The yearly cherry blossom bloom along the waterfront is one of the rare times you'll see a crowd in our city outside of a scheduled event (well, aside from the weekend line-up at your favorite brunch spot or watching the Vaux's swifts roost in the fall). The blossoms are typically their most beautiful around mid-March to early April, but with the unexpectedly warm weather this season, there's a chance for an earlier bloom. Here are some spots to take in the puffy pink magic this year:
The cherry blossoms lining the riverfront at the Japanese American Historical Plaza in Tom McCall Waterfront Park are likely the most popular place to enjoy the bloom. Although crowded, that doesn't mean it's not worth a visit. Did you know the trees were a gift from the Japanese Grain Importers Association back in 1990 to remember those forced into internment camps during World War II?
Cherry blossom trees can be found all around the University of Portland campus, but you'll want to head to the Academic Quad to get an extra special view. The grassy green quad is lined with trees and looks like the perfect place to enjoy a lunch outside this spring.
The cherry blossoms at the Portland Japanese Garden tend to bloom later than those down at the waterfront, due to their higher elevation and forested environment. There is a cost of admission, so check out their regularly updated cherry blossom tracker to see when the best time to visit will be.
