Arboretum
- Good for Kids: Yes
48 Reviews for Arboretum
AWEOME!!!! what a way to use a former landfill. Nice Trails, funny ducks, mud when it rains.
Too bad you can't climb (legally anyway) the Sequoia trees
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
For an easy run that's about 3 miles, start at the visitor center. The South Beach Trail takes you down to the beach, then out to the lighthouse. The North Beach Trail reconnects you to the Loop.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (2)
I fell in love in the Arboretum yesterday. Yes, he's disabled. We all have issues. And sure, he's little older (possibly over 90), and okay, he isn't the same species. But I swear to you when I look into his sweet brown eyes, all those concerns fade away.
I love you, Ferghal. Sigh. I love your long, soft Collie nose, and your bushy fur. I love the way you look around blindly for your mama. I love your hoppy little walk. Say you'll be mine, Ferghal, and we will spend our days tip-toeing through the Arboretum where we first met.
This is such a lovely spot, one of the reasons Seattle is, in fact, the Emerald City. It feels as secluded as a country lane, the cherry blossoms are peeking out, and the landscaping is so well-thought out, you could picnic here on a busy day and never see another soul.
But if you see a sweet old Collie, back off. He's all mine. :)
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (6)
Cool (6)
This place is amazing- but sshh- lets keep it a little secret!!
Great for walks on 2nd dates! Great for picnics!!
Beware of adult activities in far off corners-
Great for pictures!!
My old collie dog Ferghal has the arthur-itis something fierce, which makes him slow and rather lethargic.
Since he is fortunate enough to have been adopted by me, the crazy dog lady, he gets weekly acupuncture and chiropractic treatments to soothe his painful woes.
I also carry him up and down the stairs several times daily, which forces me to keep up on my sit-ups in order to keep my back strong enough to sling his 60 pounds of bones around.
(Thanks to Trophy, Paseo, Brouwers, and other neighborhood establishments, however, I do not look like I have ever done a sit up in my life).
Almost daily I throw Ferghal into the Dog-Mo and cart him off to this place.
This Spring we have strolled through rain, snow, hail and sunshine - sometimes all in the space of one afternoon!
He L O V E S it - I don't know what it is, but his eyes get shiny and bright, his pace quickens - he perks up considerably when we get here.
We take long and very slow walks under the blooming cherry and plums trees, alongside the almost-ready-to-pop rhodies and the cooing duck couples, busily feathering their nests.
Anyplace that can make my old dawg feel young again is heaven on earth.
People thought this was:
Useful (18)
Funny (12)
Cool (20)
By far greatest thing about Seattle. Hands down. The trees and shrubbery are truly beautiful. The paths are endless. The sights are priceless. The one downside is the the shinanagens that take place in the gazebo. If you've been there, you know which one I mean.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
This park rocks....its huge....its beautiful...it often gets overlooked by many who might want to people watch at green lake.
There are so many private spots where you can pack a lunch and just enjoy the beauty of the arboretum...whenever i get down on seattle, which happens abit... i take myself to this gem to rediscover what i love about seattle...
Dont wait...just go
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
What a beautiful place right in the Seattle area! Lots of beautiful trees and flower gardens... and lots of places to sit back and have a picnic.. I wish we had!
And it's not crowded with people like at other areas so you can actually enjoy the serenity and relax in peace. There'a also a place that sells botanicals in the arboretum. We didn't get to walk around the entire park.. it seems pretty big.
But yes, what a lovely spot to sit back, talk, eat, enjoy the nice summer days...
Finding peace and solitude "outside" has been an ongoing process.
When I was a little kid, there was a neighborhood park where all of the neighborhood kids went. For a short period, back when there weren't that many of us neighborhood kids, it was a great place to be. Big, open green space, large enough for all of us to have "our spot". Eventually, it became overcrowded and/or I grew up. I don't know which happened first, actually.
