Spring is officially here! The birds are singing their hearts out at sunrise, the trees are bursting into bloom, and best of all, native wildflowers are starting to make their grand entrance.

I’m a big fan of wildflower hunting (strictly the “look, don’t pick” kind), and I’m lucky enough to live right across the street from Champoeg State Park, where I can wander through wildflower-filled meadows from now until fall.

Just 40 minutes south of Portland, Champoeg is home to some of Oregon’s preserved Oak Savanna (more on that in a bit), with wide-open meadows, towering oak trees, and miles of scenic trails along the Willamette River. If you haven’t been, consider this your sign to visit!

My own flower farm isn’t blooming much this time of year, but be sure to sign up for emails below to be the first to know when bouquets will be available

On a recent walk with my dog, I spotted the first wildflowers of the season, and I couldn’t wait to share the best places to find them with you. Let’s dive in!

*The trail leading down from the visitor center opens up to meadows will views of the hills over the river*

What is Oak Savanna, anyways?

When people picture Oregon’s past before the pioneers arrived, they probably imagine endless forests of pine and fir trees. And while that’s true in many areas, much of the Willamette Valley actually looked more like a prairie with wide-open grasslands and scattered trees. Oaks thrived in these drier conditions without as much competition from plants we would see in some of Oregon’s forests that get more rainfall.

*An oak grove in Champoeg - I love the winter months because you can see the twisted, gnarled oak branches*

Historically, wildfires helped shape these landscapes by clearing out evergreen trees and dense shrubs, allowing Oregon White Oaks to thrive. These meadows and prairies became biodiversity hotspots, supporting countless native plants and animals.

One of my favorite birds, the Western Bluebird, is a perfect example of why Oak Savannas are so important. Bluebirds need open spaces and tree cavities to nest. Unfortunately, as these habitats disappeared, so did the bluebirds. But thanks to major conservation efforts at Champoeg, their population is now making a comeback!

Oak Savannas were also vital to the native Kalapuya tribes, who relied on them for one of their staple foods, the camas bulb. This beautiful blue-flowered plant has an edible bulb and the Kalapuya used controlled burns to maintain the prairies where it grew. In a way, they were the original land stewards, shaping the valley’s landscape long before European settlers arrived.

*You can find huge meadows of camas blooming in Champoeg from April-May*

The best places to find wildflowers in Champoeg

Champoeg State Park is huge, over 600 acres, with a mix of wooded forest and open prairie. I’m there walking my dog at least once a week so I’ve found the best places to see all the gorgeous wildflowers.

March-April: Erythronium & Trillium

These woodland wildflowers are a joy to see and there are masses of erythronium (also called fawn lily) blooming in the very far side of the park! If you carefully walk off the trail you’ll find yourself in a magical fairy forest of these delicate blooms. There’s also trillium dotted through.

*Circled in purple - the best place to see erythronium & camas is in the wooded picnic area around the Riverside Day-Use Area*

Another favorite flower blooming in March attracts the local hummingbirds in droves. While more of a shrub than a wildflower, our native Red Currant is a gorgeous pink and really stands out this time of year.

April-May: Camas & Fritillary

There’s a couple great spots to see camas and frillary blooming in huge meadows. It’s a sea of blue in peak bloom times. The meadows buzz with all the bees that love the camas.

Circled in orange - the best place to see camas is in the big meadows along the road as you’re driving to the pet exercise area. You can park anywhere in the lots and then walk across to the big meadows.

May-June: Lupine & other prairie flowers

Starting in late spring and going into summer, the lupine really start to take over the meadows. They’re a gorgeous blue color, although not as intense as the camas. Bees love them.

*Circled in turquoise - the best place to see lupine and other early-summer wildflowers. Walk the Townsite Trail that borders a huge prairie full of flowers*

Happy wildflower hunting!

If you make it out to Champoeg State Park, be sure to leave the wildflowers there for everyone to enjoy (if you need a bunch of flowers, try a Big Oak Bouquet ;)

Where to Find Wildflowers in Champoeg, Oregon

What is Oak Savanna, anyways?

The best places to find wildflowers in Champoeg

Happy wildflower hunting!

First Seedlings in the Ground!