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Bloedel Reserve
Categories: Active Life Parks Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Parks, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
7571 N E Dolphin DrBainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 842-7631
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 10 am - 4 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
27 reviews for Bloedel Reserve
27 reviews in English
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Review from Barbara S.
Poulsbo, WA
10/31/2011
I love everything about the Bloedel Reserve; however, I have two favorite areas. The first is the Reflection Pool. My heart rate decreases and my awareness increases when I am in the presence of the pool. My other favorite area is the Japanese Garden. When wandering the magical pathways or sitting on a patio bench, it feels almost spiritual. Love the Bloedel Reserve!
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Review from y c.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012
a bit out of the way for people staying in seattle, need a ferry and then a car to get here.
price was good, student rates...he grounds are very pretty, but definitely try to come on a nice sunny day...not fun walking in wet dirt/grass and gloomy skies do not make for pretty picture taking -
Review from Doug C.
7/18/2011
Kind of fascinating to ponder the origins of several private parks. Previous wealthy oligarchs turning over their estates so that the peasants can marvel at their opulence in slack-jawed wonder. For a fee, of course. You don't become an oligarch for free.
Now this opening paragraph isn't meant as a second communist manifesto or to impune the character of the aforementioned oligarchs. It's merely that it's been amusing to recently stroll through several places such as the Bloedel Reserve and hear comments such as "of course any respectable guest house must have a Japanese garden."
Bemused commentary aside, the Bloedel Reserve is a wonderfully maintained park. There's a mixture of a meadow, ponds, a preserved estate house and (of course) a Japanese Garden. As well as a moss garden and lots of giant horsetail.
The general setup is that you arrive outside a gatehouse and are let inside. Reservations are no longer required although my understanding is that they try to limit the number of people inside at any one time. Admission is $13 (seniors $9) and a map can be procured at the gatehouse. There's a suggested trail (and you're best sticking to it or you'll be wading through underbrush) which leads you to the various attractions.
It's not a long trail but you can plan on spending the good part of an afternoon, say 2-3 hours, wandering about here. It is mostly tree covered, so the best time is probably during a warm summers day. -
Review from Dan W.
Arlington, VA
6/13/2011
It's a wonderful garden, large enough to make you feel lost in the wild. It is a good place for people who enjoy nature but not hiking up a mountain or with fancy hiking gears. If you bring your student ID, you can get in for half price. Regardless, it's worth it.
It is very well maintained park, it has medow and mossy parks, tall woods that cover the sky, couple of pretty lakes. Currenty renewing the Japanese garden. Visitor center is about the mid point of the trail, good for bathroom or water break. The lady in there knows the history and wild life of the place as well. Around the center, there's a good view to the Sound, and small waterfall with tons of flowers.
It is a must visit place if you ask me, spend a good 2hr there depending on how much stops for pictures. Do take your time in it, and bring bug spray since there're some dead waters. The lady at the front was very friendly and she told me what kinds of wild life I might find in the park. -
Review from Aaron F.
5/2/2011
I'm not one to visit a garden. But Bloedel Reserve blew me away. Acres upon acres of the most beautiful landscaping I've ever seen. Highly recommended on your next trip to bainbridge island.
They say you need 2 hours, but we spent over 3. Go early so you can take your time and lose yourself in the scenery. -
Review from Corey B.
Seattle, WA
9/6/2011
Others have commented that there is no more reservation system. Even with that, it was hardly crowded on a summer Sunday. The park is extremely well set up for a 2-4 hour contemplative walk, with a break in the middle for time at the visitor center (the former home). All of the park has been touched by man: second-growth forest post-clear-cut, a man-made marsh for waterfowl, a mossy-bottomed forest that was seeded, to the well-manicured gardens at the home. The garden, as a quote from Bloedel indicates, is an opportunity to see the different ways that man and fauna can intersect and influence each other.
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Review from minna t.
Tustin, CA
6/11/2010 26 photos
I read Robert H's review and knew I had to pay the Bloedel Reserve a visit. I made reservations online in advance. Took the ferry quite easily to Bainbridge Island. The tough part was figuring out how to get to the Reserve.
