Where To See Spring Wildflowers In Mt. Hood Territory

Fields of electric blue and purple are the stars of this 22.5-acre preserve. While its beauty shines year-round with more than 300 plant species, April and early May are when camas flowers explode with color.

Owned by The Nature Conservancy, the preserve offers flora and fauna tours weekends throughout the spring, all guided by volunteer naturalists. Guides are happy to tell you more about their focus on protecting Oregon white oaks and wildflowers. Note: Please keep pets at home to protect the sensitive wildlife.

After Hike Tip: The preserve is just a five-minute drive from Historic Willamette Main Street. Enjoy a fresh pressed juice or local gelato at Para Juice Bar and savor the Moroccan chicken salad from Lark Café. Later in the day, head over to the Ale and Cider House inhabiting the old Willamette General Store. In the back, Queen Orchard produces expertly crafted hard cider and fruit blended wine from local ingredients.

Photo credit: Instagram user @ajhalliday

Wilsonville’s 250-acre Graham Oaks Nature Park was once inhabited by the Kalapuya Tribe. Acorns from the oak trees were a primary food source of theirs. Before the park’s 2010 opening, volunteers helped restore the area to the Kalapuya vision of a verdant oak savannah.

Wildflowers on view in the spring include meadow checkermallow, Pacific bleeding hearts and trillium. The park is also a wetland mecca for birds, such as the white-breasted nuthatch, red-necked grebe, Western bluebird and finches. Much of the park is wheelchair accessible, but some trails offer a higher level of challenge.

After Hike Tip: After you’ve worked through your wildflower and birding checklist, stop by Lux Sucre for a sweet treat. Their desserts are as mouthwatering as their new retail space is bright and beautiful. Tip: Selfies at the pink phone booth are obligatory for Instagrammers looking for some great content.

Photo credit: Instagram user @dmoran4

Enjoy thoughtfully laid-out trails along the Wild and Scenic Salmon River at Wildwood in Welches. Take the walking bridge over the Salmon River to the Wetlands Trail, an ADA- accessible, 0.75-mile wooden boardwalk, complete with two viewing platforms. You'll find wildflowers like water lilies and Western skunk cabbage blooming in the spring. (With their distinctive smell and alien pod looks, they seem out of this world.)

After Hike Tip: To refuel afterwards, Skyway Bar and Grill and Koya Kitchen offer two of the most whimsical covered and open garden patios in the area. The mac and cheese at Skyway is a local favorite, and Koya’s sake selection will keep you warm on cooler spring days. For an equally beautiful interior, visit Chicali Cantina for made-to-order guacamole, a salsa flight and big portions. Fun tip: Check to see if the monkey light fixture above the bar is on. If so, they’re offering a drink special.

Canemah Bluff Nature Park is a scenic park that offers panoramic views over the Willamette River before winding through dense forest. It's a true refuge in every sense of the word, you're moments from Oregon's first city, Oregon City, yet it feels as if you're miles deep in secluded woods. The park is always beautiful, but spring brings explosions of color when camas, lilies, larkspur and other wildflowers bloom. Keep an eye out for a wide array of song birds and birds of prey as well, as many species call the park home.

After Hike Tip: Once you've had your fill, recharge at Corner 14, Oregon City's first food cart pod. The selection here is incredible, with a veritable UN of international cuisines represented. Just across the street is Oregon City Brewing Company. OC Brewing opened in 2014 and quickly became an institution with their great craft beers, family-friendly atmosphere and they now offer food carts as well. 

Experience tranquility amidst the urban buzz at Boardman Wetlands Nature Park. This 5.8-acre oasis in Jennings Lodge boasts a scenic 1,500-foot boardwalk winding through a diverse wetland ecosystem. Capture stunning wetland vistas from designated overlooks and admire the tall stalks of pink flowers in the spring. There's also a nature play area for kids, designed with natural elements for interactive fun.

After Hike Tip: Pop over to the nearby charming downtown Milwaukie for great sights, bites and shops. If you happen to be there on a Sunday, check out the lively Milwaukie Sunday Farmers Market, which runs from May through October.

After the winter snow melts, the ridgelines at Table Rock Wilderness in Molalla come alive with colorful flowers in the spring and throughout the summer. Notably you'll find crowds of rhododendron on many of the upper slopes. This steep and rugged terrain boasts a quiet forest of Douglas fir and western hemlock, with noble fir at higher elevations. At the top, soak in amazing views of the entire Cascade Range.

After Hike Tip: Swing by the The Prairie House Inn for a tasty brunch or lunch and a delicious, organic Cowboy Coffee.