local trails. All of these things and more make fall a perfect time to take some holiday-card-worthy photos as a family and bolster a healthy mindset for the rather dreary months to come.

Our deeply soul-satisfying, crisp, sunny autumn only lasts so long, so it’s best to make the most of it. We’ve rounded up our favorite insider ways to celebrate the season, from harvest activities to breathtaking hikes. Apple of my eye

First up: apple picking (duh)! Did you know that Washington supplies 60 percent of the nation’s apple supply? From sweet lunch-box apples to tart apples for pies, at this time of year you can find a gazillion varieties for any occasion. There are so many amazing family-friendly orchards to visit — just be sure to bring baskets for collecting the sweet bounty and rubber boots for puddle stomping. parentmap.com/apples In addition to picking apples, there are many fun apple harvest events and activities happening around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound. Attractions include cider pressing, pie-baking con-

A sunny fall day on the Mashel River, Eatonville, Washington

tests, apple-fritter purveying and more. parentmap.com/apple-events Once you’ve brought your harvest home, engage the kids in baking a delicious apple recipe, anything from a fall-themed breakfast hash to caramel apple pie. Yum. parentmap.com/apple-recipes Fall in love with fall colors

With kids back in school, you might not have fall hikes on your family itinerary, but we highly recommend them. At this time of year, there are fewer people on the trails and, of course, the fall colors are spectacular. Check out our list of best fall family hikes in the Greater Seattle area at parentmap.com/fall-hikes. Sugar and (pumpkin) spice and everything nice

Question: Is it really autumn without a visit to a pumpkin patch? Answer: Hell no! Nowadays, picking out the perfect pumpkin is only the beginning of the fall farm-visiting experience. From Snohomish to Olympia, families enjoy corn mazes, pumpkin slingshots, hayrides, petting zoos and so much more. Not sure where to go? Check out our list of awesome spots at parentmap.com/pumpkins. Spotting salmon

Every year, salmon evade fishing nets and predators to travel hundreds of miles back to the streams where they were born in order to mate, spawn and die. It’s part of the salmon’s remarkable life cycle, and at this time of year, you can witness the dramatic and incredible end to their journey from the edges of local streams. Venturing out to see the salmon as a family is an exciting and educational experience for the kiddos. Peep the best salmon-viewing spots at parentmap.com/salmon. — Nicole Persun