Bloedel Reserve Reviews

Had a great time at the reserve during our six day vacation in Seattle. Rode electric bikes from Bainbridge, highly recommend, and then spent an hour and a half walking through the reserve. Beautiful landscaping, walking paths, foliage, and more. What a blessing that the public is allowed.

The Bloedel Reserve will take your breath away around every corner. It is truly amazing. We loved it so much after our first visit we stopped back in and became members! The staff are genuinely helpful and are passionate about the garden. We visit regularly and each time we discover new things to love. So many different plants, flowers, wildlife and the Manor is the perfect place to sit and reflect on your walk. The Bloedel Reserve gets the PearsTraveling stamp of approval. Don't miss the Bluff Trail, which is a short leg off of the Birch Garden, it has great views back to the Manor and toward Port Madison Bay.

My daughter and I recently visited Bainbridge Island while in Washington, and were looking for a nice place to get in a good walk. I had read about Bloedel Reserve and am so glad we had the chance to go here. It was THE perfect place to take a leisurely, quiet walk and see some beautiful nature. My daughter and I were delighted with how quiet, peaceful and serene it was. The Japanese house and gardens were such a nice surprise .... we have a request for parents though. PLEASE remember that there are people there who want to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature, including the Japanese house and gardens. It's not really a place for kids to run, scream and chase each other. Kind of puts a damper on the day for others. Just saying ;-)

We fell in love with this place 2 years ago, and went back again this summer. The closest thing to walking through an enchanted forest! All ages can enjoy.

It's good for the soul to spend time in nature. This easy walk around the grounds is picturesque and well maintained around every corner. The soft bark makes walking comfortable and easy to avoid muddy areas after a rainfall. The benches throughout the paths are available to enjoy the views and makes this place enjoyable for all ages to rest along the way. Gorgeous!

Of course, it helped that we were there on a perfect weather day in the midst of spring flowers, but I can't imagine that this place wouldn't reward a visit at any time, in any weather. Beautifully maintained, lovely vistas, and incredibly peaceful.

Delightful gardens with a well laid out trail throughout. Extremely helpful gate staff giving good directions of route to follow. Added bonus of a peaceful May afternoon with pleasant weather and uncrowded. some stunning views and reflections in the lakes. good visit to house also included. Only down side could do with a tea room.

We found out the hard way... that the reserve is closed Monday! Took awesome Bainsbridge Ferry to the island and started driving to the reserve only to get half way there and discover it was closed... bummer.
Ended up back in town and had a delightful lunch sitting on the end of a pier. Ferry ride made the trip awesome just wished I'd paid closer attention to their schedule.

This beautiful reserve on what was the Bloedel family's estate is a wonderful getaway a ferry-and-bus-ride away from downtown Seattle. An easy meandering walk takes you through meadows and forests, past ponds and reflecting pools, a Japanese guest house and through an elegant manor house overlooking Puget Sound.

The no-pets-no-picnics policy means that the area is pristine, a place for quiet contemplation and admiration for careful planning and design that work with nature in sympathy and respect. A nicely designed gift shop at the entrance offers retail opportunities with some very nice kid's books on nature and the Northwest.

Walking on the Bainbridge Ferry and taking the BI bus (at least during the summer) means you can totally do this without a car. Winslow has many good options for lunch, dinner or snacks on either side of your visit.

I live in Seattle, and this has become one of our favorite things to do with guests.

This hidden gem was a huge surprise! I have lived in the area for years and had never visited Bloedel until last summer. What a spectacular surprise! I will buy a season's pass this year and visit many times.

This was a breathtaking walk through nature.
The scenery was just gorgeous.
It is very peaceful & serene.
Covid friendly for sure

We took time out on a daytrip to Bainbridge Island to visit Bloedel Reserve and I am so glad that we did. This is one of the most beautiful gardens/reserves I have been to. The beautiful sunny day also helped. The grounds are breathtaking and meticulously kept. What I really enjoyed was that it seemed we had the place to ourselves and didn't start to get busy until we were getting ready to leave. So if you like solitude and enjoying the gardens on your own, I recommend getting there right at 10:00. They also give retired military a discount.

I did not think this would be my scene at all, but decided to give it a chance with the good reviews. It was exactly what we needed. A beautiful, easy walk on perfectly curated groups. There weren't a ton of people on the trail (about 2 miles) despite being the most gorgeous PNW day. We were able to easily separate from the other groups. Very peaceful and a simple walk (I did it in flip flops).

