While we love every season in Oregon, spring may be the best. During this time of the year, the warm weather, longer days, and colorful flowers add a magic to the Beaver State that we simply love. This is the time of year when many individuals head outside to enjoy the natural beauty and the hidden gems that are just waiting to be explored and fortunately, there is plenty to admire. From places like Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach to wine tasting at the many wineries that dot the state, there are countless destinations to enjoy a little sunshine or even visit for spring break. The following are just 15 things to do in Oregon in spring to add to your bucket list. Get ready to fall in love with this delightful time of the year.
Flower Blooms In Oregon
You know spring has officially arrived in Oregon when colorful flower blooms appear. Fortunately, here in the Beaver State, it is easy to find breathtaking flowers, allowing everyone to enjoy seas of color that will inspire and lift their spirits. While there are several incredible flower blooms in Oregon to enjoy, the following are just four destinations you'll want to visit this year.
1. Trillium Bloom at Tryon Creek State Park
Location: Tryon Creek State Park, near Portland, Oregon
Popularity: Can become quite popular
Price: Free
Located near Portland, Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a gorgeous spring destination. With bridges and trails, wildlife, and more, this is the perfect place for an adventure. However, the spring is when this area comes to life as it is home to one of the most well-known trillium blooms in the area. Plan a visit to the Trillium Festival each April and enjoy gorgeous blooms, family-friendly activities, delicious food, and more.
2. Akebono Cherry Tree Bloom at Waterfront Park
Location: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon
Popularity: Popular
Price: Free
Tom McCall Waterfront Park is one of the most popular city parks in Portland and for good reason. There is a long list of amenities in this 36-acre park including a historical site, public art, riverfront views, paths, and, of course, the cherry trees. At the northern end of the park, you will find 100 Akebono cherry blossom trees. Each spring, when these trees are in bloom, it creates the most picturesque sight. Walk among the trees and bring a camera — just don’t delay as these blooms are short lived. This may be one of the best cheap things to do in Oregon in spring.
3. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Location: Portland, Oregon
Popularity: Popular
Price: $5 and children under the age of 10 are free. On Mondays, there is no admission fee.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a beautiful botanical garden in southern Portland that is breathtaking in the spring. During this time of year, you’ll see colorful rhododendron blooms everywhere you look. The flowers typically bloom between February and July and the paths make it easy to walk through the sea of color. Make sure to spend plenty of time at this Portland garden and keep an eye out for wildlife who may also be visiting.
4. Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Location: Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Woodburn, Oregon
Popularity: Very popular
Price: $55 per person, children 12 and under are free.
One of the most popular places in Oregon to view tulips is the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn. This festival takes place from March to May, and you can walk among more than 100 varieties of tulips, have a picnic surrounded by flowers, and even visit the kid’s play area complete with horse swings, a hay bale tent, duck races, and more. There is also delicious food, photo ops, and a tulip market, to create a spring festival in Oregon you won't soon forget.
Botanical Gardens In Oregon
One of the most romantic things to do in Oregon in spring is to take a walk through a botanical garden. While there are several gorgeous gardens scattered around our beautiful state, you'll never regret a visit to one of the following three.
5. Gerdemann Botanic Preserve
Location: Near Yachats, Oregon
Popularity: Not too busy
Price: Free
Gardemann Botanic Preserve may be one of the best road trip stops in Oregon and it is a delightful place to view all types of unusual plants including an impressive collection of magnolia, rhododendron, and camellia species. Spend an afternoon walking along the path that takes you through the garden, along a hillside facing the Pacific Ocean, and to the entrance of the Siuslaw National Forest. Keep in mind that the path is open for public access but takes you through private property so it is crucial you stay on the trail.
6. Hoyt Arboretum
Location: Portland, Oregon
Popularity: Popular
Price: Free
Hoyt Arboretum in Portland is an impressive 190 acres and is filled with more than 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents. There are 12 miles of hiking trails for you to truly immerse yourself in this delightful destination. Stop by the visitor center for suggested walks and then take your time as you explore. You may even want to participate in one of the many events and classes offered. This is one of the best family things to do in Oregon in spring.
7. Owen Rose Garden
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Popularity: Popular
Price: Free
Sitting next to the Willamette River is the beautiful Owen Rose Garden. This 8.5-acre garden is where you can see more than 400 varieties of roses. This Oregon gem features gravel walkways, a gazebo, picnic areas, and more, making it perfect for a day trip. Just don’t forget a camera — you won’t want to forget this spring day trip destination in Eugene.
Parks To Visit In Oregon This Spring
Spring is one of the best times to get outside and explore Oregon. During this time, you can enjoy fresh air, sunshine, greenery, and so much more. While there are numerous parks to visit in Oregon this spring, the following two state parks may be our favorites this time of the year.
