user
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, United States
Appearance

Comments
Gr
Review №1

Been going here since I was a little kid climbing the fence from the golf course to get inside. Nice place to go for a walk, unfortunately due to Covid they have closed alot of paths and theres signs EVERYWHERE which really takes away the beauty of this place. Until this Covid things over, save your money and go for a hike somewhere else.

Jo
Review №2

Beautiful place to picnic, take a stroll, or just relax. As of now its 5$ to enter but only half of the park is open. Well worth the entry price. Walk around the neighborhood for some extra nice views of the college and homes.

Ar
Review №3

Very beautiful place. And we saw a bald eagle! It had all the ducks and geese freaked out. We were lucky enough that it swooped right past us. There were also a fair number of people without masks, even though all the signage was very clear about how they were required. 4 stars, not 5, because theyre charging full price even though half is closed.

Sa
Review №4

This is one of the most beautiful places to walk around. I am amazed by the view and variety of plant and animal life. Highly recommend.

Se
Review №5

I have lived in Oregon for many years never have seen this hidden jewel. The entrance is $5 yet so worth it. Beautiful place.

Em
Review №6

This place is like a secret garden. A tiny paradise among suburbia. Truly peaceful.

Vi
Review №7

Super impressive arboretum with a massive quantity and quality of roses. Easy to get to via public transportation which is what I would highly recommend. The small parking lot is free but be prepared to wait 15-30 minutes for a parking spot during the popular periods. When I went, there was quite a long line to get in to the parking lot. Great spot to take pictures and have a picnic. There is a portrait photography fee for professional photographers. Entrance fee is extremely reasonable and its totally worth a visit whether this is your first time or your tenth time.

Jo
Review №8

Even with the reduced spacing this place is still so beautiful

Ch
Review №9

As some of the recent reviewers said, the staffs here are very rude and unpleasant.We just visited the garden yesterday. First, I was told half of the garden is closed after I had paid the admission fee (also a child who is 11 is charged the same as adults!). Once we entered, I was so impressed by the beautiful fall colors. I stopped a few seconds to take a picture of my daughter with my cell phone, then the staff yelled at us “don’t stop!!!”. While we were walking on the bridge, which is one-way and we saw no other party coming behind us, the same staff has kept staring at us to make sure we don’t stop. The garden was so beautiful but it was so intense. You feel like you are monitored your every move. On our way out, we saw the same staff screaming “one way only!!!” and run after other visitors who accidentally walked a wrong path.I have been coming here almost every season in the last 10 years but will not go back for a while.

Al
Review №10

We did our maternity photos here last year had an amazing time, thus year we were threatened with 55$ fine per person if we took any portrait photos with anything other than a cell phone.We had planned to take some family pictures for our daughters first birthday. Was extremely rude and off putting especially since half the garden is closed and you still have to pay full price. With huge signs for covid restrictions on everthing.*I understand professionally done photos with all the props should have a special event type planning. But some nice family pictures done with our own camera should be allowed without fees.

Ev
Review №11

Beautifully maintained garden filled with a variety of blooming plants and trees. Ducks, geese and squirrels add to the overall welcoming atmosphere. Great place to stroll, picnic and relax.

Ne
Review №12

We love this place. Have been coming here for years. Its 30 minutes from our house but worth it. My only problem is, we came here after checking online if it was still open and covid regulations... the website says $5 per person. The lady told my husband $35 for 2 adults and half the park is closed off. Waste of a trip , didnt want to pay that much for half a park.

Co
Review №13

If you are wanting to take pictures I would suggest that you call first and get their rates. The $5 a person that is posted on the website does not apply to anyone doing family pictures or anything of the sort. Would advise them to put those rates on their website so no one is blind sided when they show up and have to pay $85 to use the grounds. Who ever the lady was on the phone that we discussed this with afterwards was super dismissive and rude. We weren’t even asking for a refund, just giving feed back. Won’t be going back which is a shame, it’s a beautiful place.

ry
Review №14

Beautiful walk. Nice little seating areas

Da
Review №15

My family and I enjoyed this garden so much!!!!! The ducks and geese were so much fun to watch and were so comfortable with our presence that they would come right up to within a few feet of us without alarm. The flowers and plants were extraordinarily beautiful. The colors of the rhododendron blossoms varied so much! From blue-lavender to yellow to white and to nearly crimson red like a rose, all were presented in lush array on the branches and bushes. We left with a sense of wonder and awe at Gods beautiful world.

