Kim G.
Yelp
An annual event for 24 years, I love my visits as much today, as my first experience! Being immersed in so much natural beauty, in such vibrant technicolors, makes my heart sing! Nature is my church and a visit to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is good for the soul!
Since covid, tickets must be purchased online in advance. There are no tickets sold at the farm. This helps manage the crowds which benefits everyone. You can tiptoe through the tulips without thousands of people. And you can take pictures of the gorgeous flowers without hundreds of people in your shots.
This farm is beautiful in all weather. On a gray or rainy day, the tulips are iridescent, glowing bright against the gray sky. On a sunny day, the contrast of the vibrant tulips - bright red, yellow, soft pink, lavender, blackcherry, fuschia, white, yellow, purple, orange, striped, frilly - against the magnificent blue sky, is pure joy!
I love strolling through the gorgeous fields of tulips, planted by color in rows, creating a rainbow field in every direction. They rotate the fields to ensure the soil has nourishment, and when they plant in front of Mt. Hood, it creates the perfect backdrop for the flowers. This was the case this year, 2024, and I couldn't stop snapping pics.
The fields are huge, and when the land is dry, it's easy to walk from field to field and navigate within the rows of tulips. The ground is uneven, so be aware. If you get tired or need assistance, they have a free wagon ride to the outer fields. There are benches scattered about the garden, perfect for a rest and take in the views, even better for a photo op.
Talk about photo ops, they have created them everywhere! There are bright wooden letters that spell, " I love tulips" and huge wooden shoes, a windmill, tractors and flower cut-outs for you to insert your face. Of course the rows and rows of tulips are the best photo op, and you will see many people dressed for the occasion and posing endlessly. This is a selfie world, after all.
This event is for everyone. I've been there with a cane or walker after a hip replacement and I was able to get around, taking the free wagon ride to the distant fields. Its a perfect day for families, there is even a carnival type of playground for the children.
Lots of vendor stalls selling food, crafts and wares - more on weekends than during the week. There is a large gift shop selling tulip bulbs of course, plus whimsical yard art, wind chimes, sweatshirts, and other items.
They offer wine tastings and serve beer and cider. Lots of food choices - hamburgers, coconut shrimp, Dutch sausage, elephant ears, ice cream, kettle corn, apple cider donuts, and more. There are tables under a tent and on the side of the gift shop providing plenty of shade. Also tables out in the sun if that's your preference.
Make sure to visit the garden area to the right of the gift shop. The rhododendron are in bloom mid April and all the shades of pink and white are lovely. We usually bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it in the garden, away from the crowds.
This is an annual event for me and I look forward to soaking up all of this beauty every spring.