When I was in college at the UW, I spent time "outside" in the Quad. During the sunny days of spring, the Quad took on an almost beach-like atmosphere...people playing frisbee, portable stereos everywhere, people lying on towels or blankets and soaking up some vitamin D while "studying". (I use the term loosely because I wound up getting distracted from my books. This might explain a few things, actually.)
When I was a fresh grad, "outside" meant Greenlake, where I could get exercise on a paved trail and people watch all at once. And bunny watch. My God, there are a lot of bunnies there.
But see, all of these places have one thing in common...they became so overcrowded that "peace and solitude" became impossible to find. Overcrowded with kids, overcrowded with college students, overcrowded with bunnies. I'm not against any of these groups in any way, but when a girl's looking for "peace and solitude" in the great outdoors, these groups in large numbers are hardly compatible.
Enter the Arboretum, which is not only "outdoors", but is so frickin' huge that it's EASY to find a niche.
My niche changes based on my mood. Sometimes it's under a cherry tree, where the air smells sweet as cotton candy. Sometimes it's in a patch of soft grass and dandelions, where I nap surrounded by green and yellow. Sometimes it's by the little river, where I can quietly watch the canoes and kayaks float by and where I am kept company by a pair of curious ducks, who seem convinced that I have bread somewhere in my backpack. Sometimes it's in one of the green grassy meadows surrounded by evergreens, where I feed squirrels cashews from my trail mix. (The M&Ms are mine.)
It changes as often as my mood, and it's fine...because I can always find that spot as close or as far away from others as I want. It's happiness, nature, and "outdoors", all wrapped into one. You couldn't ask for better.
People thought this was:
Cool (2)
If I was homeless, I'd live here. I'd have tea parties and speak in tongues. I would communicate telepathically with squirrels. Drink in the ambient plant life. Remote view science catastrophes.
I hope that when I do go crazy, that I'll be chased by a man wearing a safari helmet and wielding a giant butterfly net. Then I'd like to "go for a ride" in a white paddy wagon to my very own padded wigwam.
Summers can be beautiful here and intoxicate your sensibilities, or something. Bring a parasol and snuff.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (7)
Cool (6)
The arboretum is pretty cool with trails to walk along. I am going to come back with my dog! We checked out the japanese tea garden also but there is a $5 fee and no pets allowed. Why are the japanese tea gardens always an extra charge? Anyway, the rest of the place is free and plenty of parking. The cherry trees were blossoming so there were many pretty colors to be seen at the arboretum. It's a nice place to go for a leisurely stroll and forget you live in the city.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Holly Guacamole Batman! This is the most beautiful, wonderful place I have ever been to. The fauna and flora of the arboretum is magnificent. This is certainly a place not to miss.
This is one of my favorite places in all of Seattle to go and melt my stress away. The park is huge with a ridiculous number of trails, many of which are situated in such a way that you can pretend you are in the middle of a yawning forest instead of a city. This is also a perfect time of year to go - the cherry blossoms are starting to bloom and the weather is perfect for a long trail run or nice stroll in the woods. Parking is generally easy to find, and many of the trails are leveled gravel, which makes it possible to use a hardy stroller or wheelchair throughout a good portion of the park.
Wow spectacular. I have lived here since February and have gone 5 times. The dog is in hog heaven. Took a walk out to the Marsh Island and got all muddy and watched the kayakers doin there thing. Dog got so excited he jumped off the rocks and started swimming toward Mercer. A few doggy snacks brought him back thankfully. Still haven't seen the nesting Bald Eagles which are in residence. Wonderful day and another great part of Seattle.
I love the arboretum. How cool is it to have this right smack dab in the middle of our fare city?
go bushes and trees
People thought this was:
Funny (3)
In a totally un-family friendly, anti tourist (or anti all people) way this place is the best. Not only is it close to home, but it is massive, and quiet, and full of trails and twists and places to hide. This is where we come during those never-ending summer nights, to sit on the swings or in the grass, drink, tell stories, and star watch. That is my favorite time to be in the Arboretum. Otherwise, I just want to throw rocks at all the exhaust fumes smogging up an otherwise pristine space, and wish there was a bike lane.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (4)
Cool (2)
During the summer, the arboretum is 5 stars hands down. You can compare it to Vancouver's Stanley Park but on a much smaller scale. There are hanging gardens (Japanese), bridges and trails that lead you through some "islands", and just a great beach'ish area that you can sit on and look over the lake.
