For photogenic locations and also simple enjoyment, it’s helpful to know what areas to find different wild flowers in your own city.
This is a list of places and times of year to find certain flowers around Portland Oregon in Spring and Summer.
A note: I have linked the websites to the locations mentioned when applicable, and I always recommend checking their information before you go, as peak blooming weeks can vary from year to year.
March - Cherry Blossoms
Winter might be ending after all! In March you will find daffodils popping up all over neighborhoods, and beautiful blossoming trees like Magnolias, but in Portland the emphasis is on cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms are loved for their beauty and they also only last a few weeks so many people try to enjoy them while they can. They can be found all over neighborhoods in the Portland area at this time, and there are, of course, the famous cherry blossoms all along the Portland Waterfront.
Peak bloom is usually around the last week in March.
April - Tulips, Rhododendrons
In April, there is usually still a week or two of cherry blossom enjoyment left. This is also when Tulips begin to bloom. People flock to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, OR, to enjoy fields filled with rows and rows of tulips in any imaginable color. April is also a great month to visit Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, especially at the peak of blooms in late April.
Peak bloom is usually mid-late April.
May- Peonies, Gorge Wildflowers
May is when many peak bloom times intersect to create what I have dubbed “flower explosion”!
This month also brings one of my personal favorites: peonies! At Adelman Peony Garden in Salem, OR, there are rows and rows of gorgeous giant peony blossoms. You can also walk around manicured garden to view other flowers grown by the Adelman family. The family garden is especially gorgeous, with unique flowers and varieties such as yellow lupines. I highly recommend this destination, admission is free and you can visit the gift shop to purchase some blooms to take home or tubers to plant in your own garden.
Another May milestone is the entire Columbia River Gorge blooming with wildflowers. Popular trails to enjoy the flowers are Dog Mountain, Mosier Plateau, and Mosier Creek. You can explore these trails and enjoy the blooms, but remember that picking the wildflowers is not permitted. It’s also important to stay on the trails to ensure you aren’t damaging the roots of the flowers.
May is also a good month to visit the Wooden Shoe tulip farm. Depending on the year, peak bloom usually happens in early May. Rhododendrons are also still typically going strong in May.
Peak blooms happen all month!
June - Roses
When I think of June, I think of roses, and Portland is known for being the City of Roses for good reason. The International Rose Test Garden is a stunning rose destination with many little pockets to find a quiet space among a busy downtown area. It’s truly a haven.
Another excellent rose viewing destination is Peninsula Park. This park has many rose gardens and also a huge, stunning fountain and gazebo.
Some lavender also begins blooming this month, with many farm destinations along the Columbia River Gorge.
July - Lavender
Lavender really explodes in July. As mentioned before there are numerous farm options in the Columbia River Gorge. I recommend checking the website and social media of the farm you are planning to visit because many of them plan makers markets and special Events in July. I personally love Hood River Lavender Farm, and am looking forward to visiting some of the other options in the future.
July is also a month of true wild flowers. Queen Anne’s Lace and Chicory are some of the really common wild flowers that blossom in July. These can be found growing wild along the road side and in fields. Sunny creek areas are also likely spots to find these blooms. Since these flowers are so wild, I don’t have many private recommendations to find them but but I do recommend visiting Mary S. Young State Park in West Linn, OR. It’s a diverse outdoor destination right on the Willamette River with thick tree lined paths and some meadows sprinkled along your way down to the water.
Peak bloom is usually late June through July.
August - Sunflowers
Sunflowers are some of my favorites so I really love this time of year! There are lots of options in the areas surrounding Portland. My favorite places to visit for sunflower Season are Yesteryear Farms in Wilsonville, and West Union Gardens in Hillsboro, OR.
Peak Blooms are generally mid-August through September.
September - Dahlias
Swan Island Dahlias in Canby, OR has a yearly festival. It’s very fun, you can see the rows of rainbow Dahlia varieties, get a snack at a food cart, shop in their huge gift shop, and wander a manicured garden to get ideas of where to plant dahlias in your own garden. On weekends they also have live music, and there are a variety of classes offered throughout the month. Check their website for specific classes and dates as they vary.
I hope this helps you discover something new in Portland! All of these locations are suitable for photography so if you would like a photographer to come with you, let me know. I would be more than happy to show you around and get some professional photos for you while you explore our beautiful state!