It’s tiiiiime! If you’ve been out and about in the city lately, you’ve seen them: fluffy and pale pink, lightly dusting the ground in a delicate, lacy blanket. We’re talking about the cherry blossoms. A harbinger of spring, viewing these small, showy blooms is a time-honored tradition around the world, including right here in Portland. Here are the seven best spots to view these beauties.
Pro tip: Be kind to the trees! We all want to capture that perfect cherry blossom photo, but tugging on the branches, clipping or pulling off the flowers can be harmful to the trees. It’s also considered disrespectful in certain cultures.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Japanese American Historical Plaza
When the cherry trees bloom in Tom McCall Waterfront Park, it’s truly a sight to behold. Grab your kid and your camera and head out to the downtown waterfront for views of the Willamette with pink and white cherry blossoms falling around you. Late March to early April are the best times to go. Pro tip: Expect crowds! Naito Parkway between SW Harrison St. and NW Glisan St.
Happy Valley Library
Yes, the cherry blossoms along Tom McCall Waterfront Park are spectacular, but if you are looking for a more low-key cherry blossom photo op, head to the Happy Valley Library. Pro tip: There’s a playground right there, too! Mid-March to April. 13793 SE Sieben Park Way, Happy Valley.
Portland Japanese Garden
Every season brings new delights to the Portland Japanese Garden. When the cherry trees are in bloom, though, the garden is simply breathtaking. The season for cherry blossoms is typically late March to early April. Check the website for admission prices and hours. 611 SW Kingston Ave.
Pro tip: While you’re visiting the Portland Japanese Garden, don’t miss checking out more blooms in Washington Park; you can spot cherry blossoms at the International Rose Test Garden as well as the park’s tennis courts.
Pittock Mansion
Speaking of Washington Park, while we all know and love the grounds at Pittock Mansion for proffering one of the best spots to take in the city skyline, the area also boasts some of the city’s oldest cherry blossom trees (they are more than 100 years old!). 3229 NW Pittock Drive.
Laurelhurst Park
Laurelhurst Park is home to several cherry blossom trees, and other delightful spring blooms. Go on a blossom scavenger hunt with the kids, or bring a picnic to enjoy. Either way, everyone will be treated to cherry blossoms, and they’ll get the wiggles out! Northwest corner of SE César E. Chávez Blvd. and Stark Street.
Mt. Tabor Park
Another kid-friendly park — playgrounds, paved trails and picnic tables — Mt. Tabor Park is a perennial Portland favorite to spot the blooming cherry blossoms. SE 60th Avenue and Salmon Street.
University of Portland
A surprising spot to take in these spring time blooms is the quad at the University of Portland in North Portland. The blooming trees provide a tranquil backdrop to a beautifully classic collage campus.
Even MORE Cherry Blossoms
If you can’t get enough cherry blossoms, we also recommend checking out these spots in the greater Portland area:
- Tualatin High School
- 53rd Community Park in Hillsboro
- Orchard Park in Hillsboro
- Downtown Lake Oswego
Want to take in even more of the seasons’ blooms? Here are more great spots to peep spring in action. And for families that want to hike to see the blooms, check out these five wildflower hikes.