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”Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a beautiful place to visit in the Portland area. The gardens are located on 80 acres and were designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm, designing New York’s Central Park. There are more than 4,000 rhododendrons of 200 varieties, and they bloom from early April through late June. The best time to visit is when they are in bloom during the spring.
The garden features a variety of trails and paths that wander around picturesque ponds and waterfalls. These include an arboretum with 150 species along a one-mile loop trail. There are also many other types of plants throughout the gardens that you can enjoy while taking a peaceful stroll.
History of Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden was first established in the early 1900s by William L. Steel and his wife, Frances. The garden is located on a property once known as the “Crystal Springs Dairy Farm.” In 1918, Mr. Steel donated the land to Portland to develop it into a public park. The Olmsted Brothers firm was hired to design the gardens, and they started work in 1919 by laying out roads, trails and planting trees where necessary. In 1928, Portland Parks Commissioner George W. Ingram developed an additional plan for small garden areas designed around pools of water with rustic bridges crossing them.
In 1995, the garden was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the garden is maintained by Portland Parks & Recreation and is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
Facts About Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
There are over 200 varieties of rhododendrons in the garden.
In 1918, William L. Steel donated 80 acres to Portland with the condition that it would be developed into a public park.
The Olmsted Brothers design firm was hired to create Crystal Springs Garden, and they started work on it by laying out roads and trails and planting trees where necessary.
Things to Do at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
There are over 200 varieties of rhododendrons in the garden, so there is something for everyone to see.
The nature trail is an easy two-mile loop around Big and Little Lehigh creeks with rocky outcroppings, where you can enjoy spring wildflowers such as trilliums, trout lilies, and Dutchman’s breeches.
You can also see many different birds, butterflies, and other wildlife in the garden. There is a bird blind where you can sit quietly to observe them without disturbing their habitat. You might be lucky enough to spot great blue herons fishing along the water’s edge or hear the “quink” call of migrating sandhill cranes overhead at dusk.
You can also hike up to the upper garden and see several different water features such as Cascade, Pinnacle, and Pine Tree pools. The trails are mostly flat, so they’re accessible for everyone, including those using wheelchairs or walkers. An enclosed shelter with restrooms to enjoy your lunch before exploring further.
Activities and Events in Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
The Rhododendron Society of Oregon hosts regular shows throughout the year. You can also take a trip on your own or with family and friends to explore Mother Nature’s beauty in this spectacular garden oasis!
Some of the activities and events that happen at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden include:
Annual rhododendron show: typically in late April or early May.
Weekly bird walks: every Saturday and Sunday at 11 am, year-round (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)
Nature trail hike: Saturdays at noon from June through September
Sunset hikes to the upper garden: offered in July and August
Rhododendron walks: offered in June, July, and August
Show of lights: typically in early December
Portland Parks & Recreation offers a variety of classes, including art, music, and dance, at the garden throughout the year. For a full schedule, visit their website.
What Not to Do at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden?
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a stunning destination to visit year-round. There are so many things that you can do at Crystal Springs, and we want to give you some ideas of what not to do! The following content will help you come up with your list:
- Don’t go if it’s raining or snowing.
- Don’t bring your pets (service animals are welcome).
- Don’t leave behind any litter, including food and drink wrappers. There is a trash can in the enclosed shelter to place after use!
- Don’t pick the flowers.
- Don’t damage or disturb any plants, rocks, or wildlife.
What to Bring to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden?
You can find a complete list on Portland Parks & Recreation website, but here’s the gist:
- Bring your camera and binoculars for bird watching. They’ll come in handy!
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is some walking involved around the garden. You might want to bring an umbrella or raincoat if it looks like it might rain during your visit.
- Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the enclosed shelter with restrooms. There are also several benches scattered around the garden where you can sit and take a break.
- If you’re hiking up to the upper garden, bring water and snacks as there is no food or drink available once you start the hike.
Best Times to Go at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
The best time of the year to see rhododendrons is in late April or early May when they are in full bloom! However, you can find beautiful flowers throughout the spring and summer seasons until October (even through November if the weather is mild).
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is open every day from dawn until dusk. So no matter what time you’re free, you can visit!
The gardens are open from mid-February to late December. The admission booth is open from 11:00 am to dusk. Admission is $12 for adults, and children under 17 get in free. There’s a parking fee of $14 per car, or you can take the TriMet bus service there on route 72, starting at Pioneer Courthouse Square downtown Portland.
How to Get to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is located at SE 28th Ave and Taylor St in Portland, OR. It’s easily accessible by car or public transport! There are parking spaces available for cars directly outside the garden entrance. Suppose you’re arriving via the TriMet transit system. The bike lane is also available. There are also bike racks where you can lock up your bike while you enjoy your visit.
City Bus: Close to SE 28th Ave and Taylor St (Stop ID #1367) on the following lines, including MAX red line at SW 19th Ave/Taylor St station : – 15; 45; 74 ; 77; 78; 79
Car: From Downtown Portland – Head east on W Burnside St. Turn left (north) onto SE 28th Ave and continue for about 0.75 miles. The garden will be on the right at SE 28th Ave and Taylor St.
From I-84 – Take exit 18, merge onto Division St./OR-213 heading eastbound. Continue straight onto SE 26th Ave, then turn left (north) onto SE 28th Ave. Continue for about 0.75 miles; the garden will be on your right at the intersection of SE 28th Ave and Taylor St.
From I-205 – Take exit 26A toward Barbur Blvd/OR-99E/Tigard/US-26 E . Merge onto OR-99W/US-26 E and continue for about 11 miles. Take the exit toward Division St./OR-213. Turn right (south) onto SE 26th Ave, then turn left (east) onto SE 28th Ave. The garden will be on the right at SE 28th Ave and Taylor St.
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