Spring Flowers Salem, Oregon
Spring in Oregon can bring lots of rain, and that means we get amazing spring flowers! They make a beautiful backdrop for portraits, and they’re beautiful to just walk through and enjoy. Here are 4 cant-miss locations with spring flowers in Salem, Oregon you need to see with your family.
Cherry Blossoms at the Oregon State Capitol
There are several places to see cherry blossoms in and around Salem, but my favorite is the Oregon Capitol State Park across from the Oregon State Capitol Building. It’s in downtown Salem, so parking is free on the weekends but be prepared to pay the meter during the week. The cherry trees bloom in late March or early April. You can look up the Oregon State Capitol Facebook page to find the bloom to watch for peak bloom.
The 3rd Saturday in March is Cherry Blossoms Day at the capitol. From 11-3 they have free activities and performances for the public. Since it’s a Saturday, parking is free.
Bush Pasture Park also has some lovely cherry trees, but nothing beats the pathways lined with trees snowing down petals at the capitol. If you prefer fewer people, though, Bush Pasture may be your preference.
Adleman Peony Garden, Salem, OR
The Adleman Peony Garden is also in Salem. It’s one of the largest peony nurseries in the US, and it’s gardens are gorgeous. They’re open to the public during the peony blooming season (usually late April to early June). You can purchase plants or cut flowers, and as of the time I’m writing this, entrance is free. Besides the peony fields, there’s also a lovely display garden in front of the flower shop.
Schriener’s Iris Garden, Salem, Oregon
Just down the road from Adleman’s Peony Garden is Shriener’s Iris Garden. This gorgeous garden is family owned and features 150 acres of iris. It’s the largest Iris Garden in the United States.
At the time I’m writing this, entrance is $5-$10 depending on the day and whether you purchase your ticket online or at the door. Be sure to check their website for the most up to date information. During blooming season, they’re open to the public 9 am – 6 pm rain or shine. Last admission is 5:30. They also offer early bird hours from 7-9 am if you want to catch the best light for photography (like I do!) or just enjoy the gardens when they’re a little quieter. The gift shop isn’t open during early bird hours. At the gift shop, you can purchase either cut flowers or potted iris.
The 2024 bloom event is May 10-31. Tickets are available starting the end of March. Again, be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon
OK, so this one is in Woodburn, not Salem, but it’s close and so perfect I had to include it.
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is an annual event celebrating the beauty of tulips (and Oregon!). It takes place at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn from late March to early May. Exact dates can vary each year depending when the tulips bloom. Check the festival’s official website for the most up-to-date information.
The festival showcases rolling fields of over 100 varieties of colorful tulips. Visitors can walk through the field, and it is stunning.
There’s also a children’s play area and food to purchase on site. Tickets need to be purchased in advance on the website.
Spring Flowers in Salem, OR
Oregon is gorgeous, and I feel so lucky to live here and enjoy what it has to offer. These four fields of spring flowers near Salem, OR are so peaceful to walk through with your family, and they’re a gorgeous backdrop for portraits. If you’d like to schedule your spring family portrait session at one of these locations, reach out today. I’d love to work with you. But even if you’re not having family photos taken, I hope you’ll take your family and enjoy these beautiful flowers.
Want some fun indoor activities for a rainy spring day? Check out this blog post on museums near Salem, Oregon. Four Super Fun Children’s Museums Near Salem, OR (jenwhitephoto.com)
Interested in booking a session with me? Reach out today. I’d love to chat! Send Me A Message (jenwhitephoto.com)
Want something else to do outdoors with the family? Here’s a couple blog posts about family-friendly hikes you may enjoy. Kid Friendly Hikes Near Albany, OR (jenwhitephoto.com)
7 Awesome Kid Friendly Hikes in Corvallis Your Family Will Love (jenwhitephoto.com)