Al
Review №16

A hidden gem! A bit out of the way for most tourists checking out downtown but definitely worth a stop in the spring. A few short footpaths with lots of beautiful blooms and nice scenery. In a fairly quiet residential neighbourhood across the street from Reed College. The parking lot fills up easily, I didn’t have any issues parking at Reed on a weekend evening.

go
Review №17

The Man In charge that day, Phil, was a perfect host to a perfect setting on a perfect day. Three cheers to the very helpful staff

Ca
Review №18

A very nice place for a stroll, with ponds, plants, and benches along the trails. I loved the bridge’s arch design, pictured.

A
Review №19

Pretty garden, unfortunately after a few visits we wont be back. The volunteer staff people are very unfriendly and every interaction we had with them was quite unpleasant. There are so many beautiful gardens in Portland with much nicer staff.

Ja
Review №20

Beautiful park. A$$hole staff = minus 3 starsPay $5 to get in and immediately have staff look you over for anything that could be remotely against any rule at any park. Told me very rudely to put my handicap injury-assistive vehicle back in the car, while not having any idea what it is or even asking. I didnt fight it as theres no dealing with robots that have no control over their own lives, so to justify their existence, they must exercise authority over others lives whenever possible, whether justified or not.Anyway. Park is great if you can get by the 3rd Reich at the front door.

Ja
Review №21

Beautiful area to wander about on a nice sunny day. Not expensive to get in either. It doesnt take long to walk through all of it if you just want to look as you go. Better to actually stop and enjoy the area though. Wish it was open during this lockdown.

Ro
Review №22

Absolutely beautiful grounds that has trails to take you on an adventure. Has cute ducks all over the place and little finch birds. Huge lake. Pretty trees, flowers, plants and ferns.

Ja
Review №23

Love to come here often. The ducks are a lot of fun to feed. Lots of great gravel trails and wood Bridges. Really pretty during summer and fall. This is a great place to bring the kids.

Pe
Review №24

Very lovely place. Two large ponds and one smaller one play host to a number of water fowl. The paths loop you around so you can see everything. Just gorgeous. Reed College students dont know how lucky they are to have this across the street.

He
Review №25

Beautiful any time of the year. Ive been visiting every month since last September and there are always at least a few things in bloom or berry, and the layout of the park is very aesthetically pleasing. Its also a refuge for geese and ducks passing through.

Ti
Review №26

Beautiful little park. I went there in the middle of November and it was still nice even though there werent many flowers this time of year. Local kids had fun feeding the ducks too.

Ca
Review №27

This place is a gem and it is gorgeous any time of year, but spring is best! well-kept walking baths, water views, and dogs on leashes are allowed. An entry fee or memberships is required.

au
Review №28

We are so fortunate to have so many treasures of nature tucked into our concrete jungle. Lovely lush pathways to wander & water features abound. Its that time of year when you get to enjoy all the fuzzy babies waddling around too!

Ba
Review №29

Well worth the 5 buck entry fee. Lovely blooms. Baby ducks and goslings, hawks, songbirds, etc.Waterfalls, ponds, creeks and features abound.Parking across the street @Reed College bc lot is smallThere are gravel paths, so wheeled chairs might be challenging.Restrooms with running water in center of park.If you take food for the waterfowl, make sure it is healthy.

Ol
Review №30

This is a must see park in Portland, Oregon that is beautiful featuring rhododendrons and wood ducks. Safe for strollers and bathrooms are available. Costs $5 to enter but totally worth it.

Li
Review №31

Always a beautiful place to visit. There are artists painting, taking pictures, sketching, etc all over, which a pretty magical site in its own. This time of year is great because not only are all of the flowers blooming, but the baby geese and baby ducks are everywhere. They are too cute. My sons favorite part was being able to smell the flowers and feed the ducks. The geese are very assertive though, so just be aware of that because they have no shame or fear.

Ti
Review №32

One of my favorite parks with beautiful fall colors.

Je
Review №33

Beautiful place to go for a walk during any season. Really wish there was a way to get folks to stop feeding the birds! i know its cute to watch, but you arent doing the birds any favors.

Ti
Review №34

I was there a week after mothers day and essentially the pinnacle of the boom, but was still in awe of the beauty of this place and its peacefulness.

Ky
Review №35

Beautiful garden, beautiful trails. Im excited to come back in spring when all the flowers are in bloom!