Bainbridge Island is a 35 minute ferry ride out from Seattle. A tiny island with public transportation (bus) only on the weekends and it's schedule reflects the ferry schedule. Meaning, it comes once around only when a ferry comes in. Not knowing this, we missed the bus.
The original plan was to rent bikes, but it was raining a tad hard and I didn't feel like biking in the rain. So, we waited at the ferry station for a cab. When a cab finally comes by, the driver tells us it is a flat rate of $20 and I'm thinking this is getting to be too much trouble, we should just hop back on the ferry and go back to Seattle. So, we take the cab anyway and tip him well cause we want him to come back for us (He's the only cab we saw in the 20 minutes we sat at the station, gosh, I'd say the first 2 hours we were in town too)!
Needless to say, it was all worth it! The gardens are magical. I can't even begin to describe what an amazing experience it was. It is simply breathtaking, I've never experience anything like it! I appreciate how the Reserve requires reservations and limits the number of people allowed at a certain time. We walked through two-thirds of the garden before running into another couple. The setting is so serene and romantic! Guys, take note, any girl would love to be proposed to here!
Last note, wear closed-toe walking shoes. The reserve provides umbrellas if you forget to bring your own. Be prepared to spend some time here, It took us about 2 hours to walk the trails and take in the gardens.Listed in: When visiting Seattle
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Review from Michelle G.
Port Orchard, WA
5/4/2011
An absolute must see for you and your little ones during a trip to Bainbridge Island. In fact, it's worth the trip just to spend some time here.
So beautiful and peaceful. I've been here a few times and have never been disappointed. This is the perfect morning away from everything and an ideal place to simply relax in a meadow.
Practical notes: Reservations are no longer required. Leave the cell phone in the car. It's a lovely place for kids as the paths are all very walkable. Jogging strollers also do well but normal strollers would more more of a hindrance then a help. Simply put the youngest ones in a sling or backpack. They'll love the crawling in the meadows and watching the ducks on the lake. -
Review from Kiki M.
3/17/2010
An old boss of mine had told me about Bloedel. While I always wanted to visit I never hunkered down and planned a trip out to Bainbridge Island.
Years later and with a reason to go to Bainbridge, the one thing I absolutely had to do was visit Bloedel. I checked out the website online and booked a reservation.
When arriving at Bloedel you must wait at the gate for an attendant. That day a friendly looking woman came and said hello. I told her my name and she checked me off her clipboard. She directed me to the parking lot and said to meet her at the club house. After doing just that she eagerly explained what Bloedel was. The short version is a rich nature loving couple wanted to preserve lush land and they did just that. She then handed me a map and explained the different areas you'll pass on the trail. There was a moss garden, a Japanese garden, the Bloedel's house, the swan area, and plenty of trees to oogle. I took the map and we were off.
I must admit I found Bloedel to be magical. It was beautiful and green and I was awestruck at how gorgeous our world is. Plus, I saw a swan. My favorite was probably the Japanese garden. There was a guest house, cherry blossoms, and rock pathways. It was nice to stand back and soak everything up.
On that day it was a bit overcast and chilly. I can only imagine how lovely the tour would be if it was sunny.
I encourage everyone to visit Bloedel. You come out with a newfound respect for nature and realize how little you are compared to it.Listed in: Bainbridge Island for your…
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Review from Robert H.
4/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
A Northwest gem.
A lumber baron's estate on the Northern tip of Bainbridge, it fronts on the Sound, but that is not its attraction; it is the gardens.
Over 150 acres comprise meadows, forests, developed areas and gardens. You will be wandering an estate on paths connecting a wild Northwest woodland garden, a rhododendron garden with a small waterfall, a lake, a Japanese garden with a guest house furnished mid-century modern, a moss garden and a formal English reflecting pool. The paths connecting the gardens seem natural, bordered with native plants. Look closely though, it's perfect, not a weed, just like Indian times.
The manor house first floor is open to visitors including the family library, filled with garden books.
You can't bring a picnic, and without reservations, they can turn you away at the gate. For busy summer weekends, make a reservation as far in advance as possible.
