From the coast to the high desert, Oregon is home to an incredible collection of public gardens — places that inspire curiosity, spark creativity, and invite you to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll, a family-friendly afternoon, or ideas for your own home garden, these destinations offer something for everyone.
We do our best to keep each garden’s information up to date, but hours, admission, and events can change — so be sure to check the garden’s website for the most current details before you visit.
Explore the gardens below to plan your next outing, learn more about the plants that thrive in our region, and experience the many ways Oregonians grow, care for, and celebrate the landscape around us.
Darlingtonia State Natural Site is the only Oregon state park property dedicated to the protection of a single plant species. Concurrently, the plants it protects are the only carnivorous flora in the system.
This 18-acre botanical park provides parking and a boardwalk trail out into a fen that is home to Darlingtonia californica. Also called a cobra lily, the rare, strangely-shaped plant is the only member of the pitcher plant family (Sarraceniaceae) in Oregon.
Park is free and open dawn–dusk daily. Home tours adult $6, seniors $5, student/youth $3, children under 5 free. Reservations suggested. Call to reserve.
Deepwood consists of a 5 acre property with a vast array of outdoor experiences. As a Salem city park, the Deepwood grounds are open free to the public year round. The park is divided into two main areas: the Formal Gardens and Grounds & Nature Area.
The Lilac Garden in Duniway Park is a landfill over what was originally Marquam Gulch. The garden is surrounded by steep hillsides covered with fir and cedar - a wonderful backdrop for lilacs in bloom. There are currently about 225 plants in the garden. Included are over 125 varieties, mostly hybrids of Syringa vulgaris which bloom from late March to early May. Of special interest is a large Japanese Tree Lilac which blooms in June.