One of my favorite activities at the arboretum is to rent a canoe and explore. Since there are some islands, that implies that there are some canals that you travel via a boat and the canoe is the perfect size and speed to have fun and enjoy the sights in.
*You can rent canoes at the UW Waterfront Activities Center or UW WAC.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I grew up in the country and living within a few blocks of the arboretum is awesome. There are woods enough here to pretend that you're getting lost, and while there's a road or two through, you don't hear a lot of traffic and in the summer can come here and disconnect and read a book.
There's swimming up by 520, along with the unused overpass that provides a scary enough jumping off point to keep crowds there despite no trespassing signs. As has been mentioned, renting a canoe across the canal at UW provides a nice way to explore around here by water, where it's calm and the foot bridge across some of the islands prevent larger boats from wandering in. At night, the waterfront is beautiful as well.
My favorite is wandering around here at night with friends, despite it probably being closed. There's a cute gazebo east of Lake Washington Blvd along one of the paths. I can't describe how to get there, except that it's near the fields near the parking lot near Interlaken.
Woods though. I love woods, it's great having it in Seattle. Plus a lot of the trails are still dirt paths as opposed to something like Discovery Park where they paved the crap out of it all.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I love living next to the Arboretum. I love being in the city and having nature so close by. I love that there's woods, endless trails, gardens, the lake ... variety galore! I rarely run into other people. I can walk or jog and not get bored. My daughter loves exploring it, too - always a different adventure.
If we have plenty of time, we'll go to MOHAI first then walk on the piers to Foster Islandthen through the northern part of the Park near the Graham Visitors Center. A shorter trip might be a jaunt to the Winter Garden or some other Park feature. My only regret is that we live so far away from the southern tip, near Madison Park. Too far to walk with a young one :(
I encourage everyone to visit, walk the trails, etc...it's peaceful and serene. Just watch out for the coyotes!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Just went here last weekend for a walk with my camera in tow and was in awe of how beautiful this place is. The ground was really wet due to rainfall earlier in the day, but it proved to be perfect for taking photos of leaves and the surrounding wildlife.
If you're looking for a nice way to unwind in a quiet place, this is the ticket.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Last week for our "vacation" we spent part of one day canoing in the arboretum. We had been on the other side of Lake WA many times, but this was the first time there. The waterways were beautiful, the weather was fantastic. It had been a couple of years since my wife had been out in the canoe and I wore her out in an hour, even though I did most of the paddling. Now if I can find someone else to paddle with, since our days off don't coincide I would love to explore a bit more.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Now that I live in this area, I really appreciate the beauty of the Arboretum in Seattle. Especially the Japanese Gardens! It's best during spring, of course, but there is a peaceful and quiet feeling to the park in the fall.
Anyone who is traveling to this area should definitely visit the Arboretum!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This is such a great place to take the kids. We went last month on a cool, cloudy day and the kids ran around, fed the ducks, played in the little playground and just had a great time. The day we were there we were going to pick up one of the little explorer kits but the person giving them out was on break and my kids were too antzy so we had to take off. Maybe next time.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Beautiful place, especially wonderful on a warm spring day. Also a plus - its free! But, I highly recommend paying the $5 admission fee for the Japanese tea garden which I think is affiliated with the arboretum. They have a really interesting tour in the afternoon on some days. But, just walking among the flowering azaleas should be enough of a treat to attract anyone to wander in the rest of the arboretum.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I really enjoyed the Japanese Garden at the Arboretum - great fun, lovely ambiance, & beautiful surroundings! The coy were fun to watch and take photos of and walking around was so relaxing.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
This place is absolutely beatiful! One of the best parks I have been to. At first I thought Lincoln Park was spectacular but this is simply breath-taking. The lush green trees, and ripe blackberry bushes overcame my body with a warm sensation. The water was a sight to look at and this is a fabulous place for kids and dogs! This is definently a must see. Here's a tip: Leave your purse at home, because they first time I went, my family friend's car was broken into, and they took her purse. But make sure you bring money for the canoe!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Seattle's answer to the midtown park. This park is great for jogging, for lollygagging, for watching the freeway traffic on the 520. The trees and flora are amazing. It's one of those special places that too many Seattle "natives" don't get out and enjoy often enough. Perfect all year long.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Beautiful driving / biking park.