The Bloedel Reserve is a very large estate of a Pacific Northwest Lumber Baron located across the Sound from Seattle. The estate (more than a garden ) includes an assortment of riparian areas found from South Puget Sound to North of Vancouver Island. Included are wetlands, native forests, prairies, orchards, ravines, experimental plantings, a very fine Japanese Garden, water features and a typical English Garden leading to the shoreline. Extensive first growth and near first growth conifers, and a wide assortment of mature imported and indigenous deciduous trees abound. There is a well kept manor house. This attraction is popular with the horticultural community, but those with lesser knowledge, come away wowed. To my knowledge children enjoy the Reserve but I don't recall areas designed for the very young.

we wanted to make our visit to Bainbridge Island worthwhile (not just shopping and eating), and this fit the bill. We were graced with a sunny, pleasant day and Bloedel offered a way to enjoy the glories of nature. The two mile loop takes you through fields, woods, streams, and a small pond. There are not flowers, but nature that has been helped along a bit by man. The serenity was a nice respite from the noise of Seattle. We spent about two hours.

I love this place! Its beautiful. Take time to meander slowly and take it all in. There are many different styles of gardens at this reserve. The moss garden is unforgettable!

We're just starting our tour but I wanted to post that they are open today, not closed as stated on TripAdvisor. They are normally closed on Mondays but are open today since it's a holiday. Come enjoy.

This is a great a day beautiful walk through the grounds of a beautiful manor. It has diverse areas, from forest, pond, Japanese garden, Puget sounds view, etc. Everything is meticulous, beautiful and serene. We really enjoyed the walk.

What a lovely day trip it was from Seattle - taking the Bainbridge ferry with its sweeping vistas, lunch right off the boat, and then a beautiful walk in the Bloedel Reserve (a short bus ride from the ferry). Bloedel has woodland with trees dripping in moss, fields of grass, ponds, a beautifully landscaped former residence and a Japanese garden. It's peaceful and pretty.

I think of this place as a spiritual resource, and am fortunate enough to take walks here regularly, rain or shine. The misty, mossy moods of winter are just as amazing as the summer vistas, but spring and fall are also seriously special. Turn off your cell phone, breath deeply, speak softly, and treat yourself to the calmness and serenity that are so easy to find here (except perhaps on Mother's Day, which can get very busy). The wooded trails and moss garden are really unique but the more formal residence lawns and Japanese garden areas are also very beautiful. And the water views across Puget Sound are sweeping. Just a great place overall to experience a cool, Pacific Northwest woodland, curated and tended to provide treats for the senses and an emotional respite from the bustle of modern life. You might plan on about 90 minutes of walking to cover the main pathways, but try to give yourself extra time just to sit on one of the benches you'll discover along the way and listen to the birds.

Definitely worth the visit! Beautiful grounds -- both in natural and well-manicured states. The trail that winds through the property is very well-marked and easy to navigate. Great for nature-lovers -- and also nice to have a little change of pace by visiting the mansion on the property, which you pass by while on the trail. Great views of Puget Sound at this point too.

***Helpful hint: We didn't realize that reservations are required (they can be done online ahead of time). The staff at the entrance were very helpful and advised us to reserve a spot and pay online with our phones at the gate. Since it was a non-crowded weekday, we were easily able to do this, and entered the grounds after only a 15 minute wait. Otherwise, I'd suggest reserving online ahead of time.

You get a real diverse feeling of garden styles from European inspired designs, to very authentic Japanese style gardens. It’s a good as it gets. One of the most beautiful Japanese gardens outside Japan.

If you have a half day open while in Seattle, you must take the Bainbridge Island ferry and visit this place. The island residents were so friendly too! We took the courtesy bus from the ferry station to Bloedel Reserve for $2 per person, and got a very scenic route. The Reserve took about 1.5 hours to walk through from start to finish, at a slow-average pace and stopping to take lots of pictures. There are different sections of the walk, with varying landscapes... and the smells! Such fresh, pure air... haven't had such clean air in a long time. The views were incredible of Puget Sound from the main house - sit on a bench for awhile and breathe it in. The Japanese garden was also very tranquil. This place is a MUST!

This property was owned by the son of a local lumber baron. The gardens are gorgeous and the mansion is full of beautiful artifacts.

On a recent trip to Bainbridge Island, my wife and I decided to visit one of the top-rated attractions: Bloedel Reserve. We were a little disappointed.

