72 Microseasons of the Pacific Northwest

Late October through early November brings brilliant scarlet-red fall color to Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) leaves, creating striking displays in the forest understory beneath yellowing bigleaf maples and alders. While dogwood's spring white bracts steal the show in April, the fall leaf color provides an equally dramatic but often-overlooked display. The leaves turn deep red to burgundy, often remaining on the tree longer than many other deciduous species. Simultaneously, the trees display clusters of bright red berries that attract birds and provide important fall food sources. Pacific dogwood occupies moist forest understories throughout the Pacific Northwest, and its layered branching pattern and relatively low stature make the fall colors accessible and visible even from forest trails. The combination of red leaves and red berries against gray November skies creates a final burst of color before winter's monochrome palette dominates.

Pacific oysters in Puget Sound, Willapa Bay, and Netarts Bay reach their best eating quality in cold water—November through March is prime oyster season in the Pacific Northwest, when cold temperatures plump the meat and improve flavor. The chanterelle season extends toward its peak before the first hard frost. Chum salmon fishing is still active in coastal rivers.