Judy C.
Yelp
Oh my WOW!! This place is just AMAZING, breathtaking, gorgeous, stunning, words will not describe this place, you will have to make a stop here and see for yourself. True story, I had tears of joy, during my visit, When I walked in, and glanced at the view, I had a moment of silence to myself to thank god for the many blessings, I needed time to take it all in, that this is real, I am really at Crystal Springs and not a dream. I LOVED every moment of my visit here. Thank you to my other half for taking me here and to Yelp friend Li Y. for recommending.
We visited in early February, which was too early for Rhododendron season, now I really want to return again to see the Rhododendron (will cross my fingers that I can make it happen for this year) Although no Rhododendron, I still had an amazing time with my other half, we walked together holding hands, enjoying all the scenery, the luscious greens, the amazing landscape, looking at all the different plants, many I've never seen before, loved the small waterfalls, ponds, lake, never seen so many ducks & geese, in my life, crossed the bridge, and even a saw a squirrel. I had so much fun taking my tons of pictures of everything that caught my eyes, actually everything caught my eyes here. I can stay here forever and I didn't want to leave, we were on a time limit and I was sad when my other half said its time to go.
Location, 5801 SE 28th Ave ( between SE Holgate and SE Woodstock) Located in southeast Portland, Crystal Springs is about 20 minute drive from Portland, we stayed near the airport and driving to the Crystal Springs was fast and simple. I got to see this side of Portland, Eastmoreland and I also passed Reed College along the way.
History, The garden at Crystal Springs was established in October 1950, by special ordinance from the City of Portland to be jointly maintained and administered by the Portland Parks and Rhodendron Society as a test area for rhodondendrons, azaleas, and ericaceous plants. The garden has more than 2000 species of hybrid, rhodendron, and azaleas. Today the garden is no longer used for testing.
The garden is the site of two flower shows and plant sales, usually occurs during the first weekend in April and The Mother's Day show which occurs during the second weekend in May. All profits from the sales goes to support the garden.
If you are undecided on where to have your wedding ceremony/reception, consider Crystal Springs.
Admission, $5.00, 10-6pm starting March 1st-September 30th, and no FEES on Mondays. No charge for children under 12 or for members of American Rhodendrum Society. Inquire about annual passes.
Overall, I am super grateful that I had the opportunity to visit this garden, this is a must visit when in Oregon. If I moved to Oregon, Id get the annual pass, volunteer my time here, and I will be visiting Crystal Springs everyday!