Ideal time to visit: Early to mid-April. Without doubt, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival (in Woodburn) is the most beloved (and popular) flower field near Portland. Every year thousands of visitors flock from all corners of the state to see these beautiful tulips for themselves (more than 1 million tulips are planted). Advanced reservations required, click the link below for more information.

Ideal time to visit: Late July. Imagine never-ending rows of stunning lavender in full bloom while Mt. Hood looms in the distance. You're welcome to cut your own bouquet while visiting, which makes a great souvenir from a day well spent. Stave off the heat with a lavender lemonade or lavender ice cream from the farm store. Once you get your fill of lavender, head over to a nearby winery and spend the rest of the afternoon slowly enjoying a chilled glass of local Chardonnay.

Best time to visit: April - May. Offering seven beautiful acres for visitors to explore, You won’t see many cherry blossoms in the garden (stroll the neighborhood if you’re itching for some), but you will find a dizzying display of colorful rhododendrons and azaleas. These spring blooms start blooming as early as February, but don’t hit peak bloom until April (and even May). They're worth the wait, expect to be wowed by a stunning pop of spring color! Admission $5/person.

Ideal time to visit: May - June. Located in Salem, Adelman Peony Gardens is a 45-minute ride from Portland but peony enthusiasts know the trek is worthwhile. During peak bloom these peony fields come alive with vibrant colors that span the gamut. Expect crowds in the spring months, but since the farm is 25 acres large, you should be able to find a spot for yourself.

Blooms May - Oct. Portland’s beloved rose garden is the largest and oldest public rose garden in the country. Home to 650+ varieties of roses and more than 10,000+ bushes, there's no denying this is one of the best spots to see flowers in Portland. The history of the rose garden is equally fascinating. Originally started in 1915 by Jesse Currey, (an Oregon Journal editor and rose hobbyist), the rose garden was created in an effort to preserve roses susceptible to eradication during World War I.

Best time to visit: Mid-April. The cherry blossoms at Tom McCall Waterfront Park are the cream of the crop. The 100 Akebono cherry trees that line the waterfront were gifted by the Japanese Grain Importers Association in 1990, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Every year, the trees explode with unbelievable delicate flowers that completely change the landscape to the delight of onlookers. Heads Up: This place gets very busy during peak bloom (mid-April).

Best time to visit: May. The Schreiner’s Iris Gardens in Salem are some of the most visited flower fields near Portland. Dazzling spectators with vibrant violent irises and lupine, this is the spot to be on a warm late-summer day. With admission priced at $5 per person, this is a bargain. Grab some picnic items, good friends and spend the afternoon talking about nothing at all in the midst of blooming lupines and irises.

When to visit: August - September. A family-run farm in Hillsboro, the sunflower fields boast sunflowers the size of dinner plates. The family behind the farm is a husband-and-wife duo, Cheryl and Jeff Boden, who began farming at West Union in 1987. These days their colorful sunflower fields draw thousands of visitors annually. This is one of the most popular sunflower fields near Portland, so you'll want to plan accordingly. If your schedule allows, try to visit during the weekday.

Best time to visit: Early May. This garden is the passion project of a famed lilac developer named Hulda Klager. The garden includes a charming 1800s home surrounded by a mind-boggling display of lilacs. With admission priced at $5 per person, this is a great way to spend a sunny weekend in May. If you don't want to drive out to Washington the Duniway Park Lilac Garden in Portland -- home to 225 lilacs -- is a great alternative.

Best time to visit: September. Swan Island is a scenic 35-minute drive from Portland. Home to a plethora of farms, the island swells with visitors in the spring, summer and fall months. Visit in September to see the dahlias at peak bloom. Spanning an impressive 50 acres, except to find a beautiful display of more than 370 varieties of dahlias.