Fall into Autumn in East Grays Harbor County

While the incoming of autumn means it’s time to bid farewell to the long and warm days of summer, the changing of the season marks incoming crisp temperatures, beautiful fall foliage, harvests, holidays and plenty more activities and feelings of nostalgia. Located just one hour from Tacoma, East Grays Harbor County is the ideal destination to spend a day welcoming in fall void of crowds and enveloped with a peacefulness that can only be found in the Pacific Northwest.

Drive Out to Wynoochee Dam

A cruise to the Wynoochee Dam not only offers a unique end goal, but also provides plenty to see and experience along the way. Begin your drive in the quaint town of Montesano where shops, restaurants and bars dot the walkable downtown.

After exploring Montesano, begin the roughly one-hour drive north deep into the Olympic National Forest. Upon arrival at the over 50-year-old Dam located in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains, plot out your day to make the most of your visit. If you’re interested in a longer hike, check out the 16 mile Wynoochee Lake Shore Trail loop that passes through old-growth timber, over creeks and past a few waterfalls. Shorter hikes can include Maidenhair Falls to the cascading Wynoochee Falls or Spoon Creek Falls.

If the weather is warm, dip your toes in the crystal-clear Wynoochee Lake or break out your kayak or paddleboard to explore the lake via boat. Additionally, the Lake is also a fantastic place to cast a line and fish while enjoying the surrounding mountain views. Learn more about fishing regulations here.

For the wine lovers out there, while on your drive home, don’t miss a stop at the locally owned, Wynoochee River Winery selling seasonal hand-crafted fruit wines.

Pick out a Pumpkin at Chapman Farms

While some pumpkin patches can be overwhelming with throngs of families all season long, Chapman Farms prides itself on their more rural setting providing visitors with a casual outing void of lines and packed parking lots.

Featuring a huge variety of pumpkins and gourds, the Farm also sells corn and other local products. Activities for the young ones (and adults too, let’s be honest) include a winding corn maze, blooming sunflower field, indoor hay maze and slides, and plenty of photo opportunities. Dress in your best fall attire and experience this locally owned, working farm in Grays Harbor.

Check Out the Colors at Lake Sylvia

Imagine the colorful leaves of fall reflecting off a picture perfect lake surrounded by towering old growth forest. That picture is the reality at Lake Sylvia State Park in Montesano. While explore the park, marvel at the autumn foliage while uncovering what life resembled on a former logging camp on the five miles of trails.

The interpretive trails are great for families and even include 20th century logging artifacts that help transport you to the early days of Grays Harbor’s past. Biking trails are also abundant in the area making for a fun day cruising through the trails of an old logging camp.

Additionally, Lake Sylvia is a hot spot for fishing, so bring a pole, bait and catch dinner for the night in an unforgettable setting.

Cast a Line and Spend the Day at Friends Landing

Friends Landing, positioned just outside of Montesano, is made up of 152 acres of unforgettable recreation opportunities. The main attraction is the proximity to the mighty Chehalis River providing incredible fishing opportunities from the two fishing shacks along piers and access on the Lake Quigg. Salmon fishing from the pier or even the luxury of a boat can be enjoyed during runs while sturgeon fishing is available year round.

Other options for things to do at Friends Landing can include casual hiking around the lake, picnicking, camping and bird watching.

Hike, Bike and Explore Around Capitol State Forest

The Capitol Forest is made up of over 100,000 acres bordered on the south and west by the Chehalis River, the east by the Deschutes valley, and the north by Puget Sound. The Forest is expansive with over a hundred miles of trails and hundreds of miles of gravel roads. Explore a ghost town, carved gnomes, abandoned railroad beds, hunt for mushrooms, spot wildlife including cougars, bears, bobcats, deer, elusive Capitol Forest Wild Turkey, and even a resident herd of elk.

Before venturing out, be sure to map out your route, let someone know where you’re going, pack plenty of water and snacks and follow other safety measures to ensure a fantastic trip. If you plan to camp in the Forest, please note that campgrounds close for the season on November 1st.

Dine-In at a Local Restaurant

As the days grow shorter and temperatures dip cooler, cozy up in one of East County’s many restaurants. Whether you’re at the beach or any other portion of the county, it’s a common sight to find fresh seafood on the menu. Enjoy classic favorites like fish and chips and salmon or expand your horizon and try out local delicacies such as oysters from the bay or clams dug directly on the sandy shores of the Pacific Ocean.

For those not craving a seafood-inspired meal, there are plenty of other options in the area. Indulge in pizza, mouthwatering burgers or fresh salads and other dishes with locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and berries.

Pinpointing exactly where to dine can be an overwhelming task. Luckily, our dining guide features a comprehensive list of restaurants throughout the entire county. Utilize the interactive map, city sorter feature, and search bar near the top of the page to accurately narrow down your options per area. Searches to include East County should include: Montesano, Elma and McCleary. Be sure to call ahead for reservations and hours.

Attend an Event

While summer is the busiest time of year, fall is also a great time to attend a local event. Get geared up for a date night out or family fun day at events, including car shows, brew fests, outdoor recreation events and much more. For more information on Grays Harbor events, head to our event calendar. Sort events per city by typing in the search bar “Elma” “Montesano” McCleary” etc.

This original content is produced by Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. and sponsored by Grays Harbor County Tourism.