8. Silver Falls State Park
Location: Near Silverton, Oregon
Popularity: Popular
Price: $5 for a day-use fee
Silver Falls State Park may be one of the best places to visit in Oregon during the spring. Not only is this state park beautiful, but it’s home to numerous waterfalls that truly roar during the spring months. Plus, there is so much to see and do in this park from hiking to glamping. Plan to spend several days here because you won't want to go home.
9. Shore Acres State Park
Location: Coos Bay, Oregon
Popularity: Popular
Price: $5 parking fee
Be prepared for incredible beauty when you visit Shore Acres State Park. This state park is gorgeous all year long, but it particularly comes to life during the spring months. Not only will you capture breathtaking Oregon Coast views, but this state park is home to a garden where you will find plants from around the world as well as a lily pond.
Spring Hikes In Oregon
Spring is a wonderful time to lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails. You may find incredible trails in the Painted Hills or the Cascade Mountains and there are dozens of incredible spring hikes in Oregon for individuals of varying skill levels. To help narrow down your options, the following are some of the best spring trails in Oregon that we love to recommend year after year.
10. Rowena Plateau Trail
Location: Tom McCall Preserve, Mosier, Oregon
Popularity: Can be quite busy
Price: $5 parking fee
If you wish to view the wildflower bloom in the Columbia River Gorge each spring, the Rowena Plateau Trail is the place to go. This 2.5-mile trail will take you past fields of colorful wildflowers and breathtaking views. The trail is considered quite easy and it is well maintained, making it an ideal hike for beginning hikers. Keep in mind there is no shade so you’ll want to come prepared with plenty of water and the best hiking gear.
11. Toketee Falls Trail
Location: Near Idleyld Park, Oregon
Popularity: Popular
Price: Free
Just a short drive from Crater Lake National Park is one of the best hikes in Oregon — Toketee Falls Trail. This trail is less than one mile long in the Umpqua National Forest, yet it is packed with beauty. You will pass various viewpoints as you come to the breathtaking Toketee Falls, one of the most well-known waterfalls in Oregon.
12. Portland Japanese Garden
Location: Portland, Oregon
Popularity: Popular
Price: $21.95 for adults, $15,95 for children ages 6 to 17, and free for children under the age of 5.
The Portland Japanese Garden is a popular place to visit in the Pacific Northwest in the spring, and rightfully so — it’s beautiful here. While you won’t find a grueling mountain trail here, you’ll find plenty of paths that take you all around the various gardens. And while some garden spaces are accessible, most are inaccessible to wheelchairs and strollers. You’ll still want a good pair of shoes as you explore.
13. Deschutes River Trail
Location: Bend, Oregon
Popularity: Not too busy
Price: Free
The Deschutes River Trail, located in central Oregon, is a well-maintained trail that follows a former railroad grade along the east bank of the Deschutes River. The hike is relatively flat and if you complete the trail in its entirety, you will travel approximately 11 miles one way. While this is a lovely place to explore no matter the seasons, the spring is particularly gorgeous when wildflowers line your route. If hiking, keep an eye out for mountain bikes and others who also want to enjoy this incredible area.
Spring Picnic Spots In Oregon
One of the best free things to do in Oregon in spring is to go on a picnic. While there are parks and gardens all over the state where you can enjoy natural beauty and a delicious meal, some are more memorable than others. If you are looking for someplace a little unique, consider the following two spring picnic spots in Oregon.
14. Multnomah Falls
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Popularity: Very popular
Price: $2 per ticket. Reservations are required.
Multnomah Falls is one of my favorite springtime destinations in the Pacific Northwest. While beautiful year-round, this waterfall is truly spectacular in the spring. Spend some time at the visitor center and gift shop, go for a short hike to the bridge, or just admire the falls from the picnic area. No matter where you are at this picnic destination, it will make you fall in love with Oregon all over again.
15. Whale Watching Center, Depoe Bay
Location: Depoe Bay, Oregon
Popularity: Can be busy
Price: Free.
Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center along the Oregon Coast is not only a fabulous place for a day trip, but it is also one of the best places in the state for whale watching. In the spring, you can visit this seaside station and catch glimpses of gray whales as they travel north to Alaska. And you’ll want to watch closely – they may just have calves in tow. If you visit in March, plan to attend Whale Watch Week, where you never know what extraordinary creatures may swim by.
What other things to do in Oregon in spring would you add to this list? What are some of your favorite fun things to do in Oregon in spring? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments. Make sure to take a look at our collection of spring articles for even more adventure inspiration.
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