MAP: Here's where fall foliage is peaking around the Pacific Northwest right now

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Trees are starting to turn and the peak of Portland's fall foliage is just weeks away.

Shorter days and longer nights will continue to cool temperatures and increase Portland's fall foliage over the next few weeks. Autumn colors are expected to near peak by the final few days of October into the first few days of November in Portland.

However, fall colors are well underway in Oregon and Washington's high country. It's the big leaf maples and vine maples that are the real showstoppers in the Pacific Northwest's mountainous areas. The pops of yellow, orange, and red these trees provide make for a great contrast among the lush evergreens.

Elevations above 5,000' are already leaning into past peak conditions as the threat of snow begins to increase. Mt. Hood has already seen a few light dustings of snow. The snow threat quickly puts an end to the autumn season in the mountains.

Oregon's wide range of terrain and microclimates makes finding the perfect spot to see fall tricky. The 'Explore Fall' organization makes it easier to find the perfect place and time to go leaf peeping with this interactive fall foliage tool.

Fall foliage doesn't usually peak along the Willamette Valley until later in the season due to warmer conditions and a wider range of tree varieties. Some of the trees that are currently at peak fall foliage are the silver and red sunset maples variety. Ash trees are another tree variety that is at peak this week along with many other smaller-leaf maples in the Willamette Valley. Sweet-gum trees are also starting to show signs of changing colors along the Willamette Valley.

Maples are some of the most vibrant trees to change color here in the Pacific Northwest. The Portland Japanese Garden is already keeping close tabs on the garden's fall foliage with a LIVE tracking system.

Even though some of these trees will be bare in the next few weeks, the more widespread color pop will end the month of October and start the month of November.