Discover the stunning lavender fields of Oregon and the many activities you can enjoy there, from tours and workshops to harvest festivals. Learn about the different types of lavender grown in Oregon and their benefits, including relaxation, aromatherapy, and . Plan your visit today!
Location of Lavender Fields in Oregon
Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful lavender fields in the United States. Visitors can explore the Southern Oregon Lavender Trail, visit the Hood River Lavender Farms, and attend the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival. Each location offers a unique experience for lavender lovers.
Southern Oregon Lavender Trail
The Southern Oregon Lavender Trail is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves lavender. The trail is a collection of eight lavender farms located in the heart of the Applegate Valley. Each farm offers a unique experience, from lavender u-pick to guided tours and workshops.
One of the most popular farms on the trail is Lavender Fields Forever. This family-owned farm offers a variety of lavender products, from essential oils to culinary lavender. Visitors can explore the fields, learn about the history of lavender, and shop for unique gifts.
Another farm worth visiting is Goodwin Creek Gardens. This certified organic farm specializes in growing rare and unusual plants, including a variety of lavender species. Visitors can wander through the gardens, explore the greenhouses, and attend workshops on topics like lavender wreath-making and lavender distillation.
Hood River Lavender Farms
The Hood River Valley is known for its fruit orchards, but it is also home to some beautiful lavender farms. One of the most popular farms in the area is Hood River Lavender Farms. This family-owned farm offers stunning views of Mount Hood and a wide variety of lavender products.
Visitors can explore the fields, learn about the different types of lavender, and shop for lavender products like essential oils, lotions, and candles. The farm also hosts events like the Lavender Daze Festival, where visitors can enjoy live music, food, and drinks while surrounded by fields of blooming lavender.
Willamette Valley Lavender Festival
The Willamette Valley Lavender Festival is held annually in July and is a celebration of all things lavender. The festival is held at the Yamhill County Fairgrounds and features vendors selling lavender products, live music, food, and drink.
Visitors can also explore the lavender fields at the festival’s U-Pick farm. The U-Pick farm offers a variety of lavender species, including English, French, and Spanish lavender. Visitors can pick their own lavender, learn about the different types of lavender, and attend workshops on topics like lavender oil distillation and cooking with lavender.
Best Time to Visit Lavender Fields in Oregon
Are you planning a trip to Oregon to experience the beauty and relaxation of lavender fields? Timing is everything when it comes to experiencing the full bloom of these fragrant fields. Here’s what you need to know about the best time to visit lavender fields in Oregon.
Peak Bloom Season
The peak bloom season for lavender fields in Oregon is typically from mid-June to early August. During this time, the fields burst with vibrant colors and the sweet aroma of lavender fills the air. The peak bloom season varies slightly depending on the location and weather conditions, but you can expect to see fields in full bloom during this time.
Off-Season Visits
If you’re unable to visit during peak bloom season, don’t worry! Lavender fields in Oregon are still worth visiting outside of peak season. Many farms offer tours and activities throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the fields even when the lavender is not in full bloom.
Visiting during off-season also means fewer crowds and more opportunities to connect with the farmers and learn about the process of growing and harvesting lavender. Some farms even offer workshops on topics like distilling essential oils and creating lavender-based products.
No matter when you visit, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of Oregon and the calming scent of lavender. So, plan your trip accordingly and get ready to experience the magic of lavender fields in Oregon.
Markdown Table:
| Peak Bloom Season | Off-Season Visits |
|---|---|
| Mid-June to early August | Tours and activities available year-round |
| Vibrant colors and sweet aroma | Fewer crowds and opportunities to connect with farmers |
| Varies slightly by location and weather | Workshops on essential oil distillation and product creation available |
Activities in Lavender Fields in Oregon
Lavender fields are a treat for the senses. The sight of the purple blooms, the sound of buzzing bees, the fragrance of lavender, and the feel of soft petals are an experience that many visitors look forward to. Here are some activities that you can enjoy in the lavender fields of Oregon.
Lavender Farm Tours
Lavender farm tours are a perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty and fragrance of the lavender fields. You can take a guided tour or explore the fields on your own. The tours offer a glimpse into the history, cultivation, and use of lavender. You can learn about the different varieties of lavender grown in Oregon, the harvesting process, and the uses of lavender oil. Some farms also offer wine tasting, cooking classes, and craft workshops. Most tours are available during the peak bloom season, which is from late June to early August.
If you want to take a self-guided tour, you can visit some of the popular lavender farms in Oregon, such as the Red Ridge Farms, Lavender Valley, and Hood River Lavender Farms. You can stroll through the fields, take photos, and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Lavender Essential Oil Workshops
Lavender essential oil is known for its calming and healing properties. Many lavender farms in Oregon offer workshops where you can learn how to make your own lavender oil. The workshops include a guided tour of the farm, a demonstration of the distillation process, and a hands-on session where you can extract the oil from the lavender blooms. You can take home a bottle of your own lavender oil, which you can use for aromatherapy, massage, or skincare.
