SALEM, Ore. — In this week's Let's Get Out There, we head to Oregon's capital to check out the famous cherry blossoms.
If you’re looking for signs of spring, look no further than State Capitol State Park in Salem. The famous cherry blossoms are blooming, and people are taking notice.
“It's kind of an overcast day, but we get these bright cherry blossoms, you got a vibrant green here and even just the statue on the top of the Capitol. That bright gold just really stands out,” said Aaron Allsop who’s from Utah, visiting his family.
“I did not plan this trip for this, but it really was the perfect time to come because these trees and just everything just looks so beautiful and just the perfect timing,” Allsop said.
He used the overcast afternoon as an excuse to get his camera out and take some photos and video of the cherry blossoms. The cloud-like blooms and the falling petals attract photographers like Allsop to capture the beauty while they can.
“For me, the perfect shot would be getting something that we can see the state capitol — we can maybe see the statue here. But we're also able to see just how much of the cherry blossoms are in the frame at one time,” he said.
Stefanie Knowlton with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department says not only are the blooms a sure sign spring is on the way, but they also appear to be at their peak.
“I think everybody's eager this time of year to be able to get outside and see signs of spring. So, if you're really just needing that experience to be outdoors, it's nothing strenuous but just a lovely stroll. This is a beautiful place to do that,” said Knowlton.
Parks staff hung Japanese lanterns in the trees to celebrate Yosakura, a nighttime viewing of the blossoms. The trees are illuminated nightly from 6-10 p.m. through April 6.
“If you come after sundown, you can see the trees illuminated, and it is quite magical," Knowlton said. “It's a really great experience if you haven't had a chance to see it.”
On March 23 at 7 p.m., the Focal Point Photography Club of Dallas, Ore., will be in the park to give photographers tips to capture the illuminated trees. On March 30 at 7p.m., the koto and cello duo SamaZama will perform in the park.
If you can’t make it to Salem to see the cherry blossoms, Oregon State Parks has a livestream on their YouTube page.
Oregon State Parks reminds visitors to leave tree limbs alone throughout the bloom, and alcohol is prohibited in the park. You can find more information at stateparks.oregon.gov.
"Let's Get Out" there airs once a week on KGW's 4 p.m. newscast and "The Good Stuff," which airs Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m. We're including viewer photos for this series. You can text your photos to 503-226-5088 or post them on the KGW Facebook page.