Te
Review №36

Such a beautiful garden to enjoy, especially on a crisp autumn day. Visited while it was drizzling, but there was no issue walking around since the walkways are paved. Sit and watch the ducks, listen to the waterfall and/or just take in the gorgeous scenery.

Ke
Review №37

Its really well maintained. Peaceful. Waterfalls and little bridges and places to sit.

Co
Review №38

Beautiful flowers and nature views. Almost 100% peaceful besides hearing the MAX every 15 minutes. Only costs $5 to enter and you can leave and come back the same day. Great for sunsets.

Xy
Review №39

Love the garden and the lake. Best for leisure walk and nature tripping. They say you cant feed the ducks but people are doing it.Best time to visit is during Fall. The leaves, the grass and the water reflection is just beautiful.

Ch
Review №40

Staff is HORRIBLE AND QUITE RUDE.Most of the paths are closed and they have people walking around monitoring your presence. QUITE disturbing.Been coming here since I was little, and have never encountered such an awful staff.NOT RECOMMENDED ANYMORE

He
Review №41

The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a beautiful property that features many paths to walk with lots of beautiful rhododendron trees. I was able to check out the property for free due to a flower show they were hosting, but it is totally worth the small price of admission.

An
Review №42

I try to come here every year since moving to SE 9 years ago. One of Portlands best kept secrets, especially while in full bloom. But nice all year round. The parking lot is small. There is official overflow at Reed College, however you need to park on the left side where it says west parking lot. Not in front of the dorm to the right. Other than that, absolutely beautiful. Peaceful. Crystal Springs comes right out of the ground. Eagles and osprey nest nearby, mallards, wood ducks, Canadian geese everywhere. Babies with no fear in the spring. Chubby squirrels. Lots of other birds to watch if you are looking. The paths are wide and well kept. Bathrooms on site. Probably wheelchair accessible, but there is a steep incline in the beginning and it is gravel not pavement so keep that in mind. It would depend on the person and the equipment, probably not everyone with a wheel chair would be comfortable. Highly recommend. The plant sale and flower show are nice, but its busy, especially Mothers Day weekend. Mondays during the warm season are free. Otherwise five bucks. Rainy season is free.

Le
Review №43

Such a beautiful place! Entry is free on Mondays. Place is easy to miss from the road. There a cute pond with lots of ducks and geese. Their babies are so precious to watch. Of course the flowers are beautiful to see as well.

Tr
Review №44

Beautiful place! First time Ive been and took the kids and they had a great time. Well definitely be back.

Ge
Review №45

Really nice place for a stroll, even out of season. Beautiful waterfalls, great wildlife. Saw plenty of ducks, some other birds with blue bodies and black crests, and even a nutria (furry muskrat-like water mamal)! There were two weddings going on later, so we didnt stay super long, but at only $5/head, it didnt feel like we were jipped. It really is a grand place, very worthy of preservation.

Ch
Review №46

I had my wedding here and it was straight out of a fairlytale!! I will say there was a few communion errors that caused some headaches in the wedding planning proccess but the day of, the garden was stunning and everything went off without a hitch! Just be sure you are very clear with the coordinator and contact the college across the street yourself regarding parking, their calendar is inaccurate and private events dont show up, very frustrating.

Za
Review №47

Absolutely beautiful when the sun is out. Definitely a great place to visit during the summer. Great variety of plants and wildlife

Ka
Review №48

What a treasure this park is! I think its best weekend is probably around Mothers Day but it was still flowering and beautiful when we visited later in May. I dragged our children along (ugh! not a garden) but they were quickly engaged and entertained by the ducks and geese. This is such a picturesque location!

Ti
Review №49

Absolutely beautiful! Nice walk, great place for kids.

Ro
Review №50

The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a real Portland gem. This serene location offers a great place to relax and take in some nature. It is a peaceful place that I love going to!

Al
Review №51

Wonderful gardens this time of year. Water features and nature abound. I appreciated the many benches to stop and enjoy the soundings.

Se
Review №52

Wonderful park, next to a golf course. Its great place with lots of paths to take a walk. Its amazing place to enjoy a quite picnic on a lawn surrounded by beautiful nature. When rhododendrons are in bloom is one of my favorite time to go there and take lots of amazing photos.

Ca
Review №53

Do you like ducks and Rhodies? Beautiful rhododendron and azalea display early spring along with ducks and Canada geese. Have also seen bald eagles here. The ducklings are really a highlight of springtime. Ducks hang out along the path, just napping. There are peanuts at the entrance for the squirrels. Beautiful place just for a peaceful/gentle walk. Also, season pass is worth it if you want to enjoy the park multiple times (it pays for itself in four visits for two people; watch the ducklings grow up).Parking is available across the street at reed college if main lot is full. Portable toilets only.

