Top 5 Locations for Spring Photos Near Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington
The Pacific Northwest is known for its gorgeous nature scenes all year round, but there’s something so special about springtime here after a cold, wet winter.
Longer days, vibrant colors, and warmer weather draw us to spend more time outside, making it a perfect opportunity for fun photo sessions with your family.
Want to know the best local spots for photos with a pop of color this spring? You may already know of popular areas like the Portland waterfront, but if you want to avoid busy crowds, you’ll love any of these five choices!
Vancouver, Washington
Each year in mid April, Clark College’s aisle of sakura trees bloom with the most amazing fluffy pink flowers. You’ll find them down at the southwest end of campus right next to the parking lot.
Additional details:
dog friendly (leashes required)
no public restroom
no admission fees
Brush Prairie, Washington
I love the Wildlife Botanical Gardens any time of year, but it really comes to life every spring. Flowers will start to appear in mid March, and all sorts of native varieties will come and go throughout the spring and summer, giving a new experience with each visit.
Additional details:
dog friendly (leashes required)
no public restroom
no admission fees
Camas, Washington
The Lacamas lily fields are a hidden treasure east of round lake, filled with purple and pink flowers each spring. It requires a short walk through some rocky (and sometimes muddy terrain) to find, but it’s so worth it! These lilies reach their peak bloom from late April to mid May.
Additional details:
PLEASE stay on trails and refrain from picking flowers
dog friendly (leashes required)
no public restroom
no admission fees
Mosier, Oregon
The Columbia river gorge is home to some of the most incredible landscapes, which are taken to a whole new level of beauty each spring by vibrant wildflowers out near The Dalles. The native yellow balsamroot and purple lupine reach their peak bloom from late April to early May.
Additional details:
PLEASE stay on trails and refrain from picking flowers
dogs are not permitted
no public restroom
no admission fees, but photo sessions with Michaela Drew Photography include a $75 travel fee
Woodburn, Oregon
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is certainly a popular spot that bring in crowds, but wide open space allows for you to still get great photos without other in the background. For better lighting and more privacy, the farm also offers permits to use the property after hours for sunset photo sessions.
Additional details:
General admission is $15 per person on weekdays or $20 on weekends.
For sunset photo sessions after general admission hours, permits can be purchased for $70.
It is not permitted to walk off of trails or pick flowers from the field
Leashed dogs are permitted.
Public restrooms available.
Photo sessions with Michaela Drew Photography include a $25 travel fee
Ready to not just visit these places, but share sweet, playful moments with your family there and have it all documented with professional photos?
Let’s get your photo session scheduled! I’d love to photograph you and your family at any of these locations this spring, or at any of my favorite locations to use throughout the year.