Of course you can also actually get out of the car and walk around the Azaleas, visit the Japanese Garden or just find a spot by the water for a picnic.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
We live so close that it's a good regular walking spot for us... yes, we consider ourselves lucky. It's green and beautiful and there's water and it's even more amazing in the warm weather! It's too bad dogs aren't allowed in all parts because Kobe wants to walk past the floating bridge with us. We do enjoy walking the Azalea "street" with him, though. Our goal is to explore by canoe this summer. :)
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (1)
Flowers, trees, trails and Foster Park, my favorite section of the Arboretum. Located behind the museum, this luscious park is really wonderful. Half on water, over the water, etc. this lovely little slice of life is extremely serene. Supposedly only for walker, there are way too many bicycles tearing up the pathways. Lots of little private docks to sit out on and just a wonderful place to transport you to another world.
The only con is that the parking lot is regularly patrolled by prowlers and there are often smashed windows in the parking lot. Worth the risk to me.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This was one of the first places that I went when I arrived here and wasn't being led around by my nose.
I spent the whole day walking around the paths, looking at the well labeled trees and bushes, watching runners and bikers rumble by, discovering potheads lighting up in the woods with picnic baskets full of (I'm guessing) "munchies," and seeing a lot of lovely wildlife. Some of which was some of the fattest squirrels I've ever seen. They were like furry bloated wood ticks. Crazy.
The Japanese garden is also well worth the price of admission. It's lovely. I'm considering an annual pass.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
This is a beautiful place to come during the day for a stroll or a picnic or just lounging and also a fantastic place to come (perhaps slightly less legally) at night to swim and have a birthday party...or whatever suits your fancy.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This place is great - it has everything a nature lover would love and then some! You can go in any direction - out to Lake Washington, or to the Japanese Gardens, or even down Azalea lane. Two great times to go is during the spring (when everything is out in bloom) and during the fall (when all the leaves are on the ground).
Looking through old photo albums, I have too many pictures from here. It's hard not to though, when you are surrounded by beauty.
Bring your lovely lady here, she'll dig ya.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
My name is Nicole, and I am a parkaholic. I spend my days dreaming about getting back to walking or running in parks. I would rather be in a park than be at work. I can't shake the addiction because I live so close to the Arboretum. :-)
Every time I think about moving, I remember that I live right next to the Arboretum, and wonder what insanity got in my head this time. It is one of the best urban hiking in all of Seattle, and the Arboretum was master planned in such a way that every season has its blooms and highlights.
In spring, come on in to see the fields of daffodils, then a couple of weeks later see the azaleas bloom in their multitude of colors.
In summer, hit the Japanese garden to see the Wisteria vine bloom (early June), the lotus flowers decorate the koi pond, and the ginko trees in full glory.
In fall, don't miss the various fall flowers (fall-blooming Camellia) and, of course, the leaves changing color. My favorite trees are in the visitor center parking lot.
In winter, especially on those dreary days, stop by the winter gardens, smell the Sarcococca and Witch Hazel and watch the first rhododendron bloom.
