Washington bursts into color throughout the year, offering breathtaking floral displays from wildflower-covered mountain meadows to vibrant tulip fields and cherry blossoms. This guide breaks down when and where to find the most stunning blooms across the state, so you can plan the perfect outing or photoshoot. Whether you're dreaming of lavender fields in summer or golden larches in fall, we've got you covered!
Spring in Washington brings an explosion of color, from cherry blossoms in the city to tulip fields stretching across the Skagit Valley. Here's a guide to some of the best spring blooms and where to find them!
Tulips
These April blooms bring all the drama and color! Perfect for Mommy&Me, family, and portraits, these vibrant beauties are a thing to behold! Ranging from white, to yellow, to pinks, reds, and purples, there's nothing to not love about these flowers!
When: April-Early May
Fav Locations:
- Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Mt. Vernon: The most famous tulip fields in Washington! With vibrant rows of flowers for acres and acres! Farms such as Roozengaarde, and Tulip Town are our favs
- Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, Or: This slightly out of state location features another stunning display for as far as the eye can see, often coinciding with a hot air balloons . This is a perfect location for our adventure seeking families and couples!
- Knutson Farms, Sumner: This close-to-home farm is perfect for families! Featuring a gorgeous field of tulips, they also boast u-pick events, a store, as well as games and play areas for the kiddos!
Daffodils
These bright and bold yellow blooms will definitely have you in the spring mood! Perfect for families, couples, and portraits, daffodils provide a gorgeous pop of color to any session!
When: March-April
Fav Locations:
- Skagit Valley: Blooms ahead of the tulip season and often located at the same farms. Acres and acres of nothing but golden blooms
- Roozengaarde Display Garden, Mt. Vernon: A fantastic spot to see organized rows of these yellow blooms. Crowds usually stay pretty tame
- La Conner, Mt. Skagit: One of the largest displays of daffodils in the state!
- Puyallup Valley: Home to the annual Daffodil Festival, this area is full of family friendly displays of spring blooms
Cherry Blossoms
These March blooms are one of our first signs of spring! Perfect for engagements, couples, maternity, and more these pink blossoms range in color from the palest of pinks, to deep and vibrant tones!
When: March-April
Fav Locations:
- University of Washington, Seattle: Iconic cherry blossom canopy, typically peaking in late March. We recommend planning for an early morning session here as crowds can be overwhelming
- Jefferson Park, Seattle: Beautiful cherry blossoms with a less crowded atmosphere
- Washington Park Arboretum: A scenic mix of cherry blossoms and other spring blooms
- Point Defiance Park, Tacoma: Gorgeous blossoms nestled near the Japanese Gardens, this location tends to be less crowded than Seattle
- Washington State Capitol Campus, Olympia: Features a beautiful canopy of cherry blossoms and elegant architecture of the Capitol building
Rhododendrons &Azaleas
These vibrant blooms range from white, to pink, to purple, and reds, these gorgeous flowers bring the spring vibe for sure!
When: April-June
Fav Locations:
- Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle: The rhododendron Glen bursts with color during this season!
- Meerkerk Gardens, Whidbey Island: 10 acres bursting full of rhododendrons in bloom along with other spring blooms
- Point Defiance Park, Tacoma: The rhododendron gardens offer stunning displays
- Crystal Mountain, Mt Rainier: Wild rhododendrons bloom along trails and gondola-accessible areas. Perfect for the adventurous couples looking for a breath-taking view! These blooms are a bit of a late bloom, coming in Early June, but beautiful none-the-less!
Wildflowers
Washington State boasts a vibrant array of wildflowers, with popular species such as lupines, balsam root, Indian paint-brush, columbines, and more!
When: April-June
Fav Locations:
- Columbia River Gorge: (April-May) Yellow balsam root and purple lupines blanket the rolling hills at Rowena Crest and Dog Mountain. This is a perfect location for the adventurous couples and families!
