From AR to PNWNP

I am planning a trip to your area this year. Would someone be so kind as to inform me the best time of year to come? Waterfalls, landscape and outdoor scenery are my interests. Thank you. Dottie

I would say sometime in early to mid may is the best time to visit. That is when the moss and plants turn nice and green, especially in the Columbia gorge where there are a lot of waterfalls. Mid to end of October is also nice because of the fall colors.

Thank you Erik!

Depending on what and where, a lot of the year can be pretty nice. Winter for snow (except this year) and if you're lucky coastal sunsets, April for the eastern gorge, June for the higher gorge areas like Dog Mt. and the coastal flowers, early July for Mt. St. Helens type elevations, and Late July and early August for the high mountains like Hood and Rainier, and Octoberish for fall color. But, I agree with Erik that it is hard to beat the gorge in May.

I'm also coming to visit in the 2nd half of May. Planning on a northern Oregon coast and CRG trip for the most part then maybe a trip up to North Cascades for a few days. If anyone is available I'd welcome some company for a day or two!

I really like October for fall color, coast views and because the higher Cascade mountain areas are still generally accessible (at least early in the month). But overall I agree with others here that May gets the nod for best month. Waterfalls, Gorge, coast and valleys are all beautiful.