When it comes to tulips, most people’s minds instantly go to Holland and the Netherlands.
Although I have always dreamed of strolling through the vibrant tulip fields in the Netherlands, I am thrilled to have a comparable experience right here without the need for an expensive and lengthy flight.
At first, my main goal was to explore the charming tulip farms nestled in Skagit Valley, Seattle. As a result, I came up with an impromptu spring road trip for my family all the way from southern California to Washington, with Portland, Oregon being one of our intended destinations.
During our road trip, while exploring Umpqua National Forest, we were approached to do a van conversion for one of our close pals. This exciting opportunity led us to shorten our trip and skip our planned visit to Washington. We concluded our travels in Portland before heading back down south.
Feeling disappointed about not being able to witness the beauty of tulips this year, I decided to look up if there are any tulip farms in Oregon. To my delight, I discovered that not only does Oregon host stunning tulip festivals like Skagit, but they also welcome pets. This means that we can now enjoy the breathtaking views of tulips with our furry companions, which is a major bonus for us!
Springtime in Mt. Hood Territory, just outside of Portland, Oregon, is a feast for the senses with the annual Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. As one of the largest tulip farms in the Pacific Northwest, visitors can immerse themselves in a Dutch-inspired experience complete with a charming windmill. This festival is an absolute must-see for all travelers exploring the US. To ensure you don’t miss out on anything, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to visiting The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon.
If you’re planning on visiting the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm to catch the breathtaking sight of the Tulip Festival, make sure to plan your trip between late March and early May. This farm is located in Woodburn, which is situated south of the bustling city of Portland, Oregon, and northeast of the charming city of Salem.
Every year, the Tulip Farm attracts a huge crowd of visitors who come to marvel at the 40 acres of vibrant and multi-colored tulip fields. The farm’s annual celebration is a sight to behold, with countless rows of stunning blossoms that leave visitors awestruck.
We went to the tulip fields on April 25 of this year and we highly suggest you aim for the same time. This is when the tulips are usually in full bloom. Avoid going too early in March or April as not all the tulips will have bloomed yet.
Is it worth getting the Sunrise Pass?
We made a great choice by purchasing a morning photographer’s pass, which is now called the sunrise individual entrance pass. It’s slightly more expensive than the regular weekday and weekend passes, which cost $15 and $20 respectively. However, we believe it’s worth the extra cost.
With this ticket, you can enter the tulip festival before the rush hour from 5AM to 7AM. Moreover, you are allowed to enjoy the festival for as long as you want with this pass.
Assuming the weather conditions are suitable (i.e. no rain and wind below 8mph), the ideal time to witness hot air balloons soaring over the tulip fields is during sunrise. You could even opt for a sunrise pass and shell out an extra $10 to fly your own drone.
As we strolled through the tulip fields, we noticed a handful of other early birds admiring the vibrant blossoms. But what really caught our attention were the expert photographers scattered throughout, each with their tripods in place and ready to capture the perfect shot in the refreshing morning breeze.
Can I Bring My Canine Companion?
Absolutely! As long as your furry friend is well-behaved and on a leash, they are more than welcome to join you. Just remember to be a responsible pet owner and clean up after them.
Taking my two furry friends, Pepper and Chloe, along for the tulip viewing adventure definitely added to the excitement!
Although we hoped to maintain the pristine appearance of our beloved pets for their photo sessions with tulips, it proved to be a daunting task. The weather was unfavorable, and following a brief stroll in the rain on damp soil, our furry companions transformed from white to brown. Nevertheless, they valiantly attempted to appear presentable for the camera.
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival offers more than just admiring flowers. If you’re questioning the value of attending and thinking there’s nothing else to do, think again! Trust me, it’s totally worth the effort to get there.
Visitors can enjoy a plethora of activities at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. The general admission fee covers several attractions such as the breathtaking tulip field views, fun tram or hay wagon rides, a play area for kids, and quirky photo cut-out boards.
At the Tulip Fest held at Wooden Shoe, there are numerous food vendors offering a wide range of delicacies such as wood-fired pizza, tacos, donuts, and coffee. There are also wine tasting events for those who love to indulge in some fine wine.
Oregon tulips are not just a sight to behold; they also make for great souvenirs. You can purchase bulbs or fresh bouquets to take home with you. For a more exhilarating experience, book a hot air balloon ride in advance and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the stunning tulip fields.
The area offers numerous chances to capture stunning photos, such as a colossal windmill, a charming flower truck, the adorable “Tulip Train”, seemingly endless rows of tulip fields with Mount Hood majestically in view, tractors – even a pink one, lovely benches, and much more.
If you’re a photography enthusiast in Oregon, you’ll know that the spring weather can be a bit tricky to plan for. With frequent bouts of wind and rain, it’s easy to feel discouraged from heading out to take some great shots. But fear not! There are still plenty of ways to capture some stunning photographs even in the midst of the unpredictable weather. Here are some tips to help you keep your camera steady and your creativity flowing, even when the weather isn’t cooperating.
During our stay in Woodburn, the weather forecast predicted rain throughout the entire week. It’s highly probable that you may encounter the same weather conditions during your visit. However, don’t let the rainy weather dampen your spirits. In fact, it offers a great chance to capture some stunning shots of the tulips.
Capturing the beauty of sunset or sunrise during the golden hour on a clear spring day is undoubtedly what every photographer aims for. However, in case you’re unable to attain those ideal conditions during your visit, don’t fret! Rainy days offer an opportunity to capture stunning photographs that, in my opinion, are still better compared to the ones taken during mid-day on a sunny day, where there is harsh contrast and burnt background.
Don’t allow a brief rain shower to demotivate you. Taking snapshots of tulips or other flowers that are covered in raindrops can add a fascinating textural element. Can you imagine anything more delightful than capturing stunning tulip fields in a soft, springtime rain drizzle?
I can’t stress enough how breathtaking Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is, and no photo can capture its true essence. I strongly recommend planning a trip to witness the enchanting beauty of this place during spring. Trust me; it’s an experience you won’t forget.
