15+ FUN Spring Activities in Portland, Oregon (Local's Guide)

If you’re like me, by the time the dreaded grey season comes to a close you’re basically desperate for fun things to do in Spring in Portland.

Spring in Portland doesn’t always mean abundant sunshine – that typically rolls in towards the end of May – but it does mean less grey, beautiful blooms, and a very welcome rebirth.

The promise of warmer (and longer) days, picnics in the park, bright Saturday mornings at an outdoor cafe, and city streets adorned with blushing trees are all Portland spring activities that I pine for in the “bleak midwinter”. It’s not hard to see why so many locals eagerly welcome spring in Portland with arms wide open.

In this quick post I’ll go over what to expect in spring in Portland and more importantly some fun things to do in Portland in spring to look forward to!

Portland Spring Weather

Portland’s spring weather makes a subtle (and very welcome) entrance mid-March and lingers thru May. The average temperatures range from 55 to 65 and the famous adage of April showers holds true. Don your coziest fall sweater in the mornings and evenings until and you’ll fit right in.

Does it rain in Portland in the spring?

Yes, the spring season in Portland is pleasant, albeit wet — average rainfall is 2″ – 4″ per month. Regardless, Portlanders wait ALL year to get outside (nature is a big perk of living here), so you’ll find us outside come hell or high water (and at this point, I don’t know which is more likely).

Things to Do in Portland in the Spring

(Click here for the table of contents)

Table of Contents: Portland Spring Activities

Portland Spring Weather
Things to Do in Portland in the Spring
Spring Activities Near Portland
- 16. Go Wine Tasting in the Gorge
- 17. Whale watching at the Oregon Coast
Map of Things to Do in Portland in Spring
Spring in Portland (Post Summary)

There’s no shortage of things to do in Portland any time of year, but spring adds an extra ounce of beauty the other seasons can’t compare with.

I mean, sure – fall in Portland stunning, but I’ll take delicate flowers and spring blooms any day of the week! Plus, summer is just around the corner and winter feels ages away, does it get any better than that? Read on for some great things to do in Portland in the spring.

1. Catch the cherry blossoms at Tom McCall Waterfront Park

The arrival of the cherry blossoms is has to be my favorite Spring activity in Portland. It’s both symbolic of the coming warm season and so spectacular in and of itself.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park is beloved by both locals and visitors alike for good reason. To see the Portland’s incredible cherry blossoms, you’ll want to head toward the Steel Bridge. This area is technically called the “Japanese American Historical Plaza at Tom McCall Waterfront Park” but Portlanders simply call it Waterfront Park.

The 100 Akebono cherry trees that line the waterfront were gifted by the Japanese Grain Importers Association in 1990. This spot gets very busy during the spring season so make sure to go early if you want photos without crowds.

Take a lovely stroll along the Willamette River and take in the views of all the bridges that give Portland the unofficial title of Bridge City.

2. Visit the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

If you dream of frolicking through never-ending fields of tulips, you can’t afford to miss the ultimate Portland spring experience — the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival!

Every year, like clockwork, my husband and I make the 45-minute drive from Portland, Oregon and arrive at the doorstep of this beautiful farm.

To make the most of your visit, try to visit the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival during peak bloom. Exact peak times vary from year to year, but, generally speaking – the first few weeks of April are a safe bet.

And whatever you do be sure to arrive early in the morning when they open to beat the wild crowds and huge car lineups.

sipping some of the best coffee in the portland rose garden

3. Stop and smell the roses

The International Rose Test Garden (or as local’s call it – the rose garden) is not only the largest rose garden in America, but it’s also the longest running public rose garden in the country, and one of my favorite things to do in Portland in the spring.

This impressive garden houses 10,000+ rose bushes (over 650 varieties) and is completely free for the public to enjoy, so take advantage!

For peak blooms I’d recommend visiting the International Rose Test Garden in early June – mid July. You can find blooms here in late May but the show really gets going in June

The history of the Portland Rose Garden is my favorite part of the visit, make sure to read about it here: Local’s Guide to the Portland Rose Garden

Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205

You might also be interested in: 30+ Fun Free Things to Do in Portland

4. Visit the Japanese Garden

Visiting Japan during sakura (cherry blossom season) is a bucket-list item on many traveler’s lists (for good reason). If you can’t make it to Japan this year, the Portland Japanese Garden is the next best thing!

