Portland's cherry blossoms are expected to hit peak bloom this week — weather depending — according to Parks and Recreation. The big picture: Blossom lovers vying to snag content of the flowering trees are expected to swarm Tom McCall Waterfront Park starting Thursday through the end of the month — so plan your trip accordingly.

There is no surer sign of springtime in Portland than the arrival of the cherry blossoms. Those pink-and-white fluffs, that cotton-candy canopy—the way the rain of petals feels, as Bryan Vance put it on a recent episode of City Cast Portland, like something out of a Disney movie. It’s incredible. And fleeting.

Spurred by D.C.’s recent sunny, mild weather, the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms reached the first stage of development Tuesday. The cycle could accelerate soon.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Washington’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing more than 1.5 million visitors for three weeks of street parties, concerts, family activities and days to go fly a kite.

Officials held a press conference at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel unveiling this year's events happening throughout festival season.

Visitors can monitor the blooms in real time on the University of Washington's website. Peak bloom means 70% of the buds have emerged. SEATTLE - The University of Washington cherry blossoms on the Seattle campus are a sign that spring is knocking on the door.