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10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Portland

10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Portland

Even though Portland’s cherry blossoms have a short blooming season, it’s still mesmerizing when you catch them at the right moment.

The blooming season in the city lasts just a couple of weeks each spring after they bloom but before a heavy rain storm knocks all the blossoms off the trees. Depending on the year, cherry blossom season runs from early to mid-March through early April. 

So, here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Portland, and everything you need to learn about them.

1. Cherry Blossoms at Waterfront Park

The Japanese American Historical Plaza, which is located at the northern end of Tom McCall Waterfront Park, is the best place in Portland to view cherry blossoms. You might even fancy bringing your pet with you and teaching dog tricks as you wait.

You can easily shoot between the rows of cherry blossoms for a tree tunnel effect because they are neatly arranged in this location. But between the Burnside Bridge and the Steel Bridge is really where you can find the best cherry blossoms.

However, during the season, this very popular location is also extremely crowded. 

So be prepared for it to be busy, with lots of photoshoots happening around. That’s why the best time to visit is in the early morning.

Address:  98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR

Best time to visit: Early to mid-March to early April 
Hours and admission: Daily: 5:00 AM – 12:00 MN. Admission is free.

2. Hoyt Arboretum

Do not worry if you miss the city’s cherry blossom season. Portland is large enough to provide a variety of options, including Hoyt Arboretum, which blooms late.

This arboretum, of course, is a great place to find all kinds of trees, including cherry trees. And this one has 60 late-blooming Shirofugen Cherry Blossoms. 

However, Hoyt Arboretum isn’t as popular as the other cherry blossom spots in the city; hence, you won’t have to deal with a crowd. The cherry trees at Hoyt Arboretum can be found on the Wildwood Trail near the east water tank.

Address: 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR

Best time to visit: mid-April to May
Hours and admission: Daily: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Admission is free.

3. Laurelhurst Park

Since it is surrounded by neighborhoods, Laurelhurst Park is a popular park among locals. With picnic tables, playgrounds, and other amenities, it is undoubtedly an ideal location for a family picnic, long walks, morning runs, and even quick exercises.

A variety of blooming flowers, including cherry blossoms and rhododendron, can be found across the street from the playground. The best place to see cherry blossoms is along the park’s perimeter.

Address: 3700 SE Oak St, Portland, OR

Best time to visit: mid-March to early April
Hours and admission: Daily: 5:00 AM – 10:30 PM. Admission is free.

4. Portland Japanese Gardens

Portland Japanese Gardens

The Portland Japanese Garden is another stunning location for cherry blossoms. They take pride in being the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. 

If you can’t make it to Japan during Sakura (cherry blossom season), the Portland Japanese Garden has you covered. It’s truly an ideal space to set up your camera and take stunning photos of the cherry blossom. 

While the cherry blossoms aren’t as spectacular here as in other parts of town (due to a lack of cherry trees), the architecture is fascinating. 

The best time to visit for cherry blossoms is in the spring or fall. But what’s great about it is that it’s beautiful all year round because it includes another excellent view of the city.

Address:  611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR

Best time to visit: April

Hours and admission: Current hours is Thurs to Mon: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM, closed Tues & Wed

(Hours change throughout the year). Admission fee is $18.95.

5. Pittock Mansion

The cherry blossoms in this location are quite dramatic, with the backdrop of Pittock Mansion and Mount Hood in the distance. When you personally experience the blooms in this spot, you will undoubtedly feel the need to be emotional.

Pittock, on the other hand, does not have a large collection of cherry trees. Depending on the weather, these blossoms also open later than those at Waterfront Park. 

Plus there are other activities available here, such as getting one of the best views of the city from the Mansion.

Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR

Best time to visit: April
Hours and admission: Daily: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (hours for the grounds). Admission is free.

6. Mt. Tabor Park

Mt. Tabor not only has the best views in town, but it also has cherry blossoms scattered throughout the park. It’s quite lowkey, but this is the kind of place where you can do some hanami (cherry blossom viewing party).

Similar to Laurelhurst Park and other neighborhood parks, cherry trees in Mt. Tabor Park can be found near the Upper Reservoir, which can be accessed from Salmon St.

Address: SE 60th Ave & Salmon St, Portland, OR

Best time to visit:  mid-April to May
Hours and admission: Daily: 5:00 AM – Midnight. Admission is free.

7. University of Portland Campus

The University of Portland’s North Portland campus is surrounded by beautiful cherry trees. You should be able to find them if you head towards the massive bell tower.

Every spring, a vibrant canopy display of flowering cherry trees adorns the campus, bursting forth from Waldschmidt to Tyson, Orrico to Shipstad Halls. You’ll like a short walk here if you’re looking for lawn care ideas since the place is well preserved. 

After the winter months, these flowering trees, carefully maintained by a dedicated grounds crew, appear to the delight of viewers.

Address:  5000 N Willamette Blvd, Portland, OR

Best time to visit: mid-March to early-April
Hours and admission: Admission is free, but the campus is currently closed to non-students.

8. Washington Park

Washington Park

This is one of the most underappreciated places to see beautiful cherry blossoms in Portland. It’s like an underrated massage service that will turn out to be one of your favorites in the future – memorable and always feels like the first time. 

Washington Park, which is the city’s signature park, provides a beautiful and photogenic backdrop of fresh cherry blossoms. This 400-acre park also contains over 2,000 additional tree species and approximately 10,000 roses.

Address: 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR

Best time to visit: mid-March to early April
Hours and admission: Daily: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Admission is free.

9. Duniway Park Lilac Garden

While Duniway Park is well-known for its magnificent lilac collection, it also has some outstanding sakura trees. During peak season, cherry blossoms usually bloom and fill the air with an alluring aroma.

The Portland Garden Club has now pledged to make this garden one of the “premier gardens in the Northwest.” So it goes without saying that you will have a great time here.

Address: 1500 Southwest 1st Avenue, Suite 760, Portland, OR

Best time to visit: Late April to early May
Hours and admission: Daily: 5:00 AM – 12:00 MN. Admission is free.

10. Lan Su Chinese Garden

The Lan Su Chinese Garden, a collaboration between Portland and Suzhou, aims to promote and preserve Chinese culture. 

Along with the cherry blossoms in the garden, you will come to appreciate the 2000-year legacy of art, architecture, and design that has contributed to this park’s being named one of Portland’s 12 greatest cherry blossom treasures.

While in the area, you can also participate in other activities such as Explore with the Dragonfish, Lost Treasure Hunt, and Plant Spotlight.

Address: 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR

Best time to visit: mid-March to early-April
Hours and admission: Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Closed Wednesdays. Admission fee is $12.95.

Catching cherry blossoms can be tricky everywhere since it still depends on the weather. In Portland, there are a lot of great spots you can enjoy during cherry blossom season, plus any other natural scenery. 

But if you missed it, don’t hesitate to schedule your next trip for the upcoming year with the help of this article.

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