Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge
Peak fall color is predicted around October 11. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 6 to October 16.
- Predicted peak
- October 11
- Best window
- October 6 – October 16
- Confidence range
- ±5 days
- Color season
- October 1 – November 4
The prediction comes from 14 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Benton County and across Oregon.
Fall color at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge begins as early as October 1 in some spots and continues through November 4 in others — a 33-day window where you can catch peak color somewhere in the area regardless of when you visit.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge
1 to 2 hours
2 to 3 hours
- Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon99 mi · 2 hr 14 minPeak: Oct 26Status: Fading
- Mt. Tabor Park102 mi · 2 hr 15 minPeak: Oct 25Status: Peak color
- Moulton Falls Regional Park132 mi · 2 hr 59 minWashingtonPeak: Oct 22Status: Fading
- Columbia River Gorge at Cascade Locks141 mi · 3 hrPeak: Oct 27Status: High color