Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden – Portland, Oregon
After a delicious breakfast at the Waffle Window we headed over to the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. It was a short drive and only took us about 15 minutes to get there. On the way we passed by Reed College and did a quick drive around to look at the buildings. It was a nice campus but we had better things to do so headed across the street to the gardens. The garden had a very small parking lot which I’m sure gets full during the peak season. There is an admission fee Wednesdays through Sundays, March 1st through August 31st of $5.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Waterfall
A beautiful little waterfall immediately after entering Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.
As soon as we entered the garden we took a quick glance around and headed to the left. If you read my review of Ramona Falls you would know that I absolutely love waterfalls. I was not disappointed to find a small one straight ahead almost as soon as you enter. After taking some photos and looking around this small area we headed underneath a bridge. The waterfall lead into a stream that proceeded under the bridge and into a small lake.
So Many Ducks
There were many ducks hanging around the gardens enjoying a nice swim.
The small lake was filled with tons of ducks taking a nice swim. I love seeing animals in a natural habitat outside of zoos. The ducks there are certainly accustomed to having humans around and they are not afraid to come right up to you.
Crystal Springs Lake.
We walked around the lake some and then took a gravel path away. It was a beautiful garden, well laid out with some areas to rest and enjoy the view. We went in the middle of September and a lot of the flower were not in bloom. Even not in bloom, the garden was very beautiful. Walking through the garden some and we came out to the Crystal Springs Lake. In the lake there were some more ducks and across the lake you can see some golfers at the Eastmoreland Golf Course.
Wedding Set-up In Progress
As we were walking around we saw a giant canopy being set-up in a cleared out area. I don’t mean the canopy’s you take to sporting events that can be taken down in 5 minutes. The canopy looked amazing and had a couple of chandeliers being added to it. As we were walking around, we pondered what could be going on. Our questions were soon answered as we saw a sign saying private wedding taking place. I would have loved to stay around and see how nice the area looked after being set-up but didn’t want to invade the same.
Come back another time
While the walk around the garden was a nice stroll and change of paced from the hiking we had been doing, it was definitely not bloom season. I’m glad the gardens offer free admission while not in bloom as I would have been very disappointed paying for it. From the photos I’ve seen of the place when it is in bloom, I would love to pay the gardens another visit.
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