Spring in Oregon is a time when purple and white lupines, red and yellow tulips, and hot-pink rhododendrons dazzle against bright-blue skies. Spring is when you might find yourself on the slopes with an epic amount of powder. It’s when rainbow-hued produce sprouts again at farmers markets across Oregon — and when dozens of bird species and thousands of gray whales make their spring migration.
Make the most of the magical season. Here’s our guide to living your best life in Oregon this spring.
Find Your Favorite Blooms at Oregon’s Flower Gardens and Festivals
Every March or April, from farm to forest, you’ll see a dizzying array of daisies, daffodils and tulips.
Start with a wildflower hike, bring a picnic and take time to slow down and enjoy the experience. See lupine, trillium, balsamroot and other popular species of wildflower on trails across the state — with trails geared toward hikers of all skill and experience levels.
Oregon’s sublime spring offers ample opportunity to cure your flower fever at a festival. Roughly between late March and early May, thousands flock to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival for a classic photo op in 40 acres of tulip beds just outside Woodburn. May and June bring the Portland Rose Festival, a citywide celebration of tradition and Portland’s beloved blooms. Make sure to visit Portland’s International Rose Test Garden, home to more than 10,000 rose bushes, starting in late May or early June for peak color. May is also a lovely time for flowers on the Coast, with the Rhododendron Festival in Florence and the Azalea Festival at Brookings Harbor on the South Coast.
In West Linn, see the most comprehensive collection of clematis within a public garden in North America at the Rogerson Clematis Garden. Also called “Queen of the Vine,” clematis comes in an array of sizes, shapes and colors, and the garden’s winding paths make for a tranquil visit.
Pop Into a Spring Festival for Arts, Outdoors and Other Fun Events
A number of festivals find creative ways to embrace the Oregon outdoors and all that makes spring a magical time.
Bird lovers may find their flock at one of the many spring bird festivals in Oregon, including the Harney County Migratory Bird Festival. It’s also a great time to enjoy a world-class performance at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The long-running festival’s first shows open in March. In Bend the annual Pole Pedal Paddle relay takes place in May and is the ultimate race for all-around adventurers, with six legs that include alpine skiing or snowboarding, biking and other sports.
Try Whale Watching, Wine Tasting and Other Bucket-List Adventures
Many of Oregon’s top experiences can be enjoyed throughout the year, but a few are especially fun in spring.
Bring your binoculars, take a coastal hike, find a viewpoint or book a guided whale-watching trip for Spring Whale Watch Week, which happens as gray whales migrate along Oregon’s 363-mile coastline in late March.
Head south to get a taste of the world-class wines of Southern Oregon’s Rogue, Umpqua and Applegate valleys. There, sunny spring days create picture-perfect patio weather. Near Roseburg, enjoy vineyard views and learn about Spanish grape varieties at Abacela. If you’re closer to Ashland, enjoy the Mediterranean vibe on the chateau patio at Belle Fiore Estate Winery.
For snow enthusiasts, Oregon’s family-friendly mountain resorts offer discounts and deals on spring skiing and snowboarding as conditions allow. In Central Oregon, get your turns in at Mt. Bachelor. The resort typically offers one of the state’s longest seasons, welcoming downhill enthusiasts until late May.
Road biking and mountain biking adventures await as well: Ride all or part of the 36-mile Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway near Cottage Grove, which is flat and paved as it rolls through six historic bridges on many low-traffic roads. Elsewhere around the state, take a test ride on one of Oregon’s iconic rides, such as the 37-mile Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway — which starts in Prineville, breezes through Central Oregon’s farmland and enters a rugged river gorge — and the 33-mile Sherar’s Falls Scenic Bikeway, which starts in Maupin and rolls into the sweeping Tygh Valley. On the South Coast, zip through a coastal forest on the Whiskey Run Mountain Bike Trail, which offers terrain for riders of all skill levels between Coos Bay and Bandon.
No matter your desired activities, it’s helpful to have an expert show you the way. Spring is a perfect time to sign up for a guided tour, from rock climbing and snowshoeing to charter boat fishing, caving, stand-up paddling and fat-biking along the rugged Coast.
If You Go:
- A little planning goes a long way. Read up on how to plan outdoor adventures, which includes information about campground reservations, passes, permits and other helpful resources.
- Springtime weather conditions can vary from hour to hour and throughout the state. Check the weather forecast for your desired destination, and wear layers for maximum comfort.
- If you’re hiking, pack along the Ten Essentials — such as sun protection, first-aid supplies and plenty of water — for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Consider traveling car-free, especially to popular attractions such as Multnomah Falls. Our guide to car-free trips in the Columbia River Gorge will help you get started.
- Since spring has variable weather across the state, check the latest road conditions for possible closures, construction alerts and live traffic webcams.
