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Botanical Gardens in Oregon

12 botanical gardens in Oregon with photography planning data — sunrise and sunset azimuths, golden hour by month, Milky Way windows and estimated sky darkness. Multnomah County has the most (5). The darkest skies are at Oregon Trail Arboretum (Bortle 3).

Top botanical gardens

Hoyt ArboretumBotanical Garden
Hoyt ArboretumMultnomah County
Leach Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
Leach Botanical GardenMultnomah County
Mount Pisgah ArboretumBotanical Garden
Mount Pisgah ArboretumLane County
Bush's Pasture ParkBotanical Garden
Bush's Pasture ParkMarion County
Crystal Springs Rhododendron GardenBotanical Garden
Crystal Springs Rhododendron GardenMultnomah County
Berry Botanic GardenBotanical Garden
Berry Botanic GardenMultnomah County
Martha Springer Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
Martha Springer Botanical GardenMarion County
Peavy ArboretumBotanical Garden
Peavy ArboretumBenton County
Oregon GardenBotanical Garden
Oregon GardenMarion County
Rogerson Clematis GardenBotanical Garden
Rogerson Clematis GardenMultnomah County
Hendricks ParkBotanical Garden
Hendricks ParkLane County
Botanical Garden
Oregon Trail ArboretumUmatilla County

Botanical Gardens by county

Map

How to photograph botanical gardens

Gardens are best on bright overcast days or early mornings when dew is fresh and the wind is calm.

  • A macro lens or close-up filter opens a world of detail — try a shallow aperture against a soft background.
  • Many gardens restrict tripods or charge for photography; check the rules before you go.
  • Backlit petals glow; position yourself so the sun is behind the flower.
  • Seasonal exhibits (orchids, tulips, cherry blossoms) draw crowds — arrive at opening.
  • Kaleidoscopic and abstract images are great for flower close-ups — try the online kaleidoscope tool.

Season: Spring bulbs and blossoms, summer perennials and autumn color; glasshouses offer winter subjects.