Washington Park Arboretum

On May 30, 2008, 3gardeners from Mableton, GA wrote:

This place is absolutely WONDERFUL. I can't say enough about this PERFECT park/garden. The Japanese garden is the best I have ever visited. And I've been to Japan...(even though I wasn't on a garden tour there!) I don't know about exact authenticity, but it was a magnificent experience. The Arboretum is free and I think the Japanese Garden entrance fee was $3. I wish I had more time there. There was so very much to see and it was so diverse. From the Japanese garden to woodsy hikes. And it was so very clean. Not any trash, and this is a public garden. It was a perfect afternoon.

On February 4, 2008, growin from Vancouver, BC wrote:

I've always enjoyed visiting this Arboretum. There are a number of older specimens of rare trees and shrubs and includes a Southern Hemisphere section. It seems like every time I visit, I find something new and it's so close to downtown Seattle.

On December 11, 2006, Soferdig from Kalispell, MT wrote:

I often go to the Seattle arboretum to see the mature size, and tendencies of the purchases that I want to get. This gives me a great amount of information of what to expect. It is easy to locate any tree or shrub specimen with the garden book that can be purchased in the book store on site. This also is a great place to partake in the joy of walking in a city with a forest that is available to all. There are many symposiums to add to my understanding of the plants they care for. I even get ideas of what to do to soil ammendment for each type of tree. I even have a few favorite trees that when I visit I can see and relish in the emotions of the trees.

On December 9, 2006, tiffanya from Sumner, WA wrote:

Nice big park for walks and picnics.

Waterways have walking bridges. Walking trails go under the Evergreen Point Bridge, so expect some freeway traffic noise in that part of the park.

In the quieter side of the park, there are large grass walkways surrounded by trees and rhodies. Benches and gazebo-structures to stop and relax.

Bring your dog there for nice long walks (keep on leash).

Rent a canoe and view the park from the water...paddle around Marsh & Foster Islands over to Duck Bay. Canoes are available from:
- Northwest Outdoor Center (www.nwoc.com/rental; 800-683-0637)
-Moss Bay Rowing and Kayaking Center on Lake Union (www.mossbay.net; 877-244-8896)
- Agua Verde Paddle Club Cafe on Portage Bay (www.aguaverde.com; 206-545-8570)
- UW Waterfront Activities Center (www.depts.washington.edu/ima/IMA_wac.php; 206-543-9433)

Be sure to hide valuables in the trunk before entering the park or take them with you. Arboretum parking lots are high-prowl areas.