Springtime in Oregon: A Magical Awakening

This article appeared in the Spring issue of Girl Camper magazine

Purple lupins paint the hills, waterfalls flow forcefully, and wildlife awaken from their slumber. Springtime in Oregon unveils the beauty of the ninth largest state. With over 300 miles of coastline, soaring snow-capped peaks, remote river gorges, and desert landscapes, Oregon beckons the explorer in all of us.

Fresh seafood, craft beer, and artisan cheese fuel the adventures. Festivals, farmers markets, and warming temperatures make spring the perfect time to visit.

Favorite Festivals

No matter which part of Oregon you choose to visit, make sure to plan some of these festivals into your itinerary:

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival blossoms onto the scene in Woodburn on March 20^th with hot air balloons, crafts, and millions of stunning tulips for spring photo ops with Mount Hood in the background. http://www.woodenshoe.com

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival kicks off on March 13^th in Ashland. Plays, backstage tours, and lively discussions are on the agenda. Now in its 91^st season, the festival is one of the oldest of its kind in the country. http://www.osfashland.org

Astoria Warrenton Crab & Wine Fest – Celebrate North Oregon coastal cuisine with seafood, artisan producers, and Oregon wineries. April 24-26^th, http://www.astoriacrabfest.com

Sheep to Shawl – Learn about the history and traditions of Willamette Valley settlers at this annual heritage event. Watch as shearers remove the heavy winter coat from sheep and artisans spin, weave, and knit the wool into gorgeous textiles. May 2^nd, Salem. http://www.willametteheritage.org

Florence Rhododendron Festival – These showy flowering shrubs signal the start of spring in Oregon. Come for the flower show, antique cars, and Old Town charm in this coastal town west of Eugene. Third weekend in May, http://www.florencechamber.com

Wildflowers and Waterfalls

Starting in mid-March, you’ll find wildflowers bursting into bloom at lower elevations. There are hundreds of varieties of wildflowers in Oregon, carpeting the hillside with color as the snow melts. The Columbia River Gorge is an easy target for flower-seekers. Bold yellow balsamroot and purple lupin blanket the earth, putting on quite a show.

The Tom McCall Preserve offers stunning views over the Columbia River Gorge with abundant wildflowers during the peak season of April and May. Look for delicate shooting stars, Indian Paintbrush, and vibrant blue bachelor buttons. The 2-mile Rowena Plateau trail offers sweeping views and of the gorge and prime wildflower viewing.

Spring rains and snow melt are a boon for Oregon’s waterfalls, some stretching hundreds of feet into the sky. Iconic Multnomah Falls is the tallest tower of flowing water, measuring over 600 feet. Lying just 30 miles east of Portland, Multnomah Falls is one of the Oregon’s most visited spots, so plan to come early.

South of Bend you’ll find the Deschutes River Trail which carves its way through a volcanic canyon, forming several waterfalls along the way. Don’t miss a pair of the most famous water drops, Dillon Falls and Benham Falls. Hiking and mountain bike trails are plentiful in the area.

To combine both wildflowers and waterfalls, hike the Steelhead Falls Trail just outside of Redmond in Central Oregon. The one-mile loop takes hikers through a flowery high desert expanse to a view of the falls.

Foodie Adventures

Oregon’s diverse landscape produces culinary delights like Dungeness crab, marionberries, black truffles, artisan cheeses, and award-winning wines.

New potatoes, edible mushrooms, asparagus, and rhubarb line the stalls of farmer’s markets in spring. Wild salmon, oysters, and clams come into season, and locally grown hazelnuts are a specialty. Whether you want to sample award-winning wines in one of Oregon’s six distinct wine regions or plan an adventure on the High Desert Food Trail (http://www.hdffa.org), there’s a flavor for everyone.

Set up camp or rent a yurt at Cape Lookout State Park and you’ll be close to the town of Tillamook, home to the famous Tillamook Creamery. Take a free behind-the-scenes cheese tour with samples, or indulge in decadent ice cream making workshops. http://www.tillamook.com

More Spring Adventures

If festivals, wildflowers, and waterfalls aren’t enough, Oregon delights springtime visitors with ample adventures from coastal beaches to mountain peaks. Spring brings the annual gray whale migration to Oregon’s coast. Visit Depoe Bay’s Whale Watching Center to learn more about these gentle giants. On the Central Coast near Lincoln, Depoe Bay is the unofficial whale watching capital of the state, and you’ll find lots of shoreside viewing and whale watching tours.

Warmer weather also makes for great cycling, and Oregon boasts hundreds of miles of scenic pathways, suitable to every level. If you’re a snow bum, hit the slopes for some spring skiing. Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort and Hoodoo Ski Area often keep the lifts running into April and May.

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Where to Camp

Fall asleep to the lull of the ocean, wake up in a fern forest or camp by crystal-clear lakes. Oregon has hundreds of camping spots waiting for you.

For urban comfort and near-to-nature camping, check out The Camp in Bend, one of Central Oregon’s first RV parks. It’s close to breweries and restaurants yet surrounded by mountain views and natural attractions. Drake Park, with 13-acres of riverfront, is five minutes away. http://www.thecampbend.com

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