The Oregon Garden
120 acres of botanical wonder, themed gardens, a Frank Lloyd Wright landmark, and year-round events in the heart of the Willamette Valley.
A Botanical Paradise in the Willamette Valley
The Oregon Garden is a magnificent 120-acre botanical garden in Silverton, Oregon. Opened in 1999, it has become one of the state’s most celebrated attractions — a sanctuary for plant enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers that showcases the horticultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest.
The Oregon Garden features over 20 specialty themed gardens, each with its own character and focus. Whether you’re drawn to fragrant rose collections, native conifers, or the reflective quiet of the water gardens, there is always something worth seeing. The grounds also host the Frank Lloyd Wright Gordon House, the only Wright-designed home in the Pacific Northwest open to the public, making this far more than just a garden visit. The Oregon Garden is also one of the most popular wedding venues in the Willamette Valley, with couples drawn to its scenic backdrops year-round.
Add a seasonal narrated tram tour, a full-service resort, and a restaurant with views of the valley, and you have a destination that rewards the whole day.
Best Time to Visit the Oregon Garden
Every season brings something different to the Oregon Garden. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect throughout the year so you can plan your visit around what matters most to you.
April and May are peak season. Tulips, daffodils, and roses explode into color. The grounds are at their most photogenic, and crowds are lighter than summer weekends.
Warm, dry weather makes this ideal for long strolls. Music on the Lawn runs June through September on Thursday evenings. The July 3rd fireworks celebration draws big crowds.
September and October bring warm foliage tones and cooler temperatures. A quieter time to visit with fewer visitors and beautiful light for photography.
The Silverton Christmas Market transforms the garden into a lit winter wonderland in late November and December. One of the most magical events in the Willamette Valley.
20+ Themed Gardens
The Oregon Garden is home to more than 20 specialty gardens, each with its own focus, character, and plant collection. Here is a guide to the highlights.
A fragrant display of numerous rose species and hybrids, spectacular in late spring and early summer.
An extensive companion collection showcasing varieties from the renowned Jackson & Perkins company.
One of the largest collections of dwarf and miniature conifers in the United States. A must for plant enthusiasts.
Features native flora of the Pacific Northwest, highlighting resilient indigenous plant species adapted to Oregon’s climate.
A maze-like area with paths, bridges, and aquatic plants that also demonstrates sustainable water management techniques.
A tranquil setting featuring water lilies, lotuses, and other aquatic plants in a beautifully designed pond.
Engages all five senses with plants chosen for their interesting textures, striking scents, and rich colors.
An interactive, playful space designed to inspire and educate young visitors. A great stop for families with kids.
A welcoming area with plants safe for dogs, designed specifically for visitors exploring with their four-legged companions.
A serene environment dedicated to honoring military veterans and first responders, offering quiet spaces for reflection.
Celebrates plants documented and collected during the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition across the American West.
Showcases local produce and sustainable gardening techniques drawn from the agricultural traditions of the Silverton area.
A peaceful woodland grove with a reflecting pool and unique water feature, ideal for a quiet moment away from the crowds.
The centerpiece of the garden: a 400-year-old Oregon white oak, one of the state’s designated Heritage Trees and a living symbol of Oregon’s natural history.
The Oregon Garden in full bloom — one of Oregon’s most beloved botanical destinations.
Seasonal Tram Tours
Not sure where to start on 120 acres? The narrated tram tour is the perfect way to get your bearings and hear the stories behind the gardens before you explore on foot.
The Oregon Garden offers a seasonal narrated tram tour that winds through the grounds with expert commentary. It is a great way to cover the full scope of the garden, get oriented before a self-guided walk, or enjoy the gardens if you have limited mobility. Tours typically run during peak season — check the Oregon Garden website for current schedules and availability before your visit.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Gordon House
Built in 1963, the Gordon House is the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in the Pacific Northwest open to the public. Originally constructed in Wilsonville, the home was relocated to the Oregon Garden in 2001 to save it from demolition. It represents Wright’s signature Usonian style, designed to be modest, functional, and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. Guided tours are available seasonally and offer a rare opportunity to step inside a piece of American architectural history.
Good news for Oregon Tails readers: leashed dogs are welcome throughout the entire Oregon Garden, not just in the dedicated Pet Friendly Garden. Keep your dog on-leash at all times, clean up after them, and they are welcome to join you on all garden paths. Pets are also allowed on the outdoor patio at the Garden View Restaurant. It is one of the more dog-friendly botanical gardens you will find anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.
Events at the Oregon Garden
The Oregon Garden hosts a full calendar of public and private events throughout the year. These are the recurring events that draw visitors back season after season. Visit oregongarden.org/upcoming-events for current dates and details.