Few know that Portland’s Japanese Garden is often referred to as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan – reason alone to visit. This garden has something beautiful to offer every season of the year, but there’s something exceptionally beautiful about springtime.

Not only is this a great spring activity in Portland, but also a great Portland rainy day activity. The rain really brings out the vibrant colors of the garden and the sound is magical.

5. Experience the PSU Farmers Market

Ah, one of my personal favorite ways to start a Saturday morning in Portland during the spring. Pick up some fresh fruits and veggies, stroll around aimlessly, or grab breakfast at the PSU Farmers Market (the Pine State Biscuit stand has a line a mile long for good reason). If nothing else, just go to explore!

This is yet another thing to do in Portland in the spring that reminds me of living a European lifestyle — picking up fresh, local and seasonal fruits and veggies to kickstart the week!

While the PSU market is my personal favorite, there’s a number of other great Portland farmers markets you should check out as well.

The PSU Farmers Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine.

Address: 1803 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97201.

things to do in spring in portland — Wearing the perfect spring dress | Things to Do in Portland in the spring

6. Visit Adelman Peony Gardens

While technically about a 45 minute drive from downtown, visiting the Adelman Peony Gardens has become a Portland spring tradition for us.

With 30 acres dedicated to growing peonies, Adelman is a working flower farm that sells bulbs to the public. However, two acres of the garden are completely fair game to explore. Peak bloom typically occurs around Memorial Day weekend.

Picnics are encouraged because Adelman Peony Garden doesn’t currently have food available on site. Outdoor food and drinks are completely fair game!

Also worth mentioning, the farm also sells fresh cut flowers and potted peonies to take home.

things to do in spring in Portland Oregon

7. Enjoy Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Of the many places that transform during spring in Portland, the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is one of the ones I look forward to visiting the most. This place is a sight to behold generally speaking, but the spring season is when this park really shines.

The pops of colors are absolutely delightful with magnolias, forsythia, rhododendrons, and all sorts of other spring blooms. There’s 7 acres for visitors to explore. The best time to visit is April and May, when the flowers hit peak bloom.

Lilac Garden during spring in Portland Duniway Park

8. Visit the Duniway Park Lilac Garden

The Duniway Park Lilac Garden is a lovely piece of Portland in the spring because it’s tucked into a serene green space that completely removes you from the hustle and bustle of the city.

This is a local gem that is seldom shared. Lilacs remind me of my mom, so this garden has a very special place in my heart. The Duniway Park lilac garden has 225 lilac plants with more than 125 varieties. One clear standout is the large Japanese Lilac Tree that blooms in June.

Best time to visit for lilacs: Late April to early May

9. Have a sip of spring (beer festivals)

It’s no secret that Portland is home to a number of amazing beer festivals. Of these, several of the best happen in Portland during the spring. Of those, two stand out.

Sip of Spring (April)

Located in NE Portland, Sip of Spring is a beloved beer festival in Portland hosted at the charming Rossi Farms. Celebrate the changing of the season (spring, winter is over!) amounts friends while sipping innovative brews from local brewers.

The event takes place rain or shine, so dress appropriately. Don’t stress if rain is in the forecast, this Portland beer festival takes place under the cover of the barn (bring warm layers).

Portland Beer Week (June)

For many locals, Portland Beer Week is the most highly-anticipated beer festival in Portland. A 10-day celebration of local beer, who could resist?

This Portland beer festival features over 100 events and takes place at various locations city wide. The events span the gamut, from beer tastings, full-fledged festivals, food + beer pairings and taproom takeovers, you’re bound to be impressed.

10. Take part in the Portland Rose Festival

For more than 100 years, the Portland Rose Festival has been one of the top activities to take part in during spring in Portland. So much so that in 2020 it was finally recognized as Portland’s Official Festival.

The festival takes place in May & June every year and features a number of events including fireworks, runs, boat races, fleet week, parades, float building, treasure hunts, and the queen’s coronation.

Personally, the parade is my favorite part full of beautiful and fun floats that start in Washington Park and go all the way to Lloyd Center.

11. Take a hike in Forest Park or Washington Park

What better way to enjoy spring in Portland than up close and personal with a hike? Head toward Forest Park (the largest urban park in America) and pick from any of the 80+ miles of trails. If you’ve never been, I recommend hiking to the Witch’s Castle!

