Hello:

We are thinking of visiting Portland in mid April. I am interested in visiting the Japanese Garden and Rose garden. Does anyone know if the flowers will be in bloom?

Also, we would like to visit Columbia Gap and some of the mountain areas. Are the roads usually clear or still snowy?

We have a new digital camera and are interested in scenic locations.

We will also probably be driving to Seattle and Vancouver.

Thanks!

They have their BIG Rose festival in June. However some will be blooming especially if it ever stops raining..IF early april has lots of sun will also help..
Be sure you do a seach on this site on Portland and separate ones for Seattle and Vancouver..Their should be lots of info.
Portland has really experienced a renaissance in last few years...
My first thought when I saw your post was --
Pearl Bakery and Powell bookstore--always my first stops..
You will have a wonderful experience...

Yes, the roses will be dependant on our weather. But the Japanese Garden is beautiful anytime.

The Columbia River Gorge is great all the time too. So many opportunities for photos in that area. Definitely take the scenic route (the old highway vs the interstate), and stop at the Portland Women's Forum (odd name, but amazing views), Vista House, and then Multnomah Falls. There are lots of places to stop all along in there as well. At Multnomah Falls, walk to the very top...not the little bridge. Or take the loop hike.

Another area right in Portland is Forest Park and Washington Park. Up by the Zoo. You can drive or hike up to Pittock Mansion too, and if it is a clear day there are some great views.

We were there in a rainy early April once. No reoses as I recall, though we enjoyed the Japanese gardens and the zoo.

roses.

Yeah... April is a little early for roses. I remember wondering this year if they'd even be in full bloom at Rose Festival time in June.

Chuckling at "Columbia Gap". I'm sure you're thinking of the Columbia River Gorge, but you might also enjoy the Buffalo Gap, a tavern on Macadam. ;-) IMO, the best falls to photograph in the gorge is Wahkeena, because you can get up close and personal. The cascading stream below the falls also presents some nice opportunities.

There will still be a bunch of snow on Mt. Hood, but roads won't be a problem. You might also consider St. Helens. And if you've never been, a day trip to Oregon's coast should be at the top of your list.

"I remember wondering this year..."

What year is this??? Make that last year.

Yeah, I don't think you should expect much to be in bloom in April, and it could well be raining and/or overcast. The Gorge is a spectacular area with great scenery, but if it's rainy you might not see much. I once took someone there in the rain and from standard Gorge viewpoints you couldn't see anything! No one can predict the weather, it could be sunny and blue in April the days you are here, but the odds are not in your favor.

You will, however, get breathtaking scenery on the Oregon Coast pretty much any time of the year. Cannon Beach is a very easy day trip, less than 2 hours from Portland.

The city of Portland itself is a neat place. I have found lots of photo opportunities here.

Thanks for the help!

Beachbum-yes I meant Columbia Gorge-it was early when I posted.

These will be our first trip to the Pacific NW and we are already excited! Sounds like we might want to wait until May or June for better weather.

Katie

No, you may want to wait until August or September for better weather!!! Seriously, it often rains through the spring in western Oregon. July, August and September are most likely to give you perfect, warm, sunny weather (and I can guarantee the roses will be in full bloom by then), but again, you never know. You could come in June, May, or even April and have spectacular weather. It's an "odds" thing.

If you have the flexibility and the willpower, Katie, wait until July or August. Summer, and the best chance for great weather, doesn't usually start until mid-July. Happy planning!

Hi:

The latest we can go is June because we have credits for a flight that we had to cancel due to a family emergency last year. We have to fly by 7/1/07.

Don't forget the gorgeous azaleas, which are in bloom earlier than roses. I love walking along paths with beautiful azalea bushes blooming in all their colors. The Japanese Gardens have a nice azalea display in the spring If you happen to drive down to Eugene, OR, don't miss the thousands of azaleas and rhodies in bloom at Hendricks Park:
http://www.nwsource.com/travel/scr/t...d=OR&cityid=68

Thanks!