Finding Bloedel Reserve is easy and we found parking easily. The lot is rather small so I imagine it could be challenging to find a spot during the busy season. The Reserve is located on the northern part of the island just off the main road.

The entry fee that struck us as a bit steep. I get that this is a private reserve so the entry fees are the primary means of support. That said, the map's descriptions left much to be desired with entire descriptions limited to 'field', 'woods', and 'barn'. I'm not asking for a guide book but a few more words explaining what we saw would have been welcome. There is a LOT of walking involved. Fortunately, we like to walk and it wasn't too hot.

The main house is nice with an incredible view.

You're spending nearly $20 per person to go for a nice, long walk to see an old house with a view.

A lovely place to visit - any time of year. Walk the gardens - takes an hour or two...and visit the Japanese house /garden and the historical home ( usually open ) to see life in a grand old house.
Beautifully maintained.
Especially nice in fall and spring .

Beautiful trails. Map provided by staff. Friendly staff. Well maintained serene trails. Worth the ferry ride while visiting Seattle. Must see.

We took the ferry to Bainbridge and then an Uber to Bloedel Reserve. Lucked out with a really nice driver who made plans to pick us up to return to town. (About $50 round trip.) Really enjoyed our stroll through the gardens and grounds, calm and peaceful. Saw an eagle perched in a tree above the water.

This place is incredible. It's very well-maintained and serene. If you visit, try to remember that the serenity of nature is like a church to many people. Try to be respectful and quiet! There was a group of women here when we were who were so loud and obnoxious! The $17 admission probably keeps the crowds down, which is fantastic. Fortunately we were the first guests, so we finished before it got louder and crowded. If you like nature and beautiful views, this place is absolutely perfect. The Bloedels were very generous and forward-thinking with this gift of nature.

Bloedel Reserve is a Pacific Northwest gem. The variety of landscapes within the Reserve is extraordinary. There are so many unique plants to be seen.

Spent about 3 hours on the Bloedel reserve and it was a wonderful experience away from the Seattle down! The flowers, trees, ponds and beauty as you walk around has been amazing. I wish we planned to spend more time there!

The gardens are magnificent and varied, from a Japanese garden to meadows, woods, ponds, a huge reflecting pool, formal landscaping, views of the Sound, and a magnificent jewelbox of a house in a spectacular setting. As you approach the house, you can see the Sound through the open front and back doors; it's like a Magritte painting.

But Bloedel is really for the able-bodied. There is a paved path from the entrance to the house, but the other paths are wood mulch and materials not conducive to wheelchair use. A few trails are very steep and narrow; wheelchair use on them would be downright hazardous.

There is no discount given to wheelchair users even though much of the preserve is simply inaccessible to them. No such discount was offered to us after I made inquiry about the state of the trails for wheelchair use.

Also, even though I indicated to the greeter that we had a wheelchair user, I was directed to the regular lot which was partly gravel. I only later learned that there was disabled parking lot which was closer and fully paved.

Were it not for the significant access issues, I would have rated this attraction a solid five.

I was blown away by the experience. So many diverse plants, terrains, and structures. A great way to spend an hour or two.

I would have given this five stars had they labeled some of the plants and trees so that we could identify those we did not know. We spent a nice couple of hours there and fdo recommend it!!

The Bloedel Reserve is a wonderful place to visit. It is a peaceful and tranquil place set in the middle of nature. There is a beautiful pond, trees, gorgeous flowers, fresh air, silence - it is perfect.

A few hours at Bloedel Reserve is a primer on nearly all things WA. You see nurse logs, bogs, cedars, and all typical growths seen on forest hikes. You see NW version of Japanese gardens and formal gardens. Learn about logging history, and see the water and mountains. A sea otter briefly joined me on a bench! Go with an open mind and be very pleasantly surprised.

This place was great from all aspects, anytime you have kids ranging from 8 to 15 who all enjoyed the walk and the beauty you know you have something special. Highly recommend visiting and taking in the landscape.

Just beautiful. The textures of plants was very well thought out. The moss garden, Japanese garden, the view from the mansion all spectacular. Trails are very well maintained. Clean. Quiet. If you like plants you have to see this.

Loved this place. I took my daughter, son in law, and grandchild - who we could push in a stroller. All three generations enjoyed it.
We spent more than 2 hours strolling through the gardens and house.
You can catch a shuttle bus ($2 pp) right off of the ferry.
Take a map!
No picnics allowed or food for sale so plan accordingly
Knowledgeable friendly docents
We just missed the shuttle back into town and didn't want to wait for the next shuttle. Fortunately, Uber was available on the island.
Mellow wonderful time for those that want a break from the hustle of Seattle.