Ye
Review №54

Absolutely gorgeous Park. Well maintained. Serene nature. Lots of different flowers, trees.

Ro
Review №55

Git there early Monday. Still crowded with moms and kids, elders and walkers. Beautiful beautiful beautiful.

Am
Review №56

Beautiful gardens with plenty of paths along ponds, a small waterfall, and a fountain. Tons of ducks and geese that come right up to you expecting to be feed as well as a very intense looking squirrel. The paths are flat for the most part, great for strollers. My two and a half year old loved it, walking every where seeing all the ducks, and cant wait to go back, which we definitely will be. We spent about 3 hours there. It was $5 for me and free for my kids. I was told peak flowering season is between February to mid April and they have a flower sale on Mothers day every year but that it gets very crowded that day.

Th
Review №57

What a wonderfully beautiful place! A great walk and it was an absolute pleasure. Ill be coming back many more times.

Sh
Review №58

Must see. Truly Tranquil. Friendliest ducks in town. If your only here for a short time in Portland do stop by. If you’ve lived here forever and haven’t been then put it on your calendar. It’s exactly what one needs in the hustle and bustle of life. Treat yourself and get some duck food at Berry Good. I have a review on it. Lots of benches so if you are one that needs breaks you can get them here. It’s walkable even for those that have difficulty or need a cane. It has gravel, pavement, and steady low inclines. There are wide steps at some points and the rails are incredibly sturdy. You can avoid the steps if need be. Last time I went I saw baby ducks, lots of dragonflies, gorgeous flowers, and even a Nutria. There was a bird I couldn’t identify making a chimpanzee noise in the distance across from the water. Felt like I was in the tropics for a brief staycation:.)

Ge
Review №59

The experience was great! The geese and ducks were feet away and on the path. The plants and flowers are beautiful!

Co
Review №60

We went to the garden for a wedding and it was a beautiful experience. Such a peaceful environment thats teaming with life. I would definitely go back here to explore more!

Ab
Review №61

Even during the pandemic the Rhododendron Garden is keeping safety measures so everyone can keep enjoying the beauty of the gardens.

De
Review №62

Beautiful and peaceful. Easy walks, well kept. Enjoyable for all ages.

Ka
Review №63

I wish I could go here everyday. There are lots of ducks and geese, many beautiful flowers and plants, various paths and trails. It was $5 to get it in, you can tell they put the money to good use.

Je
Review №64

Breathtaking views and gorgeous flowers. Great place to feed the ducks and squirrels. You can bring food and drink there too. Nice place to have a picnic.

Ap
Review №65

We had a wonderful time. Even though it was really busy. Lots of people there with family/friends. Good for young and old. Bring a camera! Great for professional photography (pay a fee), great for quiet time by yourself, good for birders too.

Ka
Review №66

The place Is mesmerizing. Beautiful, tranquil and a place I could have stayed for several hours. Plenty of easy walking. Mondays are free. Kid friendly as well

Va
Review №67

Beautiful location. You can forget that youre in the middle of the city.

Ya
Review №68

Is a really beautiful palace to take your kids and see the beautiful flowers and feed the ducks

Al
Review №69

Love the smell and and the way the flowers looked and the ducts were awesome

Mi
Review №70

Autumn isnt ideal if youre interested in rhodies, but its peaceful!

B
Review №71

This place is amazing and only $5 per adult! Very extensive garden with a duck pond, several bridges, waterfalls, and great views. Lots of benches here and there. Most of it is wheelchair accessible. It is usually peaceful and not too crowded.

St
Review №72

The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a great spot to explore in Portland. The only issue that I have found is the parking. The parking lot is smaller, so finding a spot can be a problem at times. The garden is open to the public with donations accepted Mon- Fri. I believe there is a charge on the weekends.The garden has plenty of walking paths surrounded by the rhododendrons and many native plants. There is also a number of pleasant water features.

St
Review №73

ABeautiful grounds, filled with rhodendron and azalea blossoms with smooth paths that worked great for two family members in wheelchairs.. great for bird watching too. Only negative are lack of permanent restroom facilities.

Sj
Review №74

This is really lovely, I would have loved to spend a day here. There is so much to see- the setting is just idyllic. Bring the family, have a picnic & a good camera!

