During our 2nd visit to this beautiful city, we pretty much went to almost every neighborhood and quadrant, but we preferred the SE the best...
As mentioned in the previous Portland post, we had some time to kill. We just bought some snacks from An Xuyen and now we were on our way to a garden located near Reed College...
It was still early Spring and from what we experienced at the International Rose Test Garden, we weren't sure if we'd see anything in bloom at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. In any case, we were willing to find out...
There was only one other car in the parking lot besides ours. According to what I read online, there was a $3 entrance fee. However, we noticed no one was in the entrance kiosk so we went on in. I later read the fine print and saw that it was free on Tuesdays (which this day was).
A plaque next to an unusual fountain...
Although not a famed Benson Bubbler, I quite liked the design of this water fountain...
The trees were still barren but the shrubbery and mosses were very green and lush. It looked especially more fresh and verdant since there was still a light mist falling on us. One thing we noticed about the rain in Portland was that it was "gentle" and not as "angry" or "aggressive" as the rain in San Diego. Does that sound crazy or what? But really, the light rain was really inoffensive...Anyhow, this was one of the paths that led to other parts of the garden...
One of the beautiful rhododendron blooms...
So many varieties and colors here. Rhododendrons are known for their large clusters of flowers.
Another path with a stream running nearby.
A tiny waterfall...
Not sure what type of bluebird this was but it's coloring was beautiful.
Another path that was adjacent to Crystal Springs Lake...
It was a really nice way to spend the morning, just wandering through the many paths and looking at the flowers.
I liked the moss covered rocks...
Whoops, looks like someone left their glasses here...
TC was fascinated by the birds here. I'm sure they are used to being fed because everytime they saw us, they would start swimming towards us. But, upon finding out we had no food, would swim away just as fast!
One bad thing about walking across the pathways near the lake were the myriad swarms of tiny insects. We could see them from afar. I felt like I needed to cover my mouth. I didn't even want to breathe as we walked near the lake! It was that bad! I wanted one of those beekeeper outfits so I wouldn't swallow a bug by mistake!
More blooms...
Did know that the rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal?
The garden is 9.49 acres and was once a test garden for rhododendrons and azaleas. Towards later spring and definitely in the summer, this place must look quite lovely with everything in bloom.
More on the garden here:
Official Site
yelp reviews
Park brochure
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
between SE 28th St. and Woodstock Blvd.
Portland, OR
It was time to get going and pick up KDB...
We still had a full day ahead of us!
4 comments:
The gentle rain is why Oregonians never carry umbrellas. It's true!
The last time I was here, I took my nephews and little sister to feed the ducks.
Yes, we noticed the "natives" didn't carry umbrellas.
It looks so lush and green and pretty! Someday I'm going to go to Oregon.
hi mary - you should totally go to portland! and astoria (goonies!)... you and jake would love the food scene here too!
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