Spring is a special time in Portland—after bundling up and slowing down during gray winter months, the arrival of bright pink cherry blossoms is the harbinger of sunnier spring days to come. Throughout mid-March and early April, we’re fortunate that our city here in Oregon is home to a plethora of scenic spots to enjoy these delicate pink and white petals! Whether in the picturesque hills of Washington Park, alongside the Willamette River, or overlooking Portland’s skyline, we’re sharing four places where you can soak in the beauty of cherry blossoms this spring.
Related: Portland Japanese Garden’s Annual Cherry Blossom Tracker
Portland Japanese Garden
Let’s start off in familiar territory! At Portland Japanese Garden, delicate Yoshino and weeping cherry trees are peppered throughout our landscape, providing a gentle pop of pink and white among swaths of verdant foliage. While you’re visiting during this special time of year, don’t miss the bright pink weeping cherry tree located in the Flat Garden! Professor Takuma Tono, the original designer of Portland Japanese Garden, deemed this tree’s blooms so dramatic that there could only be one of its kind within the Garden– and we definitely agree this tree is a showstopper. Peak bloom for our cherry blossoms is typically about a week after the rest of the city, but we recommend checking our cherry blossom tracker regularly to help you plan your visit, or becoming a member so you can visit often and watch the transformation unfold.
Hoyt Arboretum
Located in our shared home of Washington Park, Hoyt Arboretum is known as Portland’s museum of living trees with over 2,300 tree species – including plenty of cherry trees. While exploring the Arboretum’s impressive 12 miles of trails, two different species of cherry blossoms can be found: Yoshino cherries along the Wildwood Trail where it meets the Magnolia Trail, and Shirofugen and Shogetsu cherries between the Wildwood and Hawthorn Trails. The latter two species of cherry blossoms bloom slightly later – in May rather than March – allowing for even more opportunities to appreciate these stunning blossoms during the perfect springtime hike. You can visit Hoyt Arborteum’s spring blossom tracker to stay updated on all their spring blooms!
Related: How to Plan the Perfect Day of Visits to Portland’s Incredible Gardens
Pittock Mansion
Established over a century ago in 1914, Pittock Mansion has some of the oldest cherry blossoms in Portland and one of the best views overlooking the city. In mid-March to early April, picturesque blossoms adorn the pathway to Pittock Mansion’s viewpoint, where you can take in an unparalleled view of the city skyline from 1,000 feet in elevation. Though the view is stunning on its own, the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms makes for an extra-special experience. Visit Pittock Mansion’s website to plan your visit, and check out an exhibition while you’re there!
Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Japanese American Historical Plaza
It’s nearly impossible to miss the Waterfront Park’s cherry blossom season. While walking along the Willamette River or crossing one of Portland’s many bridges, 100 brilliant Akebono cherry trees can be seen lining the waterfront near the Steel Bridge, at the Japanese American Historical Plaza. These trees were gifted to Portland when the Plaza was dedicated in 1990 and draw in crowds of city locals and tourists each year, signaling that spring is soon to come. Typically, the waterfront cherry trees tend to bloom earlier than those in Washington Park, so be sure to check out the Japanese American Museum of Oregon’s Cherry Blossom Watch webpage to stay updated!