Cherry Blossoms in Portland 2025

Both locals and tourists await spring cherry blossoms in Portland with anticipation—and for a good reason. This incredible spectacle indicates that the days become longer, the weather warmer, and the nights shorter. Yes, nobody can get enough of this natural display.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Portland to enjoy cherry blossoms is between mid-March and mid-April. However, as a general rule of thumb, the blooming period is quite short, so consider it when planning your trip.

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms

In addition to Tom McCall Waterfront Park, several other spots in Portland showcase beautiful cherry blossoms. Washington Park offers expansive natural landscapes, with cherry blossoms gracing the area around the tennis courts. Laurelhurst Park is another charming location, perfect for picnicking and unwinding beneath the blossoms. For more blooms, Hoyt Arboretum is open daily, inviting visitors to enjoy its vibrant collection of cherry trees.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

The most stunning destination for cherry blossoms in Portland is Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The Japanese American Historical Plaza, located near the Steel Bridge, is particularly captivating with its flowering cherry trees.

Dedicated in 1990, the Plaza honors Japanese American history in the Pacific Northwest and serves as a memorial to the 120,000 Japanese Americans forcibly relocated to internment camps during World War II. It also celebrates Portland's connection with its sister city, Sapporo, Japan. The site features 100 ornamental cherry trees that burst into bloom each spring.

The most breathtaking concentration of cherry blossoms stretches between the Burnside Bridge and the Steel Bridge. While this iconic spot draws large crowds during peak season, visiting early in the morning ensures a more tranquil experience at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Washington Park

Washington Park in Portland spans an impressive 410 acres (165 ha) of stunning natural landscapes, with cherry blossoms gracing various corners of the park. Among these picturesque settings, the area near the tennis courts stands out as one of the most enchanting spots to admire the seasonal bloom.

The park is open to all without any admission fee, making it an ideal place to lay down a blanket, bring along your favorite snacks, and immerse yourself in nature's beauty. For those who prefer a more structured setup, picnic tables are conveniently placed throughout the park, and public restrooms are available at several key locations, including the Rose Garden Plaza, the Holocaust Memorial, the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center, and TriMet Plaza.

Beyond its natural charm, Washington Park is a cultural and recreational hub, housing iconic attractions such as the Portland Japanese Garden, the Hoyt Arboretum, and the International Rose Test Garden.

To make exploring the park more convenient, the Washington Park Free Shuttle Loop provides year-round service, offering visitors a seamless way to navigate its expansive grounds. From April to September, the shuttle operates daily between 9:30 am and 7 pm, with pick-ups every 15 to 30 minutes. During the quieter months of October to March, the shuttle runs from 10 am to 4 pm, maintaining the same frequency. Note that the shuttle does not operate on Christmas Day.

Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden is another stunning destination that offers beauty year-round. Designed to highlight nature's elegance in every season, this serene space is enchanting no matter when you visit. In spring, fresh greenery and delicate blossoms take center stage. Cherry blossoms make a fleeting but magical appearance in late March, followed by vibrant late-spring blooms like azaleas, camellias, and wisteria.

The park is open to the public from Wednesday through Monday (except Tuesday) from 10 am to 3:30 pm. The ticket price ranges from $15.95 to $21.95. Children aged five and under can enter for free.

Hoyt Arboretum

Portland is a city abundant with beautiful locations for experiencing nature's wonders, even during the late-blooming season, and Hoyt Arboretum is one of the finest examples. Nestled within the expansive Washington Park, Hoyt Arboretum is situated just two miles from downtown Portland, making it easily accessible by car, public transit, walking, or biking. Unlike the more popular and often crowded Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Hoyt Arboretum offers a quieter setting, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat. You can find cherry trees between Wildwood Trail and Hawthorn Trail.

Established in 1928 with the mission to conserve endangered species and educate the community, Hoyt Arboretum spans 190 ridge-top acres and features 12 miles of scenic hiking trails. This lush sanctuary is home to an impressive collection of 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents, providing an ever-changing landscape of beauty and serenity throughout the year.

For the best experience, a visit to Hoyt Arboretum is recommended during April or early May, when the park is at its most vibrant. With the schedule from 5 am to 10 pm, the Arboretum welcomes visitors free of charge, allowing everyone to explore its breathtaking natural landscapes without restriction.

Laurelhurst Park

Located just north of Portland's Belmont neighborhood, Laurelhurst Park is a picturesque 31-acre retreat that stands out as one of the city's most charming escapes. This beautifully designed park offers something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for picnics with family, leisurely walks, or invigorating morning runs.

The park is home to a serene pond, restrooms, picnic tables, playgrounds, sports courts, a football field, and a designated dog area, all set amidst a lush landscape that comes alive with vibrant cherry blossoms in spring. The best place to admire these blossoms is along the outer edges of the park, which holds the distinction of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Open daily from 5 am to 10:30 pm, Laurelhurst Park provides year-round enjoyment for visitors. During the summer months, from June to August, the park becomes even more vibrant as it hosts family-friendly events as part of the Summer Free for All program, a citywide initiative featuring free concerts, movies, and other delightful activities.