- Mount Ranier National Park: (Late May-June) Early season blooms like glacier lilies and pasqueflowers appear at lower elevations. Depending on snow/ice, snow chains may be required. Perfect for the adventurous souls!
- San Juan Islands: (May-June) Orcas Island's meadows feature camas Lillies and buttercups
Lilacs
The beloved shrub is known for their fragrant, showy flowers that bloom in clusters during the spring. Ranging in a variety of colors including, but not limited to purples, pinks, whites, and blues, these spring beauties are a sight to behold!These blooms are the perfect backdrop for romance, bringing a soft, feminine energy to any session!
When: April-May
Fav Locations:
- Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, Woodland: This historic garden is full of fragrant blooms sure to wow you! Perfect for families, couples, and portraits!
- Manito Park, Spokane: This lilac garden blooms beautifully in May, fitting for Spokane's title as the "Lilac City."
Peonies
These beloved perennial flowers are known for their large, fragrant blossoms in a wide array of colors from pinks, to whites, and everything in between! These spring blooms bring an air of elegance and grace, making them the perfect backdrops for engagements, couples, portraits, and Mommy&Me sessions!
When: May-June
Fav Locations:
- Pure Peonies Farm, Everson: A stunning farm with endless rows of lush peonies, making it the perfect spot for families and couples!
- Seattle Chinese Garden, Seattle: Features tree peonies among other spring flowers. Easily accessible and perfect for couples and families
- Petals and Posies Flower Farm, Enumclaw: Boasting tons of blossoms, u-pick flowers, and more, this farm is perfect for families, couples, portraits, and more!
Summer in Washington brings an incredible variety of flowers, from vibrant wildflowers in the mountains, to fragrant fields of lavender and sunflowers. Here's a guide to some of the best blooms and where to find them!
Lupines
These tall summer blooms come in a variety of pinks and purples and are known for their tall spikes of pea-shaped flowers. Families be warned, these gorgeous blooms are pollinators friend and may attract bees!
When: April-May
Fav Locations:
- Columbia River Gorge: yellow balsam root and colorful lupines blanket the rolling hills of Rowena Crest and Dog Mountain! Perfect for families, couples, and those up for a bit of a drive and adventure!
- Farm 12, Puyallup: This local treasure boasts views of Mt. Rainier amidst their field of Lupines! Next to the Farm's restaurant, this location is perfect for golden hound morning sessions with treats available after!
Roses
These vibrant shrubs and vines come in a wide variety of shapes and colors making for beautiful displays of vibrant blooms often accompanied with a sweet fragrance! These beauties do have thorns, so families beware!
When: June-August
Fav Locations:
- Point Defiance Rose Garden, Tacoma: Over 1,500 rose bushes in peak bloom in the summer. With covered archways and other seasonal blooms, this location is absolutely perfect for seniors, portraits, couples, engagements, and more! Located near a duck pond and botanical gardens, this location really does have it all!
- Woodland Park Rose Garden, Seattle: A classic rose garden next to the zoo with a variety of other seasonal blooms and water features! Perfect for families (no better bribe than a trip to the zoo!) and couples alike!
- International Rose Test Gardren, Portland OR: Founded in 1917, this rose garden features over 10,000 manicured displays of roses and other seasonal blooms. Perfect for adventurous couples down for a drive!
- Rose Garden, Seattle: This romantic park sits right on the water and boasts beautiful blooms and views!
- Rose Garden at Squaxin Park, Olympia: This peaceful park features gorgeous blooms, trails, trellises, and more! Perfect for families and couples!
- Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden: This gorgeous botanical garden features bridges, trails, arched walkways, all nestled in the gorgeous blooms of seasonal flowers
Lavender
These fragrant purple blooms are an iconic Washington view.
