Fall color arrives in Portland forests, with peak foliage to come

The maple trees in Tryon Creek State Natural Area had just begun to change color Tuesday afternoon, speckling the verdant forest with hues of pale yellow and vibrant orange.

It was among the first signs of fall color in Portland's forests, as peak foliage is expected to arrive this week.

With temperatures in the 60s, it didn't necessarily feel like fall at the state park, found on the southwest edge of town. Hikers wandering the many crisscrossing trails, which meander along and over the trickling tributaries of Tryon Creek, were dressed in athleisure over flannel, with nary a beanie in sight.

Still, light rains this week have dampened the forest, leaving droplets lingering on sword ferns, the tips of vine maple leaves curling toward the ground. Cooler temperatures Thursday and Friday may bring that refreshing crisp fall air (as well as snow in the Cascade Mountains ), but by the weekend, warmer afternoons will return.

In Tryon Creek, as well as Portland's other forests, that may mean fall hikes in T-shirts –and maybe an iced pumpkin spice latte while you're at it.

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- Jamie Hale covers travel and the outdoors and co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast . Reach him at 503-294-4077, or .