The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Washington Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published April 17, 2024
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
After a long, gray winter, nothing announces the new season like the appearance of flowers! From tulip fields to alpine wildflowers, the Evergreen State has no shortage of blooms to delight travelers. Still, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is usually crowded, and reaching those lovely Mount Rainier blossoms can wreak havoc on your feet. That’s why I recommend this flower road trip in Washington, which promises May blooms without the hassle or headache.
We'll start our journey just north of Oregon in pastoral Washougal. Here, master horticulturalists Chad Harris and Dale Grams operate the Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm, a National Display Garden of Japanese irises. With peak blooms from May through July, this tranquil sanctuary is the perfect start to your floral adventure.
Next up is Bush Prairie's Wildlife Botanical Gardens, a three-acre, volunteer-maintained tapestry of stunning specialty gardens. Though some sections are themed, they're unified by the shared goal of providing a home to wildlife.
You'll find the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens on the former property of Hulda Klager, a pioneering gardener who'd developed over 250 varieties of lilac by the time she passed away. Her 1800s home is also available for viewing, giving guests a meaningful look into the personality of a Washingtonian whose incredible contributions to the world are woefully underappreciated.
Head to our state's charming capital, Olympia, for the next garden on this trip. Located in Squaxin Park, Samarkand Rose Garden is just off the entrance. From relatively early in the season, this quaint collection of roses and other blossoms comes alive with color.
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5. Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, Federal Way
Did you know that the rhododendron is Washington's state flower? Federal Way's Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is a 24-acre celebration of this beautiful bloom. Founded by the American Rhododendron Society, this stunning garden is now home to over 10,000 rhododendrons, making it one of the best collections of the plant.
6. Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center, Carnation
10819 Carnation-Duvall Rd NE, Carnation, WA 98014, USA
To complete our cross-state adventure, we'll end things at Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center in Carnation. This impressive nonprofit is more than a flowery sanctuary. Oxbow grows plants for conservation projects, hosts education programs, and is a local leader in sustainable agricultural practices.
If you’re longing to see some blooms, set out on this flower road trip in Washington. Provided you have the right snacks to fuel the four-hour trek, you’re sure to have a day jam-packed with spring beauty!
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