When: July
Fav Locations:
- Sequim, Olympic Peninsula: Known as the "Lavender Capitol of North America" Sequim boasts numerous farms like Purple Haze, and Jardin du Soleil
- Pelindaba Lavender Farm, San Juan Islands: This farm offers rolling fields of purple blooms with a coastal backdrop
- Mountain Glow Lavender Farm, Auburn: This farm is close to home and features charming lavender fields and mountain views. This venue offers after hours availability, perfect for romantic date nights, proposals, and golden hour drenched engagements
Hydrangeas
These popular summer flowers are known for their large size and wide variety of colors including pinks, blues, reds, and whites,.
When: July-September
Fav Locations:
- Lakewold Gardens, Lakewood: A historic estate garden with massive hydrangea bushes, beautiful atriums, walking trails and more! Perfect for couples, engagements, and families!
- Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue: Beautiful seasonal gardens featuring hydrangeas in various shades
- Japanese Gardens, Seattle: Beautiful Japanese architecture nestled in seasonal blooms with easy-to-traverse trails!
Wildflowers
Washington State boasts a vibrant array of wildflowers, with popular species such as lavender, Lillies, asters, daisies, and more! There's beauty to be found for those adventurous families and couples!
When: July-August
Fav Locations:
- Mount Rainier National Park: Trails such as Paradise, and Sunrise boasts blooms of lupines, Indian paint-brush, avalanche Lillies, and asters blanket the meadows
- Hurricane Ridge, Olympic NTL Park: Subalpine daisies, Indian paintbrush, and lupines bloom in the high meadows. Perfect for those adventurous souls looking for a hike
- Artist Point, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NTL Forest: A stunning mix of heather, lupine, and fireweed with epic mountain views!
- Alpine Lakes Wilderness: Hikes such as Snow Lake and Maple Pass showcase stunning summer wildflowers for those willing to trek for them
Dahlias
Vibrant, large, and diverse blooms available in a wide array of color and size, with some varieties resembling pom-poms or dinner plates these amazing flowers are definitely a sight to behold!
When: July-September
Fav Locations:
- Swan Island Dahlias, Canby Or: Boasts one of the largest dahlia farms in the US! Perfect location for our adventurous couples and families not afraid of a little road trip
- Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island: Features a beautiful garden filled with seasonal dahlias
- Petals and Posies Farm, Enumclaw: A charming farm with mountain views and gorgeous dahlias among other seasonal flowers
Fireweeds
A tall, showy wildflower known for its purple hue and its ability to colonize disturbed areas including those burned by fire ! These jewel toned beauties can reach up to 6' tall!
When: July-August
Fav Locations:
- North Cascades National Park: With gorgeous mountainous backdrops and trails and meadows dotted and lined with bright purple blooms! Perfect for adventurous families and couples!
- Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument: Fireweed thrives in the regenerating landscape post-eruption making for a gorgeous backdrop to any session!
As summer fades, Washington transforms into a vibrant mix of golden foliage, late-season flowers, and unique autumn blooms. From fiery-colored larches in the mountains, to deep-hued dahlias and chrysanthemums. Here's a guide to the best fall displays and where to find them!
Fall flowers
Dahlias
Vibrant, large, and diverse blooms available in a wide array of color and size, with some varieties resembling pom-poms or dinner plates these amazing flowers are definitely a sight to behold!
When: July-September
Fav Locations:
- Swan Island Dahlias, Canby Or: Boasts one of the largest dahlia farms in the US! Perfect location for our adventurous couples and families not afraid of a little road trip
- Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island: Features a beautiful garden filled with seasonal dahlias
- Petals and Posies Farm, Enumclaw: A charming farm with mountain views and gorgeous dahlias among other seasonal flowers
Sunflowers
With bursts of vivid yellows and reds, these vibrant late summer-fall blooms are sure to wow! A true crowd pleaser for all ages and sessions, but beware, bees love these sunny blooms!
When: August-September
Fav Locations:
- Stocker Farms, Snohomish: A popular sunflower festival with endless golden blooms
- Bob's Corn & Pumpkin Farm, Snohomish: Acres of sunflowers perfect for families
- Pheasant Fields Farm, Silverdale: A charming farm with sunflowers and other summer blooms
- Lora Lee's Family Farm, Snoqualmie: A charming family farm with acres of sunflowers and farm animals
- Knutson Farms, Sumner: Perfect for family sessions, this farm boasts gorgeous flowers and activities for the kids!
