Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Chuckanut Drive
Peak fall color is predicted around October 28. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 23 to November 2.
- Predicted peak
- October 28
- Best window
- October 23 – November 2
- Confidence range
- ±5 days
- Color season
- September 15 – November 17
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 Skagit County and across Washington.
Fall color at Chuckanut Drive begins as early as September 15 in some spots and continues through November 17 in others — a 63-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 Chuckanut Drive
Under 30 minutes
30 to 60 minutes
1 to 2 hours
- Mountain Loop Highway51 mi · 1 hr 12 minPeak: Oct 21Status: Peak color
- Green Lake Park70 mi · 1 hr 29 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Washington Park Arboretum (Seattle)74 mi · 1 hr 35 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Peak color
- Bellevue Botanical Garden76 mi · 1 hr 36 minPeak: Oct 26Status: Fading
- Seattle Japanese Garden, Washington74 mi · 1 hr 36 minPeak: Nov 1Status: Peak color
- Discovery Park76 mi · 1 hr 47 minPeak: Oct 28Status: Peak color
- Kubota Garden84 mi · 1 hr 48 minPeak: Oct 23Status: Peak color