Or, if you’d prefer another option – I suggest hiking at Hoyt Arboretum in Washington Park. The varieties of spring blooms at Hoyt Arboretum include Shogetsu and Shirofugen cherry trees. Since they bloom later in the season than other blossom trees, the best time to visit is mid-April!

Another one of my favorite hikes at Hoyt Arboretum is the Redwood Trail Loop because it takes you along a trail peppered with majestic redwoods.

Check out my article for a full list of the best hikes in Portland.

12. Picnic at Mt. Tabor Park

Here’s a cool fact – Portland is one of only two American cities with an extinct volcano within city limits. The view of downtown Portland from Mt. Tabor is incredible, especially during the spring (and summer) months.

Grab some friends and bike over to Mt. Tabor for a picnic during the warm summer months. Or pick up a pizza from Apizza Scholls, considered one of the best pizza places in Portland.

This is one of the best places to observe how the progress of the trees filling in their leaves in all of Portland in the spring.

13. Explore the Lan Su Chinese Garden

The Lan Su Chinese Garden is lovely, especially during spring in Portland. You won’t find cherry blossoms here, but you will be impressed by blooming magnolias, orchids, daphne and camellias.

Oh, but the indulgent spring fragrance of daphne is reason alone to visit! They also have an exquisite tea room where you can spend a slow afternoon admiring the beauty of the garden.

Best time to visit: Early March

14. Visit some plant shops

Spring in Portland means all my little pretties are starting to wake up and think about growing new leaves! I don’t know about you but plants are an absolute necessity and I’m not one of the folks who brags about their ability to kill plants.

Indoor greenery is key to surviving winter in Portland and to thrive generally speaking. Plus plants bring me so much joy.

All this is to say, in terms of things to do in Portland in spring, visiting all my favorite Portland plant shops is high on the list. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new friend to take home!

A couple of my favorites include Solabee & Pistils Nursery.

15. Get a new (or used) book at Powell’s Books

The bookworm in me invites the bookworm in you to visit Powell’s Books this spring in Portland.

Located in the trendy Pearl District and spanning a full city block, Powell’s Books is the largest independent bookstore in the entire world.

Housing approximately one million books and spans 4 floors, there’s no shortage of helpful spring inspiration. If you haven’t already, pop into the Gold Room to see the rarest and most expensive books.

Fun fact: The most expensive book at Powell’s is an 1814 copy of the Lewis & Clark Journal which includes Captain Lewis’ map safely tucked between the pages. The price? $350,000.

Location: 1005 W. Burnside, Portland, OR

Read: Local’s Guide to Powell’s Books

Spring Activities Near Portland

16. Go Wine Tasting in the Gorge

Does it require a 45-minute drive? Sure. Is it worth it? Absolutely! I must admit, it took my far too long to discover the magical world of Oregon wines but now I’m hooked. In fact, during the summer of 2020, my husband and I made an effort to visit all the wineries in Hood River.

The result? This quick list of the 10 best wineries in Hood River.

But back to wine — there’s nothing better than sipping away all stress and responsibility with a chilled glass of chardonnay on a Saturday afternoon in the springtime.

That’s why I can’t recommend a day trip to the wineries of the Columbia River Gorge enough — you’re going to love it.

17. Whale watching at the Oregon Coast

The Oregon coast is renowned for whale watching year-round, but the winter and spring months is when these beauties really shine. Visiting in late March will increase your chance of seeing whales.

I remember going with my family every spring from Portland to the coast to see the whales. It’s a great activity with kids because you can pick a prominent spot along the coastline and have everyone do their best trying to spot flukes and spouts!

I wrote all about whale watching at the Oregon Coast in case you’re interested!

Map of Things to Do in Portland in Spring

Spring in Portland (Post Summary)

Cherry blossoms at Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Visit the Portland Japanese Garden
Visit the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Explore the Lan Su Chinese Garden
Hit the trails!
Smell the roses at the Rose Garden
Explore the Duniway Park Lilac Garden
Visit the PSU Farmers Market
Visit the Portland Saturday Market
Portland Rose Festival
Picnic at Mt. Tabor Park
Visit the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Check out some plant shops
Get a book from Powell’s
Visit a winery in the Columbia River Gorge
Go whale watching at the coast

And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed this quick list of things you can do in (and near) Portland in the spring. Feel free to reach out with questions!

Until next time,
Antonina