Where to Find Blooms around Portland

Have you seen them yet? The little pops of color coming out of soggy patches of soil? We have! And we are so excited for these initial signs of spring. Below you’ll find some of our favorite places to see spring blooms.

Pro tip: Before you head out, check the organization’s or location’s social media feeds (if possible) to see if flowers are currently blooming. Exact timing will change yearly.

Crystal Spring Rhododendron Garden. This garden is lovely no matter the season. But it’s at its most spectacular when the rhododendrons bloom. Rhododendrons and azaleas start to bloom as early as February, with the peak in April and May. Admission $5, free for children 10 and younger. Free on Mondays. 5801 SE 28^th Ave.

International Rose Test Garden. Located in Washington Park, this garden has over 7000 rose plants of over 500 varieties. Roses usually start blooming in April, with a peak in June—but you can see them all the way until October. Free guided tours are available from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, daily at 1:00 pm. 400 SW Kingston Ave.

Looking for other great spots to smell the roses? Check out Ladd Circle Rose Garden (May) or Peninsula Park (June). Don’t forget to stop at the playground on your way out! Pittock Mansion is another great spot for roses, and the grounds are free to visit.

The Oregon Garden. Come March, the air at The Oregon Garden is sweet with hyacinth. You’ll also find Oregon grape, crocuses, Japanese Andromeda, daffodils, rhododendrons, star magnolia, and many more. So many lovely colors and smells! Check the website for their latest opening schedule. Admission ranges from $2-$8, children 4 and under are free. 879 W. Main St., Silverton OR

Tryon Creek. If you’ve been to Tryon Creek in the spring, you’re familiar with the trillium. These three-leaved, native white flowers are absolutely everywhere, and gorgeous to view. Their peak time is in April, which is also generally when Tryon Creek has its annual Trillium Festival. 1131 SW Terwilliger Blvd.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. It’s the Portland-area’s favorite photo op! Rows and rows (and rows and rows) of tulips of every color line the fields. There are also lots of fun activities to keep the kids happy, including carnival rides, bouncy slides, and more. The event usually runs from the end of March through the end of April. Check the website for prices, and some activities will have additional charges. Online reservations required. Prices are typically $30 per person. Ages 12 and under are free. Dogs welcome! 33814 S. Meridian Rd., Woodburn, OR.

Holland America Flowers. Want to see tulips for free? Head to Holland America Flowers. They have two fields of tulips, one of which is a U-Pick, both of which are free to visit. Check their website and Facebook page for bloom updates. 1066 S. Pekin Road, Woodland, WA.

Portland Japanese Garden. Every season brings new delights to this traditional 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.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Speaking of photo ops and cherry blossoms… when the cherry trees bloom in downtown Portland, 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. 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. There’s a playground right there, too! Mid-March to April. 13793 SE Sieben Park Way, Happy Valley.

Lan Su Chinese Garden. The smell of this authentic Chinese garden in spring is heavenly. In early March, the garden starts to really bloom, with magnolia, orchid and camellias. See admission prices here. 293 NW Everett St.

Laurelhurst Park. Cross the street from the playground to explore the blooms and animals at Laurelhurst Park. You’ll find rhododendron, cherry blossoms and other blooming trees, baby ducklings and—if you’re lucky—even some baby turtles. SE 39^th and Stark St.

Adelman Peony Gardens. Who doesn’t love the showy, frilly petals on peonies? Romp through 25 acres of the gorgeous flowers at Adelman Peony Gardens in Salem. Pro tip: They usually host a special event for Mother’s Day. May 1 to June 15. 5690 Brooklake Rd. NE, Salem.

Also check out Northwest Wildflowers Bloom Map for even more spots of natural color.

Our readers also recommend these spots for cherry blossoms:
Orchard Park in Hillsboro
Tualatin High School
Downtown Lake Oswego
Mt. Tabor Park
The International Rose Test Garden
53rd Community Park in Hillsboro