Your Spring (And Early Summer) Guide To Wine And Flowers

In the spring and early summer, Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory is an open invitation to explore vibrant wildflower fields, charming farms and award-winning wineries, all set against stunning mountain backdrops. Whether you're seeking fragrant lavender, unique native plant nurseries or scenic vineyards our three regions offer the best spots to enjoy both blooms and bottles within easy reach. From delightful U-pick farms to relaxing vineyard tastings, your perfect day of nature and Oregon wine country is waiting.

Oregon City and West Linn offer a sophisticated blend of cultivated gardens, native flora and wineries with sweeping mountain views, all just a short drive from Portland.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-April through June for early spring blooms, native wildflowers and fresh wine releases. 

Itinerary: West Linn 

Start your day in West Linn, immersing yourself in nature's beauty. Begin with a stroll through retail and wholesale nursery Bosky Dell Natives, then head to Fiala Farms for fresh u-pick flowers (summers only) or Park Place Perennials for their specialty lavender or seasonal peonies. In the afternoon, enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting at Pete’s Mountain Vineyard & Winery, Tumwater Vineyard, Terra Vina Wines and Twill Cellars — all within a short drive of each other, offering breathtaking views and delicious sips. If time allows, explore the unique Luscher Farm and its gardens.

Itinerary: Oregon City 

Discover Oregon City's natural and vinicultural charm. Explore the diverse wildflowers at Canemah Bluff Nature Park in the morning. Before leaving downtown, stop by urban tasting room Corcilla Cellars for small-batch wines and nibbles like fresh baguettes with French butter. Then, head out to the countyside to spend your afternoon tasting the distinct flavors at Christopher Bridge Wines, King’s Raven Winery and the Medieval-inspired Villa Catalana Cellars.

The Willamette Valley offers a more expansive, rural feel with agricultural lands, serene parks and award-winning wineries.

Best Time to Visit: Late March through June, transitioning from spring's fresh greens to early summer's lushness. Lavender peaks later in June/July.

Itinerary: Wilsonville

Embark on a morning hike to discover wildflowers at Graham Oaks Nature Park (the fields of purple lupines in late May are truly a sight to behold). The acclaimed Beckham Estate Vineyard is the perfect place to recap your wildflower walk over wine produced in terra cotta vessels (likely the only winery in the world that does this!).

Itinerary: Molalla And Canby

For the more adventurous, explore more challenging trails at Table Rock Wilderness, where ridgelines come alive with colorful flowers after the winter snow melts in the spring (check conditions for spring access). In nearby Canby, Willamette Valley Lavender Farm is a family owned lavender farm featuring the best of hand-harvested English and French lavender. (Pro tip: If you're in the area in August or September, you cannot miss the delightful Swan Island Dahlia Festival.) Head to St. Josef’s Winery for a taste of traditional Oregon wines and incredible ambiance. If you're there on a Sunday, don't miss their live music events that go all summer long.

Perhaps the ultimate springtime flowers and wine outing is at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. Running annually in March and April, this spectacular event boasts an on-site tasting room where you can sample the farm's own delicious wines overlooking acres of blooms

This cluster is your prime gateway to the Mt. Hood National Forest, offering stunning forest wildflower opportunities and a chance to enjoy the mountain's ambiance.

Best Time to Visit: Late April through June for peak spring blooms, transitioning from lower elevation forest flowers to higher elevation trilliums.

Itinerary: Villages Of Mt. Hood

Kick off your day with a breathtaking wildflower walk along the boardwalk at Wildwood Recreation Site in Welches. This accessible path leads you through a vibrant display of unique spring blooms. Keep an eye out for the otherworldly skunk cabbage, with its distinctive, almost prehistoric look, and the delicate trilliums dotting the forest floor. 

After your walk, unwind with a glass at Cooper's Wine Bar in Welches. This cozy spot is known for its curated selection of Oregon wines, including delicious Pinot Noirs and crisp whites. As a bottle shop, you can also pick up a favorite to take home. It’s a perfect spot to relax and reflect on your morning in the tranquility of the mountain air.

Itinerary: Estacada

For an adventurous twist, consider a rafting trip on the Clackamas River. Local outfitters offer guided tours, letting you experience wildflowers from a unique perspective – often spotting varieties clinging to the riverbanks. After your river adventure, head into nearby Estacada to relax at Wednesday's Wine Bar. This charming spot offers a laid-back vibe and a diverse wine list, often highlighting independent Oregon wineries. They're known for their friendly service and sometimes even host live music, making it a lively end to an adventurous day.

Looking Ahead To Late Summer: As spring transitions to summer, the higher elevations of Mt. Hood come alive with a stunning display of alpine wildflowers around Timberline Lodge and along the Pacific Crest Trail. This is a spectacular experience typically best enjoyed from July through August.