This is a chill and romantic special spot. It is also a great diversion on Portland-Seattle road trips, you can take the side roads around the Hood Canal, leaving I5 at Olympia or Tacoma, then take the ferry to Seattle.Listed in: Traveling Travel
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Review from Riss J.
2/9/2009
This is definitely a hidden gem on Bainbridge.
Another weekend adventure brought Don and I here yesterday. Despite the amazing success of our usual random destinations, I'm glad this one was a bit planned out by me. (nod to MMAD for all her help)
At first, you'll think two things. Reservations? I need reservations for a park? and then, And I have to pay to get in?
It is so worth it. The reservations are easy to make online or by phone.
The limit the number of visitors per 2 hour block of time, so you can easily feel as though you are alone in this place.
Which is exactly how it felt. We strolled backwards through the suggested tour of the different areas and gardens.
You are treated to a wide variety of sights here. A Japanese Garden, a Moss Garden, waterfalls, ponds, a bird refuge, a wetland area, old growth forest, a reflecting pool garden, and just acres of beauty and quiet.
You are provided with a booklet that gives background history and little trivia bits about each area along the way. I hoped Don would eat that up, and he did, and narrated things out for us on our way.
It was a fun and amazing two hours, I think anyone would be hard pressed to experience Bloedel and not come off the trails feeling refreshed and more connected to the world around you and the people you're with.
The yearly membership is now $55. You can bring yourself and up to 3 other people for unlimited visits, as well as receive their newsletters. I think that's a fabulous deal, because Bloedel isn't meant for a one time visit. I for one, plan to return at least once each season this year to see all the changes it goes through and the different sites through new eyes. -
Review from Tim O.
Seattle, WA
4/30/2007 4 photos
This place is a hidden gem on Bainbridge Island. Open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm & you have to make reservations to get in (not difficult). The best part about the reservations system is they can limit the amount of people at the reserve at any time, so no huge, obnoxious groups will ruin your visit.
You can follow any of the many trails through the reserve, but they do offer a guide map and recommend you go a certain way. You start off in tall grassland, on to manicured gardens, the main house, an amazing view of the Sound, on to the Japanese Garden, etc.
I could go on and on and on about the beauty of this place, but you should really experience it yourself. I can't recommend it highly enough.Listed in: Jesus on a unicorn...
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Review from Matthew Q.
Mercer Island, WA
9/12/2010
No hesitation in giving five stars to the splendid Bloedel Reserve.
Very mellow experience, tasteful in every respect, perfect size (just enough for a couple of hours with children without feeling overwhelmed or little ones running out of steam.)
Like nature's version of the Frick Collection in New York, if that means anything to anyone. -
Review from Benjamin J.
Tacoma, WA
1/1/2008
Why waste your time making paid reservations for a nature preserve when free Bainbridge is already nearly as beautiful as it gets? It's hard to believe, but the Bloedel Reserve is not only worth it, but it's an incredible steal.
The reservation system is quick and easy (you can do it online), and the price is very reasonable. They limit the number of people in the park at a given time. Rules are very stringent. There is no picnicking, or even loud talking. This is a sanctuary of nature and of the mind. Deer wander by the paths. Visitors venture from wooded walkways to waterfalls to landscaped masterpieces. Staff is no-nonsense volunteers with a passion for where they live.
Bloedel Reserve is the epitome of nature's gift to the Pacific Northwest. It must be seen, and enjoyed, for the most fortunate at least once every season. -
Review from Dee D.
Poulsbo, WA
5/1/2008 8 photos
DEFINITELY worth it !!
I went with a group of 12, and a guide was provided. He was very pleasant and knowledgable, and never rushed us. We were there about 2 hours, but did not see everything.
This is beautiful, and people of all ages should enjoy wandering through the reserve.
I bought a yearly membership. For $40 you may take 3 additional guests..... as often as you like ! -
Review from Jennifer O.