We visited the Bloedel Reserve as part of a day trip to Bainbridge Island, and it was definitely the highlight! You will need a vehicle to get there from the ferry terminal, but the local Kitsap bus, BI ride, takes you right to the main gate.

The reserve abstains from using any signage to remain as "natural looking" as possible, but they do give you a handy map to help guide you along the two mile trail. And even though it is "natural looking," you can tell that the groundskeepers do a wonderful job keeping the reserve looking beautiful. We enjoyed the variety of scenery as we stopped by each different section. Everyone will have a different favorite, but each one is truly lovely.

Loved this reserve. We took leisure walk one afternoon and had a great time. 2 hours is enough for slow walkers but you can spend all day there. Beautiful views, places to read, recharge and soak in the nature's beauty. Did I say beauty too many times?

A fancier friend than me raved about the Bloedel Reserve on the north end of Bainbridge Island. So I went there with her. I liked the German elegant lady who greeted us in the reserve's gift shop and took our $15 fee to walk the grounds of Prentice and Virginia Bloedel's estate. Although Prentice was a timber baron, he also knew the value of preserving land for all to enjoy. The grounds are impeccable, as if invisible hands touch each leaf. The Bloedel's home overlooking the sound is grand, evoking an era of ladies in long dresses and gentel quartets in the drawing room. Inside, also are historical placques detailing the life of the Bloedel family. My favorite feature is the Japanese guest house--I'd love to go there for a tea ceremony. The reserve is a welcome respite from the city and its soothing landscape and ponds on a two-hour stroll beckon one to stay longer and absorb all the natural elegance.

We visited on a cool but sunny day. It was awesome. Trails are clearly marked and easy. Beautiful lush grounds. It is quiet and has great scenery. Worth the drive.

The staff is so friendly, the grounds are beyond beautiful. It is a nice long walk without feeling like your getting a workout in. Take a camera because it is impossible to take a bad photo there. From the different garden areas to the natural forest to the mansion. I enjoy taking friends when they come to visit.

Love to walk in this magnificent landscape-,wonderful paths, amazing trees and views. It’s a little far from downtown ( about 25 minutes) but worth it if you really enjoy botanical gardens. Small gift shop, parking, paths and I recommend a printed map at gift shop. There is no food available so plan ahead. Easy to send 1 to 3 hrs there is a unique setting.

When we first paid $15 per person and walked down an abandoned field, we had a number of second thoughts. Fortunately, the two mile path through this reserve improved and we were treated to interesting natural areas, a quick tour of the Bloedel home and then their more elaborate gardens abutting the home. I really enjoyed the birch tree path and the Japanese gardens. My wife, after much initial grumbling, agreed that it was worth the trip.

I think the walk is about 2 Miles, but it is broken up by different areas. Deep woods, a beautiful home, a Japanese garden, streams, Birch trees and more. It is very peaceful and definitely worth several hours time.

Any time of the year you choose to visit is the right time to go because every season has something to offer. All you have to do is come prepared for the weather and a walk and take the time to enjoy the natural surroundings. Don't try to do it in a hurry because you might lose out on some of the peacefulness of your surroundings.

Gorgeous property, beautifully maintained. Was an easy trip here on the BI and close to wineries. Favs were the miss garden and the residence area.

Great place. Very beautiful and tranquil. Ferry ride from Seattle adds to the adventure. I’ve been here multiple times and love it.

This is a beautiful corner of Bainbridge Island, an estate that has been opened to the public. The stroll around the grounds is an easy 2 miles and meanders through ponds, forest and a Japanese garden. The original house is also open to tour. This is a nice way to spend a couple hours.

Serenity made for a perfect day. Calm. Peaceful. Harmonic conversion. In touch with earth. Japanese gardens were perfect, as if no human hand had touched it. Japanese maples were abundant; think of fall colors in October. I want to come back many times.

Our fall in the PNW has been unseasonably warm this year and the foliage at Bloedel today did not disappoint. The grounds are just gorgeous, very well maintained and an easy walk through a variety of visual and stunning areas. The zen garden, the reflection pool and visitor’s center were fun to explore. The area was decorated for fall, with a large variety of pumpkins displayed throughout the grounds. The gift shop has a nice variety of items, and although I didn’t use it, heard that there was a bathroom. The parking area seems secure which is also a plus. Apparently there is a luminary display around Christmas which sells out extremely fast-i will keep my eyes open as I have heard it is a very fun event.

