Need some input in helping my wife and I plan a trip to Salem this may! Anybody know what peak bloom has been in the last 3-4 years? Trying to average the last couple of years, to nail down a week that should get us close to peak.

Yes, I know weather is the biggest unknown! Can't control that. I'm planning on emailing the iris gods asking them the same question.

Our rough plan is a full week in salem, with 2 nights hanging out somewhere west of Salem on the coast. Not sure what towns are on the coast to stay at. Suggestions welcome! Same with other places to visit in salem, and a nice place to stay for the week.

I'm pretty sure this is my one and only chance to get out there. Got to take advantage of it!

Cory - send an email to Robin at Iris Sisters. She is very accessible and is sure to give you a good idea of bloom time. As she is literally across the street from Keith Keppel and not far from MidAmerica you should be able to get a good idea of peak for all of them.

The coast of Oregon is gorgeous! Been awhile since I lived out there but I am sure others will add suggestions.

Brad goes every year, so he would also have a good idea when the best times would be.

Cory,

I was there the 20th-24th this year and it was at peak.. 2017 was 24th -28th ..2016-was early 10th -14th every year will be a little different as we never know what mother nature will bring the past few years I have waited to book tickets until I know when peak will be it costs a little more to do it that way but it is a long ways to go to get there and walk around and look at foliage that has happened before to us.

If I was going to pick a time now to plan ahead would go 22nd -28th it has normally been a good time for bloom there. l will cover all the gardens in my winter thread soon they were awesome this year and lots to see in Salem. Its been years since I drove the Oregon coast so can't help with suggestions there but enjoyed the views and little restaurants up and down the coast.

For coastal cities, cannon beach and Seaside are gorgeous
I was in cannon beach in Dec 2005 for externship for school. Housing was near the beach and work was at a hotel on the beach. Never saw anything that would compare in beauty as to there in the storm.

I have to agree with the beauty of Cannon Beach.

Me too! Another favorite place of mine is Bandon by the Sea.

In November 2014, we took a trip to the Oregon coast, from Brookings to Astoria. That was a lot of fun. There were so many wonderful places along the way. There were some places that we did not want to leave. Some places, we stayed a few days. Brookings, Yachats, Waldport, Depoe Bay, Coos Bay...you will have fun.