Seattle Washington, USA
Washington Park
Seattle’s verdant embrace is nowhere more enchanting than in the heart of the city’s Washington Park Arboretum. Nestled within the embrace of Lake Washington, this botanical haven is not merely a collection of trees; it’s a living symphony of nature’s finest melodies.
Originally known as the Seattle Arboretum, this park would eventually be the final creation of Olmsted Brothers in Seattle. While some parts were cleared for interior vistas, Olmsted Brothers’ design for Washington Park Arboretum ensured that certain portions would be left for natural growth.
Spring Colors
Summer in Bloom: Exploring Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum
Seattle’s summers are something special—long days, golden light, and a fresh burst of green around every corner. One of the most beautiful places to experience the season is the Washington Park Arboretum, a 230-acre urban oasis tucked along the shores of Lake Washington. Whether you’re a local looking for a peaceful retreat or a visitor exploring the Emerald City, the Arboretum offers an unforgettable summer escape into the natural world.
What Is the Washington Park Arboretum?
Operated in partnership by the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the City of Seattle, the Arboretum is a living museum of trees and plants from around the globe. It features winding trails, quiet wetlands, rare plant collections, and dramatic views—all carefully curated to highlight biodiversity and seasonal beauty.
The Arboretum is open year-round, but summer is when it truly shines. The gardens are lush, the air is fragrant, and the canopies offer cooling shade for long, meandering walks.
🌸 Summer Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
1. Azalea Way
One of the most iconic paths in the Arboretum, Azalea Way is a three-quarter-mile grassy promenade flanked by flowering trees and shrubs. While spring is peak bloom time, summer brings its own beauty—lush greenery, quiet bird song, and dappled sunlight filtering through mature trees.
2. Japanese Garden
Located at the southern end of the Arboretum (admission fee required), the Seattle Japanese Garden is a tranquil refuge. Summer brings rich foliage, the gentle trickle of water features, and the chance to see koi gliding through sunlit ponds. Keep an eye out for special events and cultural celebrations, such as Tanabata and Wandering & Wondering, held in July and August.
3. Foster Island Trails
Explore the boardwalks and trails that weave through Foster Island and the surrounding wetlands. Summer brings dragonflies, ducks, and lush wetland plant growth—plus views of kayakers gliding by along Lake Washington’s shoreline.
4. Seasonal Color and Canopy
Summer is the season to appreciate the Arboretum’s incredible leaf diversity. From tropical-looking gunneras to towering oaks, the contrast in texture, shape, and color is spectacular. It’s also a great time for spotting wildlife, with squirrels, herons, and hummingbirds all active.
Planning Your Visit
- Hours: The Arboretum grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk, with free admission.
- Parking: Paid parking is available at the Graham Visitors Center and near the Japanese Garden.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection, and a picnic blanket if you’d like to lounge under the trees.
- Accessibility: Many of the main paths, including Azalea Way, are wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly.
Summer Activities & Tips
- Picnicking: Grab a sandwich or coffee from a nearby café and enjoy a peaceful picnic under the trees.
- Guided Tours: Check out the UW Botanic Gardens website for seasonal tours, workshops, or self-guided walk maps.
- Photography: Morning and golden hour are perfect for capturing the garden’s beauty—especially with soft light streaming through the trees.
- Birdwatching: Bring your binoculars—summer is an active season for birds, especially in the wetland and forested areas.
🌞 A Perfect Summer Day in the City
The Washington Park Arboretum is more than a garden—it’s a place to reconnect with nature, discover rare plants, and experience quiet joy in the heart of the city. In a fast-paced world, summer at the Arboretum offers a reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the living beauty all around.
Whether you stay for an hour or the whole day, you’ll leave refreshed and inspired.
Fall Colors
See the fall colors in the Washington Park Arboretum.
The Washington Park Arboretum is experiencing fall, and the colors are amazing. Witness the exquisite collections go into hibernation for the winter.
Tranquil Beauty
As deciduous trees shed their leaves, the structural elegance of the garden’s design becomes more pronounced against the backdrop of frost-kissed landscapes. Moss-covered branches and evergreen specimens add touches of greenery, creating a harmonious contrast against the muted winter palette. The winding paths invite exploration, revealing the subtle nuances of winter flora and the enduring charm of well-maintained landscapes. Despite the chill, the Washington Park Arboretum in winter offers a serene retreat, where visitors can appreciate the quiet beauty of the season and the enduring grace of nature.
Origin of the Eagle Clan
The carvings on the pole are inspired by the traditional Northwest coastal native folk tale, “The Origin of the Eagle Clan.” The story is about the son of a powerful chief who sets out in his canoe to catch fish but is marooned on an island during a storm. With the lack of dense foliage, this Totem Poll stands out in the winter.
Hours
2300 Arboretum Drive E
Seattle, WA 98112
Events and Tours
Throughout the year, the Arboretum hosts events that celebrate nature’s wonders, from plant sales that bring the Arboretum’s treasures to your garden, to guided tours that unveil the secrets of its diverse plant collections.
The 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum is open for strolls on the first Thursday of the month. Seasonal themes, plant collections, botany discoveries, and our organization’s history are all featured on walks.
The Washington Park Arboretum offers many seasonal tours throughout the year. It is also possible to book private walking tours or tram tours of the park.