Fall Adventures In Ogden Valley 2023

With refreshingly crisp evenings and the gorgeous displays of fall foliage, it is a fantastic time of year to be an Ogden Valley local (or honorary local). In this guide, we share our list of 10 fun fall adventures in Ogden Valley. For many in Huntsville, Eden, and Liberty, it is their very favorite season and will likely become yours as well.

1. PICNIC IN THE COLORS

There are many great picnic spots located throughout the Valley including North Fork Park, Huntsville Park, Eden Park, and Liberty Park. One spot you may not know about is up on Powder Mountain, between Paper Airplane Trail and Woody’s Trail. Here among the vibrant gold-colored aspens and towering pines, you’ll find a deck that’s a perfect place to enjoy a picnic with friends, family, or a romantic date.

Need ideas for what to pack in that picnic basket? Bring a thermos of chili or pumpkin soup, turkey-cranberry-cream cheese wraps, apple-feta salad, mini pumpkin cheesecakes or pecan pie bars, and apple cider.

2. PROVE YOUR METAL

The Ragnar Forge isn’t just a cool-looking, historic building in Eden; it’s a fully functioning blacksmith shop—and a fantastic place to hang out on a chilly autumn day! Traditional blacksmith Aaron Richardson invites guests to tour the shop and to watch him work Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at working with metal, you can take a class here (1 or 2 people 18 or older, or younger if with a parent) for $50/hour per person. If you’ve already taken the class and want to use the tools and forge, it’s $40/hour. Register online at www.ragnarforge.com or call 801-830-8370. Ragnar Forge is located across the street from Eden Park, 2145 North 5500 East, in Eden.

3. SAY CHEESE!

With Ogden Valley’s colorful foliage, majestic mountains, and beautiful lake, the fall is the perfect time to have outdoor family photos taken. These incredible vistas create a backdrop like no other. You might even see a family of deer or moose in the distance, making your outing even more meaningful for your family.

4. STARGAZE

Visit HALO (Huntsville Astronomic and Lunar Observatory) for a Starwalk Tour or Ogden Valley Planet Tour. They have a 16-inch telescope for astrophotography and multiple telescopes for visual astronomy.

Fall is one of the best times to stargaze. The sky is often clearer and there are fewer bugs. It’s a chance to see the last of the summer stars and the first chance to see winter stars. 

5. TEX MEX

Carlos & Harley’s has been serving authentic Tex-Mex in Ogden Valley since 2009. There is nothing like elevated comfort food when the air starts to turn cooler. Located in the charming and historic building that was formerly the Eden General Store, the recent renovations and Chef Luis’s menu updates are sure to impress!

6. SNOWWIESEN AT SNOWBASIN

Pull out your lederhosen or dirndl for Snowbasin’s fall festival, which is in full swing in its base area on Sundays from September 3 to October 8 at 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. This popular celebration, inspired by Munich, Germany’s Oktoberfest, presents live music, activities, contests such as Masskrugstemmen (stein holding competitions) and Hammerschlagen (hammering nails into a stump), lip-smacking German food, and refreshing beer.

With aims to achieve the Bavarian sense of gemutlichkeit—the universal language of friendliness, coziness, and good cheer, it is a wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful fall day in the mountains. Check out https://www.snowbasin.com/events/detail/snowwiesn-oktoberfest-ft-three-on-the-tree for more info.

7. GO (SEE THE) FISH!

Have you ever experienced the Kokanee salmon run at Causey Reservoir? Every September and October, thousands of salmon swim up the South Fork of the Ogden River to lay their eggs.

There are three ways to best experience the local salmon run. First, and reportedly the best way, is to cross the dam and then canoe, kayak or SUP to see them. Second, you can hike Skull Creek Trail. It’s a popular and moderately difficult hike of about 2.5 miles from the Skull Creek Canyon parking area. Lastly, you can sometimes see some salmon by driving to the tributary on the north side of Causey Reservoir. Drive to Causey but instead of going over the dam keep left and head up Wheat Grass Canyon on a dirt road. Park near a smaller dam and take a short jaunt down the creek.

Whichever way you choose to go, make sure not to disturb the fish or their precious eggs. The salmon run is quite a sight to behold, and sure to become a beloved tradition for the whole family!

8. TIPI TIME

Honoring Ogden Valley’s Indigenous Peoples heritage and bringing their tradition of gathering to the present day, Compass Rose, a boutique hotel in Huntsville Town, proudly offers two tipis in which to gather. Created for an authentic look and feel by the same people who made the tipis in the movie, “Dances With Wolves,” one is called “Four Directions” and has a stars theme, the other is called “Chasing Horses,” featuring a horse theme.

Each holds 8-10 people and comes with chairs, pillows, blankets, and heaters to keep you cozy on chilly autumn days and evenings, as well as smudge sticks and fire pits lit outside. These tipis provide fun and unique settings for book club or wine clubs, family or friend get-togethers, dates, birthday parties—you name it! You can rent a tipi for $55/hour on weekdays and $65/hour on weekends and holidays. (Tip: First Lift Coffee also sells s’mores packets so you can make ooey-gooey treats while in your tipi!) Visit www.compassroselodge.com or call (385) 279-4460 to reserve your tipi.

9. WHAT’S SUP?

With its cooler temperatures, brightly colored foliage, and fewer people on the water, fall is a wonderful time to paddle board. Many can attest that paddle boarding (also known as “SUP,” short for “stand-up paddleboard”) is one of the best ways to get some mountain fresh air and some low-impact cardio exercise too! What a relaxing and unique way to take in the changing colors.

Whether you’ve already discovered a love for SUP or want to give it a try for the first time, it’s a great way to explore Pineview or Causey Reservoir. This fall, you can rent SUP, canoes, and kayaks at several shops, including: Ogden Valley Sports (visit www.ovs.rocks or call 801-410-0403) or ClubRec (visit www.clubrecutah.com or call 801-745-3038).

10. EXPLORE THE MOUNTAIN LUXURY LODGE

Have you had the chance to visit the new Mountain Luxury Lodge? Located at 3632 North Wolf Creek Drive in Eden, it’s been designed with an inviting, mountain modern esthetic that celebrates Ogden Valley’s breathtaking autumnal vistas and the friendly, adventurous, and innovative community that thrives here. Office space and ski lockers can be leased here (call 801-745-8400 for details), and if you want to host a private event, arrangements can be made by dialing 801-745-3194.

Peddlers Cafe and Catering is now open in Mountain Luxury Lodge. The cafe presents fresh and delicious breakfast, lunch, and snack foods and beverages and is open Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite en route to, or on your way home from, Powder Mountain, Wolf Creek Golf Course, or the Club at Wolf Creek Resort, or to connect with friends over smoothies and sandwiches. To peruse the menu or for more information, visit www.peddlerscatering.com or call 385-600-6150.

Plan your next fall adventure in Ogden Valley. View available lodging or reserve an event space.