Bloedel is a treasure. It is lovely at any time of the year. But if you like color, visit when the rhododendrons are in bloom. May is usually the best month. This a a place to stroll, meditate, ponder, and simply allow yourself to be touched by nature. I have taken classes, attended events and music performances, and just walked around. Each experience was a delight.
It is so wonderful when wealthy people share their treasures with others.

We spent three hours exploring and absorbing these beautiful gardens on an otherwise "gloomy" March afternoon.

No schedule.

No tree markers and placards.

Yes, you can walk on the grass.

Yes, you can set your tripod for that perfect shot, however long it takes.

No hurries.

No worries.

Just enjoy.

The best way to spend a sunny day on Bainbridge Island. The camellia walk and orchids are some of the finest I've seen. The moss woes appear trolllike, ready for the Hobbits to relocate to any day now!

What a treat to have a local tell me to visit here while my brief trip to the island. A calm, peaceful walk through partial wooded areas, big open fields with a pay off of walking along the cliffs where the Bloedel Mansion is. I dream of getting married here someday, what a treat.

I went here for a walk while visiting Bainbridge Island for the day. The admissions staff was very friendly and gave us some good tips as well as an estimated time of how long it would take to do the tour. Everything was very well maintained, and the pamphlet they hand out with the map was very useful. There are all sorts of plants and flowers, with numerous bodies of water and even a nice Japanese garden. The price was $17 per person, which felt a bit high, but after doing the walk, it can justify the cost of maintenance. I would highly recommend going here if you have about an hour and a half to spend.

The Bloedel Reserve is a very enjoyable and relaxing walk in the Park. Parking is no problem. A quiet breakaway to be enjoyed by all ages.

I've visited many botanical gardens and this is one of my favorites. It is very peaceful and so well done. There are large ponds, lots of birds and, of course, a large variety of plants. There is also the Bloedel House which is open for tours. The view from the house is quite stunning. We went with my daughter and 3 granddaughters. The girls had a great time, but did get a little tired by the end of our walk. If you like walking through forests and gardens with a little bit of history thrown in, this is for you.

If you are staying in Seattle, you will need to take a ferry ride and then either a bus (if they are running) or a taxi/uber/lyft ride to the preserve. Or you can bring your bike over and ride but it’s not flat so be aware. However you get there, it’s a great trip out to see a wonderful selection of natural flora in a beautifully maintained property. While the property does have some up and down to it, the paths are easy and it’s a nice walk. You can wear boots but unless it’s particularly damp day (remember this is Seattle area…), you can just wear walking shoes or sneakers. Allow at least a couple of hours to walk through but if you are really into horticulture or plant and landscape photography, allow more time. Also, factor in time for the ferry and realize it can get crowded during major tourist times.

Two miles of trails through various settings of meadows, swamps, forests, asian garden, etc. creates a very peaceful place. We especially enjoyed a visit with a family of Canadian geese. Dad, Mom and a half a dozen teenage honkers milled around in our pathway near the reflection pool. Watching the youngsters clumsily trying to get out of the pool was well worth the slight delay of the male standing guard. The main trails are surfaced with bark and easy to walk on but would not be especially handicap friendly. The staff is very serious about the rules of no eating, drinking, smoking, pets, staying on the trails, running or using your cell phone. If you have allergies this might not be a good place for you.

We went with modest expectations, but we're so impressed with this whole place. The people who took our money and gave us tickets also gave a great overview of what to see and how best to appreciate the reserve.

The whole reserve is immaculately maintained, and the various gardens are impressive, especially the whole Japanese garden.

The house was very interesting, and it is worth taking time to read all the history on the walls.

Only one criticism - the geese near the pond in front of the house poo everywhere, making it a careful walk up to the house - something needs to be done about this as it is a real eyesore.

Be aware that picnics are not allowed into the reserve.

We visited the Bloedel Reserve with our teenage boys (yes, teenagers will like it). It was a nice time to spend together as a family walking around the reserve and noticing all the interesting plants, settings, architecture, creatures, and beautiful nature. The boys were fine with the walk on the reserve as there were interesting things to see/take-in. As an adult, I felt the Bloedel Reserve was fantastic! I am so happy that we visited the Reserve. I would go again. It was an amazing place with such variety. If you have the time, like nature, just want to walk around, enjoy new/different places, appreciate our beautiful world (or need reminders), GO to the Bloedel Reserve with family or friends. Lovely Place.