Some farms also offer workshops on making other lavender-based products, such as soaps, candles, and sachets. These workshops are a fun and creative way to learn about the benefits of lavender and to make your own natural products.
Lavender Harvest Festivals
Lavender harvest festivals are a celebration of the lavender season. These festivals are usually held in July or August, when the lavender blooms are at their peak. The festivals feature live music, food and wine vendors, craft booths, and activities for all ages. You can pick your own lavender, watch a lavender distillation demonstration, or participate in a craft workshop. Some festivals also offer yoga classes, art exhibits, and cooking demonstrations.
One of the most popular lavender festivals in Oregon is the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival, which is held in July. The festival features over 20 lavender farms, each offering unique activities and products. You can purchase lavender plants, oils, and other lavender-based products, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the lavender fields.
Types of Lavender Grown in Oregon
Lavender is a versatile plant that can grow in various climates and soil types. In Oregon, three popular types of lavender are cultivated, each with distinct characteristics and uses. In this section, we will explore the differences between English, French, and Spanish lavender.
English Lavender
English lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, is the most popular type of lavender grown in Oregon. It is a hardy perennial that can tolerate colder temperatures and wetter soils. English lavender has a sweet, floral scent and is often used for aromatherapy, perfume, and culinary purposes.
One of the most popular varieties of English lavender grown in Oregon is the Hidcote Blue. This type of lavender has a compact growth habit, with deep purple flowers and a strong, sweet aroma. Hidcote Blue is often used in sachets, potpourri, and essential oils.
Another popular variety of English lavender grown in Oregon is the Munstead. This type of lavender has a more muted purple color and a milder aroma than the Hidcote Blue. It is often used in cooking and baking, as well as in soaps and lotions.
French Lavender
French lavender, also known as Lavandula stoechas, is a less common type of lavender grown in Oregon. It is a tender perennial that is more sensitive to colder temperatures and wetter soils. French lavender has a strong, medicinal scent and is often used for medicinal purposes.
One of the most popular varieties of French lavender grown in Oregon is the Anouk. This type of lavender has a compact growth habit, with deep purple flowers and a strong, medicinal aroma. Anouk is often used in herbal remedies and teas.
Another popular variety of French lavender grown in Oregon is the Otto Quast. This type of lavender has a more muted purple color and a milder aroma than the Anouk. It is often used in aromatherapy and as an insect repellent.
Spanish Lavender
Spanish lavender, also known as Lavandula stoechas pedunculata, is another less common type of lavender grown in Oregon. It is a tender perennial that is more sensitive to colder temperatures and wetter soils. Spanish lavender has a strong, fruity scent and is often used for culinary purposes.
One of the most popular varieties of Spanish lavender grown in Oregon is the Lavender Lace. This type of lavender has a compact growth habit, with deep purple flowers and a strong, fruity aroma. Lavender Lace is often used in baking and in herbal teas.
Another popular variety of Spanish lavender grown in Oregon is the Silver Anouk. This type of lavender has a more muted purple color and a milder aroma than the Lavender Lace. It is often used in cooking and in fragrances.
Benefits of Lavender Fields in Oregon
Lavender fields in Oregon are more than just a beautiful sight to behold; they also provide various wellness benefits. From relaxation and stress relief to , exploring lavender fields in Oregon can be a truly rejuvenating experience.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
Lavender is known for its calming properties and has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The scent of lavender is believed to have a sedative effect on the body, helping to ease anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
Visiting a lavender field in Oregon can be a great way to unwind and de-stress. The calming aroma of the lavender can help to soothe your senses and promote relaxation. Many lavender farms in Oregon also offer yoga classes or meditation sessions in the fields, which can be a great way to enhance the relaxation experience.
Aromatherapy
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy. The soothing scent of lavender can help to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. Inhaling the scent of lavender can also help to alleviate headaches and migraines.
Many lavender farms in Oregon offer workshops on how to make your own lavender essential oil. These workshops can be a fun and educational way to learn about the benefits of aromatherapy and how to incorporate lavender into your daily routine.
Natural Insect Repellent
Lavender is a and can help to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. The scent of lavender is believed to be unappealing to insects, making it a great alternative to chemical insect repellents.
If you’re planning to visit a lavender field in Oregon during the summer months, be sure to bring along some lavender essential oil or bug spray made from lavender. This will help to keep the bugs at bay and allow you to fully enjoy your time in the fields.
*Interested in exploring lavender fields in Oregon? Check out the Southern Oregon Lavender Trail, Hood River Lavender Farms, and the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival.
