Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, Botanical garden in southeast Portland, Oregon.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a botanical garden in southeast Portland with thousands of rhododendrons and azaleas. The grounds feature small lakes, winding paths, fountains, and waterfalls distributed throughout the flowering areas.
The site was originally swampland covered with blackberries until the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society established a test garden in 1950. This founding marked the start of systematic cultivation that shaped the garden we see today.
The name comes from natural springs that flow through the grounds and shape the landscape. Visitors can see how these water sources connect different areas and support the plants throughout the garden.
The garden is best explored on foot using the marked paths, which offer different views and varying difficulty levels. Flat sections near the entrances are easily accessible, while elevated paths require steeper climbs and descents.
The marsh areas and submerged logs in the garden form an important habitat that attracts over 90 bird species. These wet zones are a surprising feature in an ornamental garden and offer visitors unexpected opportunities to watch birds and wildlife.
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