9 min
Overview
The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, formerly the property of one of Portland's 19th century mayors, William S. Ladd, is one of the jewels in Portland Parks' crown. Originally developed as a rhododendron test garden, it offers a maze of short pathways on the slopes and inlets of Crystal Springs Lake's east shore. The garden blooms in dazzling fashion in spring and summer, with a spectacular variety of rhododendrons and azaleas. Waterfowl, including many species of wild duck, are attracted to the lake. Across 28th Avenue is the loop trail up Crystal Springs Creek and man-made Reed Lake on the property of Reed College. Reed students have spent countless hours restoring habitat here and the Crystal Springs gush voluminously at the east end of the lake (Note that the Reed Canyon portion of this hike is not universal access). After you pass through the admission gate at the Rhododendron Garden, there’s a view over the landscaped slopes with a footbridge over a creek below, a pond, a large weeping willow to the right, and a multitude of blooming rhododendrons from mid-March into the summer. Head down to the creek and then up under a magnolia, then down to an arm of Crystal Springs Lake, where waterfowl gather to be fed. In addition to domestic ducks and hybrids, you are likely to see mallards, wood ducks, American wigeons, lesser scaups, buffleheads, Canada geese, coots, double-crested cormorants, and pied-billed grebes. Cross a pedstrain causeway to an “island” shaded by tall Douglas-firs with a small meadow in the middle. There are restrooms here and views across the lake to the Eastmoreland Golf Course. Double-crested cormorants line up on a log that juts into the lake. Head back over the casueway and do another short loop on the north side of the property. Take some steps down to the pond below the entrance station, and head back up to exit the park. From the Crystal Springs parking area, cross 28th Avenue to take the sidewalk north under a line of sequoias to Reed College’s Botsford Drive entrance. Go
Trail Stats
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