The Hidden Garden of Portland Oregon: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
The Hidden Garden of Portland Oregon: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
He nibbled a bit harder after he was ignored the first time. My backside felt a bit more of his bite as he was trying to get my attention again.
“Did you just bite me?” I ask him. He looks at me directly in the eyes. He squawks and moves a bit closer. “I am sorry I don’t have any bread.” He just stares at me even more as he waddles a bit more towards me.
Charlie, The Goose who wanted my attention
Charlie, we will call me him Charlie for the sake of argument. “I am sorry Charlie. I can take some pictures of you instead. Will you let me take some photos?” He just stares at me some more. He starts to strike a pose. He inches closer and poses again. I got a few amazing shots of Charlie, the most courageous goose I have come across. I then went back to photographing the view that was around me.
The view around me was a running stream that was coming down under a bridge and into the pond that was behind me. It was no wonder why Charlie enjoyed being here and all his other feathered friends as well. This place was wonderful and peaceful.
Zen Garden that can be found at Crystal Springs
Hidden in the residential area of Woodstock in Portland, Oregon (where we had amazing ice cream) is the unknown gem of a garden known as Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. It sits between the beautiful Reed College and the spacious Eastmoreland Golf Course. This is where I meet Charlie.
This is Reed College on the next to Crystal Springs
Like I mentioned before, there are other feathered characters here, from varieties of ducks and 79 other species of birds. Squirrels found their way through out the forest as well. It is an escape into nature. A wonderfully planned natured created by volunteer gardeners who created wonderful displays of rhododendron flowers.
Here is a pink Rhododendron
What is a rhododendron? I didn’t know either until I stumbled upon this place. It is a tree of flowers usually of pink, but also varieties of white, purple and light pink. When they bloom they have the most gorgeous of color to them. The garden does not only have rhododendrons, but it also has other amazing plants.
Because of the beauty of the Crystal Springs events can be scheduled at the garden, including weddings or photography sessions. It offers a great place to have a heavenly and serene environment. More information can be found on the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Website.
Pale Red Fern that is unique
Admission is $4 from March 1st to Labor day except Mondays and Tuesdays. Children under 12 are free. Hope to see you there… Or at least Charlie hopes to see you there.
What other hidden places do you know of Portland?
- Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Attraction in Portland Oregon
6015 SE 28th Ave
Portland Oregon
(503) 771-8386
http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=27&action=ViewPark
Erick Redcloud
A partially blind Graphic Designer, Freelance Travel Photographer, Artist, Buddhist and Vegetarian who loves to travel. Erick loves traveling by being with the locals and going off the beaten path. He is the founder and owner of Pathlesstravels and loves inspiring others to follow their dreams, whether it is to travel or something completely different. He started Pathlesstravels to hone is photography skills and to meet amazing people, and to help a friend break into journalism. Check out his photography at his link.
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