|
Spring is definitely on its way in the nooks and crannies
of the Pacific Northwest-what better way to celebrate than
planning a trek to several outstanding northwest gardens and
scenic areas. Mix and match your own itineraries for weekend
rambles and day treks from this sample itinerary.
Starting from Portland, OR
1.
Start or end the day with a stroll through 7-acre Crystal
Springs Rhododendron Garden, S.E. 28th Avenue and Woodstock
Blvd., near Reed College and the Eastmoreland Public Golf
Course. Allow 1-2 hours. The 'rhodies' and azaleas and flowering
ornamentals will be showing from late March through May. Great
views of the golf course across Crystal Springs Lake. Small
waterfall in the entry garden section. There is a nominal
entry fee; the garden is cared for by staff from Portland
Parks Dept. and volunteers from the local chapter of The American
Rhododendron Society. Most crowded: Mother's Day weekend.
2.
Pick up lunch makings at Otto's Sausage Kitchen or deli items
at Woodstock Wine & Deli both on Woodstock Blvd. just up the
hill from Reed College, at 35th Avenue. Or, swing over to
the Historic Sellwood Neighborhood via Woodstock Blvd. and
Bybee Blvd. [it curves around the Eastmoreland Golf Course]
and stop for coffee and goodies at Starbucks or at any number
of other cafes and bakeries in the area. You're also in antiques
heaven-a great selection of shops ranges along Milwaukee Avenue
and 13th Avenue.
3.
Good spots to picnic: Westmoreland Park just south of Bybee
Blvd.; Oaks Park along the Willamette River just north of
the Sellwood Bridge. Both parks have picnic tables and restroom
facilities.
4.
Next garden stop is an historic estate garden-Elk Rock Garden
at the Bishop's Close, near Lake Oswego. To get there, at
S.E. 13th and Tacoma turn right [west], proceed across the
Willamette River via Sellwood Bridge, and take a sharp right
around and under the bridge so that you're heading south on
Macadam Ave. [Highway 14 toward Lake Oswego]. At the traffic
light at Military Road, turn left and make an immediate right
onto Military Lane; the entrance is at the far end of the
lane. Park in the upper parking area near the large wisteria
vine that climbs along the basalt cliff area; it blooms in
mid-May. Allow at least an hour to walk the paths in this
splendid estate garden developed by Oregon pioneer Peter Kerr.
Large collection of magnolias. Note: there is no entry fee
and there are no public facilities here; the manor house,
garden, and grounds now house the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon.
5.
For additional garden ideas see pages 158-162 in the 4th edition
of Oregon: Off the Beaten Path in the chapter Portland and
Environs [pages 151-187]. Other gardens detailed in this section
include Leach Botannical Garden, Berry Botanic Garden, Tryon
Creek State Park, Hoyt Arboretum, the Grotto Gardens, the
renowned Japanese Garden, and Washington Park Rose Garden,
International Rose Test Garden and Shakespeare Garden.
6.
For Places to Stay, Places to Eat, and Helpful Telephone Numbers
and Websites for Portland and Environs see pages 186-187 at
the end of this chapter.
7. Find cozy bed and breakfast inns and more travel information
in Recommended Bed & Breakfasts: Pacific Northwest. The Portland
Environs begins on page 82 and contains 2-page write-ups on
B& Bs in Portland, Columbia Gorge & Mt. Hood area, and the
Willamette Valley.
|