A beloved summer series featuring live performances on Thursday evenings twice a month. Bring a blanket, enjoy the gardens after hours, and catch local and regional artists against the backdrop of the illuminated grounds.
See schedule ↗
One of the biggest events of the year. Live music, family activities, and a full fireworks display cap off the evening. Gates typically open at 5 pm with the fireworks launching at 10 pm. Separate ticketing applies.
Event details ↗
Hands-on educational workshops covering topics from outdoor survival and native plants to crafts and watercolor painting. Held throughout the growing season and open to visitors of all skill levels.
Browse workshops ↗
A festive mid-December event featuring local artisans and makers, perfect for holiday shopping in a unique garden setting. Family-friendly atmosphere with seasonal treats and decorations throughout the grounds.
Event details ↗
Formerly known as Christmas in the Garden, this event transforms the Oregon Garden into a lit winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday activities for all ages. One of the most magical seasonal events in the valley.
silvertonchristmasmarket.com ↗Admission & Hours
Admission is reasonably priced and includes full access to all gardens and the Gordon House grounds. There is no additional charge to walk the gardens.
| Visitor Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (18 – 59) | $8 |
| Seniors (60+) | $6 |
| Students (12 – 17) | $5 |
| Children (5 – 11) | $2 |
| Children (4 & under) | Free |
Good to Know
- Hours: Monday through Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm
- Free parking on site, including dedicated RV spaces
- All pathways are paved and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers
- Leashed dogs welcome throughout the grounds
- Tram tours are seasonal — check ahead for availability
- Gordon House guided tours are available seasonally at no extra charge
- The garden is a popular wedding venue — some sections may be reserved on weekends
Stay, Eat, and Relax
You do not have to leave for food or a place to sleep. The Oregon Garden Resort and its on-site dining options make this a natural overnight destination.
Locally sourced ingredients, indoor and outdoor seating, and stunning views of the 80-acre garden and the Willamette Valley. Open for breakfast through dinner, with meals ranging from complimentary breakfasts for resort guests to romantic evening dining.
Outdoor patio seating available seasonally. Pets welcome on the patio. Reservations recommended for dinner.
A cozy lounge atmosphere with a fireplace, live nightly entertainment, and Pacific Northwest-inspired small plates and drinks. Open from 2 pm to 10 pm on weekdays and until 11 pm on weekends.
Hosts seasonal specials and events. Walk-ins welcome.
On-site cottage-style guest rooms, each with a fireplace, flat-screen TV, and private garden patio. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, day spa, and complimentary breakfast and parking for guests.
An Overnight Worth Planning For
The Oregon Garden Resort is one of those rare places where staying on-site actually enhances the experience. Being steps from the gardens means you can slip out for a morning walk before crowds arrive, then settle into a fireplace room for the evening.
The resort’s location also puts you within easy reach of Silver Falls State Park, the Gordon House, and the charming downtown of Silverton. Whether you are making a weekend of it or just extending a day trip by one night, it is well worth considering.
View the resort →Directions to the Oregon Garden
Silverton is easy to reach from Portland or Salem. The drive is part of the experience: scenic Willamette Valley farmland all the way in.
47 miles south via I-5 to Salem, then OR-22 E and OR-214 N into Silverton. Easy highway drive with no difficult navigation.
About 15 miles northeast of Salem via OR-214. Salem makes a convenient first stop for lunch before heading to the garden, or pair with a visit to Silver Falls State Park nearby.
Nearby Attractions
Silverton and the surrounding Willamette Valley have plenty worth pairing with your garden visit. These are the most popular stops close by.
Silver Falls State Park
Oregon’s largest state park, home to the Trail of Ten Falls — a 7.2-mile loop passing ten stunning waterfalls. An absolute must if you are already in the area.
~14 miles from the Oregon Garden
Gordon House
Located directly on the Oregon Garden grounds, this is the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence in the Pacific Northwest open to public tours. See the Tram & Tours section above for details.
On site
Downtown Silverton
A charming small-town main street with local restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and boutiques. Worth an hour before or after your garden visit. The town also hosts its own seasonal events and farmers markets.
Minutes from the garden
Willamette Valley Wine Country
The broader Willamette Valley is Oregon’s premier wine region, with dozens of tasting rooms within a short drive. Eola-Amity Hills and the Chehalem Mountains AVA are both within 30 to 40 minutes.
30 – 40 miles west
Coolidge-McClaine County Park
A quiet local park along Silver Creek just outside Silverton, good for a short walk or picnic. A low-key spot to wind down after a full day at the garden before heading back toward Portland.
~5 miles from the Oregon Garden
Mount Angel
A small German-inspired town about 10 miles south of Silverton, known for the Oktoberfest celebration in September and the Mount Angel Abbey with sweeping valley views.
~10 miles southFrequently Asked Questions