Chrysanthemums
Commonly known as "mums", these bright autumn florals are known for their vibrant, showy flower heads and deeply aromatic leaves!
When: September-November
Fav Locations:
- Point Defiance Park, Tacoma: The gardens feature seasonal mums in rich autumn tones. Perfect for families, couples, and portraits! This park features a wide variety of scenery and features duck ponds, playgrounds, and a zoo for the kids!
- Volunteer Park Conservatory, Seattle: A great indoor space showcasing a variety of chrysanthemums! Perfect for couples and engagements
- Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island: A beautiful garden retreat with floral displays! Perfect for those up for a drive!
Goldenrods & Asters
Some of our most recognizable late season wildflowers, these bright yellow and purple blooms help brighten and liven the end of season landscapes!
When: September-October
Fav Locations:
- Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle: Wild patches of goldenrod and asters provides a burst of late season color. Perfect for families and couples
- Discovery Park, Seattle: Golden meadows with scattered asters along walking trails make for a picturesque backdrop to any session!
- North Cascades National Park: these fall blooms line the trails making the perfect scenery for those adventurous enough!
fall foliage
Golden Larches
This golden yellow foliage is a fall showstopper for sure!
When: Mid-September-October
Fav Locations:
- Maple Pass Loop, North Cascades: One of the most famous larch hikes in Washington! Perfect for our adventurous souls, families, and couples!
- Cutthroat Pass, North Cascades: A shorter, moderate hike with stunning larches
- Ingalls Pass, Teanaway Region: A vibrant mix of golden larches and mountain views
Maple & Oak Trees
These vivid reds and greens are sure to make the perfect fall backdrop for any session!
When: October-November
Fav Locations:
- Leavenworth: a quaint, Bavarian-style town with stunning autumn colors
- Tumwater Canyon: Just outside of Leavenworth, known for fiery-colored trees along the river
- Mount Ranier National Park: Paradise and Reflection Lakes glow with autumn tones
- University of Washington Quad, Seattle: Japanese maple trees turn rich shades of red and orange
- Lake Wilderness Park, Maple Valley: This beautiful lake features views of Mt Rainier, dock views, and easy to navigate trails chocked full of vibrant fall foliage
While winter in Washington is best known for its evergreens and snow-covered landscapes, several flowers and plants bloom during the colder months, adding color and life to the frigid season. Here's a guide to Washington's best winter blooms and where to find them!
Flowers
Camellias
These evergreen shrubs are known for their glossy, dark green leaves and showy rose-like flowers that bloom from winter to spring!
When: December-March
Fav Locations:
- Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle: Features stunning winter-blooms along winding garden paths
- Lakewold Gardens, Lakewood: A historic estate garden showcasing camellias in peak winter bloom!
- Volunteer Park Conservatory, Seattle: Indoor and outdoor varieties flourish even in the coldest months
Hellebores
Also known as the Christmas rose, these winter blooms are known for their bright coloring and attractive foliage
- Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island: Features beautiful hellebores peeking through winter greenery
- Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue: A variety of early-blooming hellebores thrive in the winter garden section
- PowellsWood Garden, Federal Way:
Holly&Winter Berries
These bright red berries bring a pop of color into the green scenery that is Washington Winters!
When: November-February
Fav Locations:
- Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island: Red holly berries contrast beautifully with the winter greens
- Point Defiance Park, Tacoma: Various winter berry brushes brighten up the gardens
- Kubota Gardens, Seattle: Vibrant red berries add color to the Japanese-inspired landscapes
Winter Daphne
This fragrant evergreen shrub features pink blooms in late winter!
When: January-March
Fav Locations:
- Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle: Highly fragrant clusters of pink and white flowers
- Lakewold Gardens, Lakewood: A great place to find winter Daphne in bloom!
