The Lifelines of Color: A Preview to Oregon’s 2022 Seasonal Wildflower Blooms
As any Oregonian knows, this state boasts a remarkable natural spectacle when the various seasons usher in a magical wildflower transformation. Oregon is home to over 3,500 known species of flowers, some blooming only in certain seasons, some in specific areas, and some, you feel, just to put up a dazzling show!
Early Spring: The Arrival of The Bloom at Tom McCall Preserve
Every year, as the chill of winter gives way to the first peckings of spring sunshine, one of Oregon’s favorite early bloomers starts inching its way towards the sky. The golden-colored Grass Widow, a Hood River Valley native, is generally the first on the scene. Like a welcome old friend, it’s a reassuring sight along the Rowena Crest Trail at Tom McCall Preserve.
The drive up there, a winding adventure along the Historic Columbia River Highway, is itself a beloved tradition. Note to brag, but if Oregon had its version of the golden ticket, it’d be the blossoming wildflowers against the backdrop of the expansive Columbia River.
Spring: The Willamette Valley Wows
Let’s scoot our hiking boots over to the Willamette Valley, shall we? You see, no local ever misses the explosion of Camas Lilies turning the grounds blue here in the spring. But these are not the only stars of the show. The valley’s farm-flecked landscapes come alive with Fawn Lilies, Trillium, Shooting Stars, and that sly Oregon Grape rolling up its yellow sleeves.
If you’ve got a knack for edible wildflowers, you might want to try the Wood Sorrel at The Honest Forage, a cool foraging tour in Eugene, which is like a crash course on Oregon Bloom 101.
Into the Summer: Mount Pisgah and the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
As we move into summer, our attention shifts toward Mount Pisgah in Lane County, one of the local’s favorite hiking spots. This is the season when you could wager an ice cream from Prince Pückler’s that the Orange Honeysuckle would be swapped out with the scarlet ambiance of the Scarlet Gilia. They offer quite the color swap, let me tell you!
The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in Southern Oregon sees summer bloom treasures, like the Bear Grass, and iconic Mount Ashland Lupine that turns a portion of the landscape into a sea of purple, frequented by the butterflies and bees—talk about an all-inclusive Oregon party.
The Fall Bloomers of Alvord Desert
And when fall rolls in, wearing its own adorable shades of russets and gold, it’s like we’ve played poker and won big. The Alvord Desert dawns a fresh-look with the golden tickseeds, checkerblooms and Dusty Maidens lining the edges of the hot springs. It can make a grown man skip – not that I’d verify these rumors.
Now, if you’re gazing at the Steens Mountains and simultaneously enjoying a hot spring soak in Alvord, know that you’re part of a deeply rooted Oregonian tradition. Fall here doesn’t feel right without the warm soak and chattering wildflower show.
Stealing the Winter Show: Oregon Coast Wildflowers
Even when winter’s chill becomes a bit too familiar, we lash on our rain boots and head to the Oregon coast. The Wintergreen and Salal playfully peek through the frost, emboldening the heart of any avid botanist. Talk about year-round zest and color to our lives, huh!
Try a winter coastal trail hike, like the Captain Cook Trail in Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, coupled with a warm clam chowder bowl from Mo’s Seafood & Chowder, and tell me that’s not the perfect wildflower adventure.
The Love Affair Stationed in Oregon
This love letter to the seasons was drawn not from books but from the lived experiences of trailing the unbeaten paths and savoring the secrets of the Oregon wildflower bloom like the locals do. The experience leaves one smitten, humbled, and eager to see what the next fortnight will unveil.
Let the wild Reverberates of the wind and a heart full of native Oregonian flair guide you through the next bloom. Because, in Oregon, the wildflowers aren’t just the backdrop—they’re part of the family. So here’s to another year of jubilance, discovery, and of course, those darn unpredictable showers that make such magic happen.
Here’s hoping you find your favorite, and maybe even share a stunning selfie with a checker mallow. The doors of Oregon are always open, ready to welcome its wildflower buddies at every twist and turn of the seasons.