Washington Park Arboretum is a free botanical garden on the shore of Lake Washington, at 2300 Arboretum Dr E in Seattle. Its themed gardens, wetlands and wooded paths hold plants from around the world, with seasonal highlights including cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring and colorful leaves in autumn. Follow Azalea Way, explore the smaller trails beneath old trees, or pause at the north-side picnic spot overlooking the lake. The Seattle Japanese Garden is at the arboretum’s southern end and charges admission.
Gardens and plant collections
The arboretum covers 230 acres along Lake Washington and is managed by the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the City of Seattle. Its themed areas include Pacific Connections Garden, Joseph A. Witt Winter Garden, Woodland Garden, Shoreline & Foster Island, Rhododendron Glen and Azalea Way. The Seattle Japanese Garden is at the southern end and has a separate admission charge.
Pacific Connections Garden brings together plants from Cascadia, Australia, China, Chile and New Zealand. The Winter Garden centers on a lawn framed by tall cedars and firs, with smaller trees, shrubs and perennials around it. In the Woodland Garden, ponds, streams and woodland plants shape the route. Rhododendron Glen has rhododendrons, magnolias, firs and ferns.
Walking the arboretum
Paths cross lawns, wooded areas and wetlands, with paved routes as well as smaller trails. Azalea Way is a well-known walk through flowering cherries, dogwoods and azaleas beneath evergreen trees. Its flowers and those in Rhododendron Glen come into bloom across spring, with azaleas and rhododendrons particularly notable from March through June.
For a quieter route through the trees, leave the larger paths and follow the smaller trails. The north side has a picnic spot overlooking the lake. The grounds are also used for walking dogs; dogs must be leashed, and they are not allowed in the Japanese Garden.
Seasonal highlights
The collections change through the year. Spring brings flowering cherries, magnolias and azaleas, while autumn colors the foliage. The Joseph A. Witt Winter Garden gives the colder months their own focus, with its conifers, lawn and smaller plantings. In midwinter, witch hazels can flower and scent a corner of the arboretum.
Some of the plant collections include species rarely found elsewhere in the Northwest. Looking closely at the trees and shrubs along the paths is part of the visit, whether you come for a particular bloom or simply to walk among the different garden areas.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is Washington Park Arboretum free to enter?
The arboretum is free to visit. The Seattle Japanese Garden within its southern end charges admission.
How long should I spend at Washington Park Arboretum?
Allow 1 to 3 hours for a walk through the paths and gardens. The grounds cover 230 acres, so you can choose a shorter route or explore several areas.
When is the best time to visit Washington Park Arboretum?
Spring brings cherry blossoms and azaleas, while autumn is a good time for changing foliage. The Winter Garden offers plantings to see in the colder months.
Can I bring my dog to Washington Park Arboretum?
Dogs are welcome on a leash in the arboretum, but they are not allowed in the Seattle Japanese Garden.
