Quick Guide to the Iris and Peony Festivals in Salem, OR

Each year in spring, hundreds of acres of flowers bloom in the farms around Salem, Oregon. The tulips get the most attention and, while lovely, I suspect it’s at least in part because they are the first to emerge after a long, gray Pacific Northwest winter. To my mind, the irises and peonies that open up a few months later are at least as stunning, not to mention much less crowded and much less expensive to visit. Only five minutes away from each other, Schreiner’s Iris Garden and Adelman’s Peony Garden make for a sublime escape, especially during the short window when their bloom seasons overlap. Here is everything you need to know about visiting the late spring flower festivals of Salem, OR.

Schreiner’s Iris Garden

When to go

Each year is a little different based on the weather, but in general, May is a good time to visit Schreiner’s Iris Garden. Their website and social media accounts track bloom status, making it easy to time your visit. The garden is open rain or shine. Since this is Oregon we’re talking about, bring a raincoat just in case. Spring weather is unpredictable and can change quickly.

If you go towards the end of the festival, you can catch peak bloom at nearby Adelman’s Peony Garden at the same time (more on that below). Schreiner’s also hosts an artist’s fair over Memorial Day weekend.

In 2024, the Iris Festival is from May 3rd to May 31st. Hours are 9 AM to 6 PM. The last admission is at 5:30 PM. The garden has sunrise admission tickets (7-9 AM entry) for photographers who want to catch the early morning light.

Sorry for the late notice on this one! If you’re reading this article in 2024, put it on your calendar for next year and skip ahead to the peonies. There are still a couple of weeks left to visit.

Know before you go

Schreiner’s Iris Garden has display gardens, flower fields, and a gift shop. It costs $5-10 to visit depending on when you go. Parking is included with your ticket.
There are bathrooms and picnic tables next to the garden. Look for food carts there on the weekends. You can buy food from the carts or bring your own.
Leashed dogs are welcome in the garden.
Photography is welcome. Drones are not allowed.
The paths through the garden are flat, wide, and grassy. During my visit, I saw people using a variety of mobility devices there without difficulty, including wheelchairs and walkers.
There are benches in several areas around the garden.
Please stay on the paths to avoid damaging the flowers.
Signs will tell you where you can walk near the iris fields.

Tickets

You need a ticket to visit Schreiner’s Iris Garden. You can buy tickets online in advance or when you arrive.

Weekend tickets are $8 (online) or $10 (at the door)
Weekday tickets are $5 (online) or $6 (at the door)
Children 12 and under visit for free
Seasonal passes are $35
Sunrise tickets (7-9 AM entry) are $10

What to see at the Iris Festival

Schreiner’s Iris Garden has a 10-acre display garden, a flower show, and vast iris fields. To me, the display garden is the main event. At once elegant and extravagant, the neat rows of tightly packed blooms here make gardening look deceptively easy. Intermingled with the irises of your wildest dreams are tall lupines, twining columbine, and showy allium stalks. The ornamental trees could almost form a botanical garden on their own and include flowering species. Chances are you’ll meet the resident tuxedo cat during your tour, stretching languidly near the blooms.

After seeing the display gardens, check out the flower fields, where over 100 acres of irises bloom during peak season. Afterward, head to the shady picnic area to admire the flowers while you eat lunch. If you have little kids, there are a couple of giant teddy bears here that are a big hit. On your way out, stop by the gift shop to pick up some cut flowers to bring home.

Getting there

Address: 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, OR 97303

Schreiner’s Iris Garden is on the north end of Salem. From downtown, take OR-99E N until Quinaby Rd NE. Turn left onto Quinaby Rd NE and continue for 1.1 miles. The garden will be on your right. The drive takes about 15 minutes from downtown Salem.

From Portland, take I-5 S until Exit 263. Turn right onto Brooklake Rd NE and continue for 0.7 miles. Take a left onto River Rd NE. In 1.2 miles, turn left onto Quinaby Rd NE. Schreiner’s Iris Garden will be on your left in 0.6 miles. The drive takes about 45 minutes.

After you visit, I recommend stopping at Adelman’s Peony Garden, which is five minutes away. Take Quinaby Rd NE back to OR-99E, then take a left. Drive for one mile, then turn onto Brooklake Rd NE. Adelman’s will be on your right in 0.5 miles.

Schreiner’s Iris Garden is in an agricultural area where transit options are limited. It will be difficult to reach without a car.

Adelman’s Peony Garden

When to go

Adelman’s Peony Garden is open to the public every year from April 27th to June 15th. The hours are 9 AM to 6 PM daily.

Like the irises, peak bloom varies a bit from year to year based on the weather. In general, expect late May and early June to be good times to visit. In 2024, peak bloom is happening now at the end of May and beginning of June.

Know before you go

Adelman’s Peony Garden is free to visit.
There is a large parking lot. Garden staff will help direct you to a parking spot during busy times.
The farm has bathrooms.
Please stay on the paths to avoid damaging the flowers.
Adelman’s Peony Garden allows photography.
You’ll be walking on flat, grassy paths in the flower fields. Wear comfortable shoes, but you won’t need to prepare for mud.
You can bring your dog to Adelman’s Peony Garden.

Tickets

As of 2024, you don’t need a ticket or reservation to visit Adelman’s Peony Garden. Just show up, it’s free to visit and to park.

What to see at the Peony Festival

Adelman’s Peony Garden is first and foremost a flower farm. The unmatched highlight of my visit was wandering the 30 acres of blossoming peony fields, including some award winners. Although this farm flies under the radar compared to the better-known Wooden Shoe tulips or Swan Island dahlias, I think it might be Oregon’s best flower farm. The variety of peonies and the sheer scale of the farm make it irresistible. The focus here is the flowers. You won’t find carnival rides, vendor tents, or even a picnic area, but the blooms are second to none.

After seeing around the flower fields, make a tour of the two-acre display garden near the farm’s entrance. If you’re a gardener, you’re sure to find inspiration here. Inside the barn, it’s a delight to see all the farm’s peony varieties side by side. Many are available to take home as cut flowers. If you have a garden, look for potted peonies for sale out front. Outside the barn, check out the vintage pickup truck with its bed packed full of flowers, begging for selfies. There’s also a little coffee cart with some snacks.

Getting there

Address: 5690 Brooklake Rd NE, Salem, OR 97305

Adelman’s Peony Garden is on the north end of Salem, Oregon. From downtown Salem, take I-N until Exit 263. Turn right onto Brookdale Rd NE and continue for 1.3 miles. The farm will be on your right. The drive takes about 15 minutes.

From Portland, take I-5 S until Exit 263. Turn left onto Brookdale Rd NE and continue for 1.5 miles. The farm will be on your right. The drive takes about 45 minutes.

Adelman’s Peony Garden is five minutes (2.6 miles) away from Schreiner’s Iris Garden.

Since the farm is in an agricultural area, I would suggest going by car. Other transit options are limited.

Enjoy the flower festivals of Salem!

With love,

Emma