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There's no doubt that train travel is the perfect way to experience fall’s iconic beauty—whether it’s a local jaunt on forest-lined tracks or a dramatic cross-country trek, fall foliage aficionados will love the comfort, freedom, and scenic beauty that makes train treks an oh-so-special way to experience autumn.
And for lovers of the Pacific Northwest, the picturesque Amtrak Cascades route is one of the best ways to sit back and bask in fall’s most dramatic scenery. The newly restored round-trip route from Seattle to Vancouver is truly a sight to behold. Complete with numerous stops along the way and convenient bus travel that makes exploring a snap, this epic route is one of the season’s most memorable train rides for leaf-peeping and fab fall fun.
About The Seattle To Vancouver Cascades Route
With its return this autumn, the Amtrak Cascades route has become one of the best ways to experience the Pacific Northwest's best fall foliage.
With multiple stops along the way, riders can depart at their leisure on this customizable train trek that meanders its way north from Seattle all the way to Vancouver, British Columbia.
Stay for the round-trip, or depart and explore with this flexible (and incredibly scenic) trip that is undoubtedly one of the best in the west.
- The Route: One round-trip route between Seattle and Vancouver (other trip options are available)
- Travel Times: Departure from Seattle at 7:45 AM, arrival in Vancouver 11:45 AM; southbound bus departs Vancouver at 6 PM and arrives back in Seattle at approximately 10:10 PM. See the full daily schedule here
- Fares: Adult fares start at $110/person for coach and $283/person for business. Senior and Military fares receive 10% off; Children (2-12) receive 50% off per full adult fare; Children (under two) are free
- Food And Beverage Service: Yes
- Additional Info: Daily bus service is available between Seattle, Everett, Mount Vernon, and Bellingham, with additional bus routes now available to Vancouver
Leaf-Peeping, Seattle-Style
The early morning boarding time in Seattle makes it a little difficult to explore the city’s best fall foliage spots—though there will be plenty of bright, vividly-hued scenery available from the train.
However, those looking to arrive in the Emerald City the day before will have their choice of stunning spots to explore throughout the city and the surrounding area.
- Washington Park Arboretum
- Seward Park
- Green Lake
- Cedar River Trail
The Edmonds And Everett Experience
After Seattle, the Cascades travels through beautiful Edmonds, a tucked away town nestled along the state’s scenic Puget Sound, before heading to the scenic waterfront city of Everett, backed by the dramatic Olympic Mountains.
Explore Edmonds
A walkable, waterfront town known for its artistic vibes and historic streets, Edmonds is a great place to grab an early morning bite and enjoy some of WA’s friendliest vibes.
- Yost Park
- Mathay-Bollinger Park
- Red Twig Bakery and Café
- Scarecrow Festival (October 24-November 1)
Explore Everett
Waterfront vibes abound in this Puget Sound city known for its neighborhood vibes and pleasant, ocean climes.
- Hauge Homestead Park
- Green Lantern Park Trail
- Annual Wild Mushroom Show (October 23)
- Bargreen’s Coffee Co.
A Stanwood Stop, Mt. Vernon Charm, And Bellingham Beauty
Fabulous fall foliage abounds as riders continue north on the Cascades route, and many of the counties surrounding Puget Sound are known for their riotous color that lasts throughout October.
Expect brightly-hued backdrops set against evergreen forests with snow-capped mountains towering in the background—along with a parade of fun station stops just waiting to be explored.
Explore Stanwood
A North Country gem full of Scandinavian heritage and stunning natural scenery, the small-town vibes of Stanwood are definitely worth a look.
- Camano State Park
- Kayak Point
- Stanwood Hotel & Saloon
Explore Mt. Vernon
Known for its family-friendly vibes, top wineries, and famous tulip displays, the Skagit Valley gem of Mt. Vernon is a charming spot to soak up those WA fall vibes.
- The Harvest at Skagit Acres (weekends throughout October)
- Little Mountain Park
- Bay View State Park
Explore Bellingham
Known for its sweeping scenery and outdoor recreation, the Whatcom County town of Bellingham is full of sightseeing opportunities galore—and an idyllic autumn stop.
- Lake Padden Park
- Whatcom Falls Park
- Sehome Hill Arboretum
- Chuckanut Bay Distillery (southbound stop)
Love Those Vancouver Vibes
The final stop on the northbound Cascades route, Vancouver is a vibrant and bustling B.C. destination where riders will be spending most of the day before heading back to Seattle.
Bask in the area’s fall colors that are at their brightest throughout October, all while soaking up the city’s eclectic vibes and sumptuous scenery dotted with gold, scarlet, and beautiful bronze hues.
- Stanley Park
- Granville Island
- Queen Elizabeth Park
- Burnaby Mountain Park
- Explore Kitsilano Beach and dine at Au Comptoir
The newly restored Amtrak Cascades route is the perfect way to experience some of the best fall foliage in the Pacific Northwest.
And planning an itinerary couldn’t be easier: with numerous stops along the way (both north and southbound) and a number of bus routes for easy town hopping, travelers will bask in the bucolic beauty of some of Washington’s prettiest towns and cities; ending with a day in the beautiful B.C. heart of Vancouver.