We
Review №75

Beautiful garden. The geese are mean as usual though

M
Review №76

Great place to visit. Good for a nice walk . Great for kids. Dogs on leashes. Free before 10 a.m. open at 6

El
Review №77

This park is gorgeous all year long.

Sh
Review №78

We’ve been here a few times before, including once for a wedding. Beautiful venue! Tons of private spots.We brought our children out to feed the ducks, and they had such an amazing time! Walking around on the paths was easy for them (5 yrs old) and for grandma (95). The ducks were friendly and eager for food. We found that there were quite a few people around, but it didn’t seem crowded. We came on a week day, in the morning. Excellent place to just sit and observe the nature, or to get a nice walk in.

Cr
Review №79

Peak Beauty spring and fall!

Dy
Review №80

One of my favorite place to take a break. Or if I have a 2 hour conference call to make. Beautiful surroundings with a vast variety of wildlife to watch. Highly recommend this place.

Ra
Review №81

We enjoyed a very pleasant stroll through the park today.

ji
Review №82

Visited here during my first trip to Portland and def recommend others take the time to visit as well. Of course keep in mind that peak rhododendron blooms will be toward the end of April, which is when we visited (therefore I cant comment on the state of the blooms for other times of the year). Parking is kind of weird; the lot directly in front of the gardens is too small so we parked across the street at the college and did not receive a parking ticket (appears others were parked there as well).

gr
Review №83

Beautiful! Hard to believe youre in the city.

L
Review №84

Beautiful garden filled with all sorts of ducks, waterfalls, and beautiful plant life. This time of the year it is a $5 entry.

An
Review №85

Lovely place. Good for a family visit. Kids will love the nature .

Jo
Review №86

Gorgeous. Went here for a quick walk before dinner. Better than the rose gardens and open later.

Ve
Review №87

This is one of my favorite places to take out of town friends in the spring. The flowers are stunning!

Aa
Review №88

Absolute must to visit. This garden is so beautiful!

Na
Review №89

One of the most romantic, beautiful places Ive been to in Oregon. As a Portland native, Im shocked it took me this long to find this hidden gem. WARNING: not a good place for people who have a fear of ducks and geese.

Fe
Review №90

This is a sweet garden on the pond. I was suprised at this place. It has a nice little wamdering trail system amd lots of places to sit and enjoy the views and relax!

re
Review №91

Came for my sisters wedding. Everything was very beautifully taken care of. Parking is a bit rough, so dont be afraid of a bit of a walk.

Mi
Review №92

I live in southeast. We have many treasures, however, this is a beloved and important one. Whether its finding a cool place to read on a hot summer day, appreciating some melancholy solitude on a winter walk, taking pictures, being wowed by the remarkable animals we share the city with (a bald eagle can often be spotted perched on top of the gardens Douglas Firs) there is so much to do! Go on a first date here, or get married here it is fantastic.I am glad to have this garden in Portland. And, while Im rambling on about this, thank you to all the volunteers and staff who take care of the garden so we can all enjoy not. Cheers to you!

Ke
Review №93

One or two weeks before Mothers Day is the perfect time to go here, if Oregon weather cooperates. If its been rainy, blossoms can fall off early. Go past mothers day and most of them will be off. Timing and weather are everything. When they work out, this place is stunning

We
Review №94

Very peaceful and pretty.

Ju
Review №95

Excellent, beautiful park. It was rainy today, and even so, the park was still very wonderful to walk through. It costs $5 to get in, and there is minimal parking, we ended up parking on the street several blocks away.

Pr
Review №96

This is one of the beautiful place in Portland. Please do visit this place.

Ro
Review №97

Most beautiful peaceful garden park in Portland. If there was an annual membership, I’d buy 3.

ma
Review №98

Beautiful hidden gem I love that I can bring my dog!

An
Review №99

Nice park to take a stroll. Entrance is $5, but worth it

Šk
Review №100

I mean nothing wrong, everything is very beautiful. Free of charge only on Mondays!!!

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, United States
  • Site:https://www.crystalspringsgardenpdx.org/
  • Phone:+1 503-267-7509
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
  • Garden
Working hours
  • Monday:10am–4pm
  • Tuesday:1–4pm
  • Wednesday:10am–4pm
  • Thursday:10am–4pm
  • Friday:10am–4pm
  • Saturday:10am–4pm
  • Sunday:10am–4pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
Similar organizations