Fall Colors Tracker
Track the Progress
Fall Colors Update
Updated on September 14, 2026, 2:38 pm
The fall colors of Portland Japanese Garden’s landscape have become increasingly noticeable this week, with reds, yellows, and oranges starting to appear across the maples and other deciduous trees. While factors like temperature, light, and water all affect the onset and duration of fall colors, one can expect to start to see the transformation become more noticeable in the coming weeks, giving guests a a magical look at some of Portland’s best fall foliage. See you next week for our next fall colors update!
Portland Japanese Garden in Autumn
A Season of Stunning Transformation
In Japan, the transition of seasons is revered for their impermanence. The fleeting nature of Japanese maples reaching peak color only heightens the anticipation of fall. In a part of the world better known for its year-round greenery, once a year, the Pacific Northwest comes to life with exquisite tone and texture. Throughout this season, Portland Japanese Garden is active as the lush, full, and matured trees from the summer transform into their autumn splendor, revealing brilliant shades of red and gold. Simply put, when fall hits Portland Japanese Garden, it is absolutely stunning.
Fall at Every Stage
Discover The Garden's Beauty All Season
First Color
What You Will See
Early red, orange, and gold leaves appearing among mostly green trees, with delicate seasonal changes in moss, pathways, and water views.
Garden Highlights
Early maple color, peaceful pond reflections, layered greens, and the first autumn accents near pathways and viewpoints.
See the Season Transform
Color Building
What You Will See
Increasing red, orange, yellow, and bronze foliage, with many trees still transitioning toward fuller color.
Garden Highlights
Maples gaining color, textured plantings, warm accents around bridges and paths, and shifting views across the Garden.
See the Season Transform
Vibrant Fall
What You Will See
Bold red, orange, and gold foliage throughout key areas of the Garden, with rich contrast against evergreen plantings and stone.
Garden Highlights
Bright maple canopies, colorful framed views, pond reflections, and strong contrast between fall foliage and evergreen structure.
See the Season Transform
Peak Color
What You Will See
The fullest range of red, orange, gold, and bronze foliage, with many trees showing their most intense seasonal color.
Garden Highlights
Peak maple color, vibrant pond and bridge views, dramatic layered landscapes, and standout photo moments throughout the Garden.
See the Season Transform
Late Fall
What You Will See
Lingering fall color, deeper bronze and russet tones, fallen leaves, open branch structure, and softer views throughout the Garden.
Garden Highlights
Late maple color, leaf-covered paths, moss and stone details, peaceful water views, and the Garden’s transition toward winter.
See the Season Transform
Hours & Admission
Plan Your Fall Visit
Wednesday's Hours
10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Member Hours: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Admission
$22.50
Adult Ticket Price - Additional Pricing Available
Hours Schedule
- Today 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Thursday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Friday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Saturday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Sunday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Monday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Tuesday Closed
Pays for itself in about 2-3 visits
Come Prepared
Visitation Tips
Softer morning light makes colors glow, and you’ll find fewer people in your frame. Members get early morning access to the garden.
Members can enjoy the Garden during special Member Hours, offering a quieter time to explore and photograph the fall colors. Fewer visitors and softer morning light can make it easier to capture peaceful landscapes, architectural details, reflections, and vibrant autumn scenes.
Wear layers and sturdy shoes for comfort, and tuck a small lens cloth in your bag to keep your camera ready in any weather.
Member hours provide a calmer setting for composing shots with fewer visitors in your frame.
Fall colors change daily; a Membership lets you return again and again to experience every stage of the season.
Photography Membership
Advance Your Photography with Exclusive Access
Are you looking to sell your photographs of the Portland Japanese Garden? Our Photographer Membership is tailored specifically for both professional and amateur photographers.
- Access to special Photographer Member hours, providing a quieter environment with fewer visitors
- Permission to sell photographs of the Garden for commercial, advertising, or promotional purposes
- Additional membership benefits
Capture the Shot
Photography Tips
Midday light can beautifully backlight Japanese maples, making the leaves glow from within. Cloudy weather and the hours after rain can be just as rewarding, bringing out richer color, stronger saturation, and reflections throughout the Garden.
Tripods can help you capture stable images of waterfalls, streams, and iconic views like “The” Tree. Day-use tripod tags are available at the Welcome Center, while a Photography Membership includes tripod privileges every time you visit.
Photography Members have access to special Photography Member Hours, offering dedicated time to photograph the Garden in quieter conditions. The softer light and reduced foot traffic can make it easier to compose wide views, architectural scenes, and detailed fall photographs.
Ponds, wet stone, and water basins can add another layer of fall color to your images. After rain, look for reflections of maples and surrounding foliage in the water or along damp pathways.
Waterfalls and streams can create beautiful contrast against vibrant fall foliage. Experiment with a slower shutter speed to soften moving water and create a more atmospheric image. Photography Members can use their tripod privileges to explore longer exposures throughout the Garden.
Fall photography does not have to focus only on sweeping views. Look for individual maple leaves, moss-covered stones, water droplets, lanterns, textures, and smaller moments of color that help tell the story of the season.
Learn More
See Why Portland Japanese Garden Is a Fall Favorite
Autumn Highlights
Explore the Best of Fall Across The Garden
Entry Garden
Strolling Pond Garden
Flat Garden/Pavilion Gallery
"The Tree"
Natural Garden/Sand & Stone Garden
Frequently Asked Questions
Factors like temperature, light, and water all affect the onset and duration of fall colors. Typically, you can start to see the transformation throughout the month of October through early November.
“The” Tree is a maple tree on the northern end of the Strolling Pond Garden. Among the many trees donated to Portland Japanese Garden throughout its history, “The” Tree became a beloved subject of photographers from all around the world when a Portland resident, physician Fred An, won a merit award from National Geographic for his shot of it in peak fall glory. Another image of “The” Tree was featured in an exhibition in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. Ever since, visitors and photographers alike have traveled great distances to see “The” Tree in-person. We ask that all guests be respectful of others and limit the amount of time spent at “The” Tree and avoid blocking it or the path leading to the occasion when the Garden experiences a sunny autumn day, the sun typically back lights “The” Tree in late morning and through mid-afternoon.
Typically, we see fall color from mid-to-late October to early November. Planning a trip within this time frame should provide some fall color, but we cannot predict when peak color will be or what exactly the foliage will be like at any given time. If possible, plan a longer trip and visit often so you can experience changes over time.
We are honored that professionals and amateurs alike find inspiration at Portland Japanese Garden. To keep the Garden an accessible and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please be considerate when photographing our landscape by following these policies: Please do not block garden views, pathways, or elements for extended periods. The Garden does not allow portrait photography (e.g., engagement, wedding, graduation, or headshot photos). There is a $10.00/person charge for using a tripod for anyone who is not a Garden Member.
Planning a road trip to admire fall foliage in the Pacific Northwest? Find your guides for local or regional fall-focused excursions here:
Ticket(s) to Membership
Upgrade Your Visit
Apply your daily admission tickets to a Membership. Visit us on-site, complete the process online, or call (503) 796-9180 within seven days of your visit.
Book Your Visit
Select a day to purchase daily admission tickets.
Daily tickets are available to purchase up to 10 days in advance.