If you haven't wasted countless hours wandering this place (and the floating walkways), you have truly missed out.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
This is a great place to go for a walk or run right in the city. I really can't say anything bad about it. In my opinion it's sort of hidden and more underutilized than other Seattle Parks.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Birding can be hit or miss in the Arboretum. Either way it is a good park to stroll through and enjoy nature, even if it is engineered. It can be crowded so go early in the morning. The Japanese Garden cost to enter so I haven't visited it as often as the larger free park.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
The Arboretum is a runner's paradise. Just enough hills to be challenging, dirt tracks (rather than tarmac), enough trails to offer some variety, and lovely scenery to boot. It doesn't feel like it's in the middle of the city. Just don't run/jog on the Azalea trail or you might get yelled at by an overzealous flower-lover.
Great place to take kids or out-of-town visitors who want to do more than gape at the Space Needle (good views from the floating waterfront trail--look in the opposite direction of the stadium to see Mt. Rainier peeking out from behind the trees). Haven't rented boats yet, but I've heard good things.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)
The Japanese Garden at the Arboretum is ...well, I hardly know where to start. This garden was designed and the construction was overseen by a master Japanese garden designer. The plants and shrubs are exquisite in all seasons. The Koi pond teems with life. The tea houses and the shrine for moon ceremonies are lovely. Walking the path around the garden is a perfect way to center myself and let go of the insanity.
I like it here so much that my boyfriend bought me an annual pass.
Here is the link to the official site. http://www.seattle.gov...
I have only 2 reservations. The first is the availability and conditon of rest rooms. The only rest room in the garden area is a honey bucket. It would be nice to have a clean modern facilities in good repair (which disqualifies the toilets by the playing fields). The second is that you can't go into the tea houses. They are completely locked up. You can go to a formal tea ceremony put on by the Urasenke Foundation. http://www.urasenkesea... I'd love to hear if anyone has been to one.
Also, I don't care but photographers should be aware that they may not take tripods into the garden because the paths are too narrow and it prevents others from enjoying the garden.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
A nice escape from the urban hustle with the serenity of a beautifully laid out Japanese the garden. The garden itself is small and a short little walk around a beautiful koi filled lake. Filled with beautiful shrines to balance out the elementals.
The trees are all labeled and laid out nicely along a marked pathway. So you can learn while you experience the garden. The way the trail winds through the small fenced garden doesn't seem deliberate and gives a sense of balance when you scan over the landscape. There are nice benches and secluded areas to sit and talk or to just enjoy your surroundings. The fish are whimsical and the natural bridges are a wonderful touch. A good experience for the soul.
Remember to pick up a calendar of events to find the ones you would like to experience and to buy a bonsai tree to help with the expansion project. Only $7 for a tree and $5 for a ticket into the park. But consider the annual pass for $15.
However, there are drawbacks. The parking and crowds surrounding the garden can be annoying. But are worth going through. And worst of all are people taking photographs in the garden. I understand the no tripod rule but it still doesn't keep people from clawing over each other and giving attitude to other patrons in order to take a photograph of the waterfall or a flower. Sort of makes you wonder if they understand anything about the concept of a Japanese garden. Don't let them ruin your experience or tell you to move. Sooner or later they will learn.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Beautiful park and one of the best places for a walk in seattle. We had our engagement photos taken in the japanese gardens during late spring and they were beautiful! If you are planning a walk, bring your boots if it has been raining! Many of the paths get good and muddy!
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
The Best Urban Hikes in…
Don't have time to hit the mountains? No problem.… -
Jesus on a unicorn...
Things I love. Really love. Or wish existed.… -
Fun First Dates
Forget dinner and a movie, dating should be fun.… -
Picnic spots
This list will hopefully keep growing now that… -
Turn off the video games…
It's a beautiful day. Get outside and enjoy the… -
Get Out!
The Northwest is renowned for its gorgeous and… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Hot and New
- Pike's Bar & Grill
12 reviews
Seattle, WA
- Cafe Besalu
85 reviews
Neighborhood: Ballard
- Viceroy
62 reviews
Neighborhood: Belltown
- Island Soul Restaurant
17 reviews
Neighborhood: Columbia City