I read about Blodgett Arboretum and wanted to check it out. It is owned by Pacific University in Forest Grove and officially open to the public, but I wouldn't call it visitor friendly. (Update- Apparently the book I read is wrong- a representative of PU commented that it's not open to the public.) I'm not sure why it's called an arboretum at all, as it seems pretty wild and uncultivated. There are two entrances, both on busy Route 6. The first is directly across the highway from NW Agaard Rd. and the second is a short walk east of the first. There is no parking area. I read that there are four species of native orchids that thrive here. While we did see fairy slippers, we did not see any others, although they may bloom later in the year. We did find lots and lots of trash, lots and lots of broken glass, and in an odd juxtaposition, used condoms. Gross! And we also found lots of beautiful ferns, unfurling gently next to lovely Gales Creek. I wish the students of Pacific University and the citizens of Forest Grove would take more of an interest in this potentially gorgeous spot! A small group of adults with gloves, lots of garbage bags and a few hours to spare could make a huge difference here.
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| Pacific Sideband Snail. |
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| Admiring the perfect trillium. |
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| Bleeding hearts. |
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| Fairy slipper orchid. |
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