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3 Stunning Flower Fields to Visit for FREE This Summer in Salem, Oregon

  • Writer: LP
    LP
  • Mar 31
  • 3 min read

The State Capital Park in Salem Oregon before the Cherry Blossoms are in Bloom.

Let’s be honest—summer in the Willamette Valley is pure magic. Golden light, long days, and flowers in full, unapologetic bloom. Whether you’re a family craving a weekend adventure or just looking to get the kids out of the house without dropping a fortune, I’ve got you. Here are three gorgeous, family-friendly flower fields right here in the Salem area that are 100% free to visit—yes, free as in absolutely no charge, no entry fee, no surprise donations requested at the gate.


These places are perfect for a slow afternoon stroll, impromptu picnics, and yes… they just might make you dream up a flower-filled photoshoot later this season. (And when you’re ready for that—well, you know who to call.)



 Adelman Peony Gardens

1. 🌸 Adelman Peony Gardens


📍 Location: Brooks, OR (just outside Salem)

📅 Open Seasonally: Late April – Mid-June


Every year, this dreamy peony farm opens its gates to the public—and they don’t charge a dime. You’ll find over 25 acres of lush peony fields in every color you can imagine. The best part? They want you to explore. Bring the kids, walk the fields, pack a snack, and let the flowers work their charm. Just don’t forget your camera—there are moments here that deserve to be remembered.




Bush’s Pasture Park – Rose Garden

2. 🌹 Bush’s Pasture Park – Rose Garden


📍 Location: Right in Salem

📅 Open: Year-round

🔗 Website: cityofsalem.net


Tucked within the heart of Salem, Bush’s Pasture Park is a gem—and the rose garden is its crown. It’s peaceful, curated, and full of character. The garden bursts with vibrant roses during the summer months, and there’s zero cost to explore. Kids can run wild (respectfully), and there’s plenty of shaded space for relaxing. Think classic charm meets casual beauty—this is where timeless summer memories begin.




Schreiner’s Iris Gardens


3. 💜 Schreiner’s Iris Gardens


📍 Location: Keizer, OR

📅 Open Seasonally: May (Peak Bloom Month)

🔗 Website: schreinersgardens.com


While Schreiner’s does have areas with a fee, their display gardens are completely free to visit during peak bloom. And trust me—when those irises show up, they show out. This spot is wildly photogenic and family-friendly, with benches, picnic spots, and walking paths that let you soak up every inch of color. Keep an eye on their bloom calendar—they don’t disappoint.




🌼 Plan Your Visit: Flower Field Tips for a Beautiful (and Stress-Free) Family Day


✨ Timing is Everything

Each of these flower fields blooms at different times, so here’s a general seasonal guide:

Peonies (Adelman): Late April to mid-June

Irises (Schreiner’s): Peak bloom in May

Roses (Bush’s Pasture): Mid-June through early fall


Check each farm’s website or socials before heading out—bloom times can shift with the weather.




✨ Bring the Essentials

• A light blanket or towel for impromptu sitting or snacking

• Sunscreen and water—shade is limited in some areas

• Snacks or a picnic lunch (just be respectful and pack out your trash!)

• Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground

• A bag for your phone and keys—trust me, you’ll want your hands free



✨ Let the Kids Explore (Safely!)

These spaces are perfect for families with little ones. Encourage kids to look, smell, and explore—but remind them that flowers stay rooted (no picking!). Many of these farms are still working properties, so keep little ones in sight and off equipment or closed areas.


✨ Be Camera-Ready

Whether you’re snapping casual photos or already dreaming of a professional session later this summer, these fields offer the perfect backdrop. Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) is especially magical. And yes—if you want me to capture those moments, I’m just a message away.


✨ Respect the Space

These places are generously opened to the public at no cost. Let’s help keep them that way by staying on paths, not picking flowers, and treating the land like the gift it is.


A Final Note from Behind the Lens

As a photographer, I live for these kinds of places—the ones that ask nothing from you but presence. These flower fields remind us that beauty doesn’t have to come with a price tag. And if you happen to fall a little bit in love with these backdrops and want to return for a summer shoot… I’ve got you.


✨ I’ll be offering a limited number of sessions at each location during peak bloom times—designed to capture your family in the golden, flower-filled glow of the season. You can explore availability and book your session directly at the link below:



Be sure to save this post so you can come back when the blooms arrive—you don’t want to miss your moment.


Let your summer be slow, soft, and a little wild. You deserve that kind of joy.


xo,

LP








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