Bring color into your life with these must-see spots in and around Vancouver, WA, with the best floral views. From relaxing lilac gardens to fields of bright tulips, the spring season is evident on this lively Flower Power Tour, which includes some of the best places to see flowers.
Holland America Flower Gardens
For a lesser-known and less-trafficked tulip outing, visit the Holland America Flower Gardens in Woodland (just north of Vancouver on I-5). Perfect for families, the budding Instagram influencer, or the envious gardener, stroll by the show field and then take a few homes from the U-Pick section for only 50 cents per stem.
1066 S. Pekin Road
Open Now - Early May
No Admission Fee | Tulips for Purchase
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens
Another Woodland wonder, the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, bloom bushes of purple and white in the spring, surrounding an 1889 Victorian Farmhouse and other historic buildings. A special Lilac Days event showcasing the flowers at full bloom takes place during the 23 days leading up to and including Mother’s Day (this year, April 20 to May 12).
115 S. Pekin Road
Open Daily 10 AM - 4 PM, Year-Round
$10 Gate Fee 12 & Ender are Free | Plants for Purchase
Cherry Blossoms
While the pink petals undoubtedly catch your eye while driving through town, these trees have a special meaning to Vancouver that not many know. In 1990, 100 Shirofrugen cherry trees were planted on Clark College’s main campus—a gift from Japan and one of many exchanges between the two cultures. A symbol of friendship, the bond grew alongside the blossoms, and five years later Joyo, Japan was established as Vancouver’s sister city. The college hosts an annual Sakura Festival, and the relationship is depicted in murals, namely the one on the backside of Kiggins Theatre. Vancouver was also chosen as a top spot in the United States to see cherry blossom trees bloom by USA Today.
Top Viewing Spots: Clark College (1933 Fort Vancouver Way) & Officers Row
Peak Season: Late March - April
The Garden at Fort Vancouver
As you walk the main path toward Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, your first sight is the vibrant garden that borders the reconstructed Fort Wall. Cultivated with heirloom seeds, the garden is 90 percent accurate to the mid-19th-century time of settlement. The plot is now smaller than the eight-plus acres utilized by the Hudson's Bay Company, but it still represents the same fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The friendly on-site volunteers who maintain the garden are happy to answer any questions about the plants.
1001 E 5th St, Vancouver, WA 98661
Open Daily: Dawn - Dusk
Peak Season: The garden is most active in Spring, Summer, and early Fall.
Lacamas Heritage Trail
Find the flower that Camas was named after, the Camas Lily, in the 312-acre park surrounding Lacamas and Round Lake. Meander the trails until you are stopped in your tracks by tiers of rocky meadows radiating with purple blooms. During pleasant weather, this expansive, level pathway tracing the shoreline of Lacamas Lake sees a bustling flow of joggers, walkers, and cyclists. Informative signs dot the route, enhancing the experience for visitors. While feasible year-round, the most rewarding excursions coincide with high water levels. Springtime unveils a vibrant tapestry of native wildflowers adorning the trail. For an extended outing, adventurers can seamlessly transition onto adjacent trails within Lacamas Park, including the Round Lake Loop Hike and the Lacamas Creek Hike, as well as the Washougal River Greenway Loop Hike. Expect to share the trail with a considerable number of fellow enthusiasts during optimal weather conditions.
NW Lake Rd at State RT 500, Camas, WA 98607
Open Daily: Dawn – Dusk
Peak Season: Early May
Jamie's Dahlia's and Flower Farm
Up in the hills of Washougal (east of Vancouver off Hwy 14) is Jamie's Dahlia's and Flower Farm, a seasonal flower farm offering fresh-cut flowers, vase arrangements, and bulk orders for pick-up and delivery. They also offer u-cut dahlias in their 3/4 acre field of premium dahlias. Taking advantage of their u-cut activity is a perfect opportunity for those wanting to make their own beautiful arrangement for just $1 a stem. They would like to remind visitors to check their social media pages before heading out to the farm, as sometimes mother nature can cause an unexpected closure.