Alhambra, CA
3/3/2011
i can't believe i forgot to write a review about this wonderful place. i visited the gardens last May when my family was on vacation in Olympic National Park / Seattle. it was easy to find, had no problems parking, and lots of things to see. be sure to wear good walking shoes and bring your camera! give yourself a couple of hours to walk around the whole park. you can't bring food (only bottled water), so you'll have to come before or after you eat lunch. stay until your feet are ready to fall off. haha!
i felt like i was in a Jane Austen novel! it really is beautiful and the tour of the house was nice. we got to see deer and lots of birds. the flora and fauna of this place are perfect. if i lived in Seattle, i would come here all the time! -
Review from Shevaun O.
Manhattan, NY
4/19/2011
The Bloedel Reserve was absolutely breathtaking! Nobody should visit Seattle without seeing taking the short ferry ride over to the charming Bainbridge Island.
One of the best things about the Reserve, besides that obvious beauty? The employees. Tina and Bill went completely out of their way to assist with our all questions (and there were a lot of them!)
Thank you for such a beautiful visit! -
Review from Melissa J.
Seattle, WA
7/19/2009
Bloedel is a great day trip destination from Seattle. Make a reservation for a secluded, semi-private self-guided tour of a slice of the old northwest.
It's a lovely ferry ride, there are many quaint places near the ferry for a meal, snack, and/or drink, and the park itself is amazing. Old growth trees, multiple ponds, manicured gardens...gorgeous natural beauty.
It's also a chance to consider the days of the robber barons. This was all private property, owned by people who became enormously, unimaginably wealthy off of land that should have been public. -
Review from melissa d.
Suquamish, WA
7/24/2009
Gorgeous... all year round.
Make a reservation and bring your camera or sketchbook! -
Review from Alison V.
Updated - 7/2/2010 1 photo
Reservations are no longer required per their webpage. Check out their hours and don't worry anymore about having to plan a trip here in advance!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/30/2009
So I came here last summer for a friend's birthday. We wondered the grounds appreciating the… Read more »
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Review from Rafael T.
Seattle, WA
3/8/2010
This is a truly great treasure in Bainbridge Island.
Plan to spend about two hours in the reserve, bring comfortable walking shoes and simply enjoy the sights and sounds.
As other folks have mentioned, it's best to make a reservation. We went last week, and while we were able to get a spot by calling 10 minutes in advance, we saw people having to wait outside. -
Review from Tim S.
Bainbridge Island, WA
11/5/2010
Great garden. Very peaceful. Needs more things going on. Perhaps a summer concert series. Wine and cheese. Muchroom hunt, etc
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Review from Liz A.
Holderness, NH
8/14/2010
We focused our limited time today on the Moss Garden, the boardwalk/marshy area, and the Japanese Garden. Also hit the reflecting pool and the meadow path back to the parking lot. Astounding beauty -- great balance of the organic/natural/unchecked nature and the human-shaped, pruned, etc. Peace, quiet, natural wonders. Completely worth the admission, though if you're local, or a party of four, it might be worth it to become a member. Give yourself plenty of time, and eat first -- no food here. I look forward to returning.
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Review from NANCY H.
Bothell, WA
6/13/2010 8 photos
This visit was on a perfect day and a great time. For the summer months they have extended hours and no longer require reservations. A most tranquil and peaceful walk. I would have to say my favorite was the moss forest and the Christmas pond. You will love the meandering paths and trails.
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Review from Magnus S.
Seattle, WA
7/18/2007
Stunning beauty inside this park. You have to make a reservation and pay a fee to enter the park, but trust me, it is worth it. As you take the trails through the park you head through areas that are manicured in different styles. The areas range from natural Northwest forest to grassy meadow to manicured estate grounds and Japanese-style gardens. This is a place to get lost in, and take in some horticultural works of art.
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Review from Kristina M.
Chicago, IL
5/26/2011
This place is magical. Just magical.
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Review from Barbara D.
Sacramento, CA
6/30/2009
Gorgeous place...and just wanted to add: you can get there without a car if you plan ahead. If you visit Monday thru Friday, Kitsap Transit has a Dial-a-Ride that you can call ahead and arrange for pickup and drop off. Take the ferry in, catch the Dial-a-Ride, and have a great day!
