In Portland, cherry blossoms mark the start of spring (copy)

Published 8:55 am Wednesday, March 26, 2025

It may be known as the Rose City, but every spring, residents are reminded that Portland is pretty in pink.

Cherry blossoms are at their peak splendor this week, especially in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. One of the metro region’s most breathtaking displays can be found along the north end of the park. Back in 1990, Japan gifted Portland 100 cherry trees, creating a dreamy canopy of pink along the Willamette River each spring.

Experts (that is to say: romantics) say the best place to view them is to head to the west bank, just north of the Burnside Bridge. On a sunny day, it’s a picture-perfect picnic spot.

Another annual delight is the Portland Japanese Garden. Tucked away in Washington Park, the glorious garden is another stunning location to see cherry blossoms in full bloom. Not only are the trees beautiful, but the setting — serene gardens, koi ponds and stone pathways — makes for an experience that feels straight out of Japan.

See Jonathan House’s photo essay, Pages A10-11