Full disclosure: I love gardening, nature and plants. We spent several hours going through the garden and it was a highlight of our friends' visit. Rather than lots of formal gardens this is a beautiful use of natural environments. There is enough variety (Japanese area, moss garden, house and garden, etc.) for almost anyone. So peaceful and quiet with beautiful views of the Sound. The staff and volunteers were gracious and helpful. Too bad I don't live closer and could visit more often!

We went to the garden on Sunday and it was beautiful there. Visited the Japanese garden and the house. Views were incredible there. My favorite part was that it wasn’t crowded so it felt like you were getting away from the city. Highly recommend strolling through there.

Prentice Bloedel donated hes estate to form tranquil preserve that includes many trees and shrubs spread over several acres on the bluffs overlooking Puget sound. Numerous events are held there through the year.

My wife and I stumbled across this reserve while reading some city magazines. Upon doing a little on line research, it looked pretty cool. We were told that once you landed on Bainbridge Island, it was a 2 hour drive to the reserve. We went anyway and were gladly surprised that it was only a 15 minute ride, and the city has a Free shuttle that will take you there. Doesn't get any better than that. Once onsite it was breathtaking. The reserve was so well kept, so clean, and so beautifully laid out. We loved it and would highly recommend to others.

This was a nice place to visit but there really wasn't anything that would set it apart from anywhere else we have been to that was similar. The grounds seemed well kept and was green but we were hoping for more colorful flowers. It was fun walking along the trails and there was plenty of shade.

If you want a cultivated “nature” escape (conveniently close to town, yet secluded in the countryside), then a visit to Bloedel Reserve offers a unique mini-getaway. Trails meander through luxurious, second-growth forests, accented with benches & bridges, & a variety of pleasing ponds & gardens.

We certainly enjoyed strolling along the winding, leaf-strewn pathways (soft underfoot), with fall foliage glowing overhead, & few people in sight. Promising a relaxing, uncrowded experience, Bloedel Reserve (encompassing 160 acres) is your ticket to a unique forest promenade.

Enchanting trails gently guide you through resplendent fern-embellished woodlands, colorful wildflower meadows, past hidden ponds where Kingfishers rattle, & over bridges bordered by bustling Kinglets & Chickadees twittering amid sun-streamed treetops.

Besides the forest setting, man-made surprises enhance the wilderness walkways, showcasing such highlights as a Japanese Garden (with circle-raked Zen Garden), beyond which is the largest public Moss Garden in the U.S. – with over 50 species of mosses & lichens (but unlabeled), and garnished with a bizarre clump of carnivorous pitcher plants!

Wear comfy shoes, & bring your binoculars & camera! During October, there are also “pumpkin stations” which offer fun photo ops for friends & family!

Reservations (online preferably) are a must, so as to reduce crowds, and enhance your visit. Check the Bloedel Reserve website for time slots, various fees, & special events. Note: “Welcome Wednesday” (the first Wed. of every month) is a free-entry day (but you will need a “timed ticket”)!

No dogs (except service animals) are allowed. A cheery “gateman” at the gated entryway will check you in (note: you may drive past it at first, many do)! Parking is free. Refreshments are offered at an outside table, and at another table, you can get a free map of the Gardens. After your walk, be sure to browse the on-site Gift shop!

The 2-mile, looping walkways take about 2 hours, but we lingered to watch Wigeons feeding in the pondweeds, and tour the stately French country house with astounding collection of nature books!

Wheelchairs are available, although some trails are not wheel-chair accessible. Basically, be prepared to walk, & if you slow your pace to appreciate the world around you, these woodlands will soothe your Soul. Don’t miss an outing to this unusual WOODLAND “garden” – a “world-class botanical” treasure!

This is a great place to go for a walk in the woods. Lots of walking trails and native landscape. The house on the grounds used to be a private residence mansion. It is worth going multiple times of the year to see the grounds during different seasons. Worth the trip!

Although Bloedel Reserve is rated no1 thing to do on the island. It completely exceeded our expectations. What a lovely and magical place. The attention to detail is impressive and we definitely felt inspired after our visit. Definitely worth the trip.

This place is just amazing, beautiful and unbelievable. Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island, takes 30 minutes, and once you are on the island, the wonders start. Lots of stuff to do, wineries, breweries, water sports, beaches, etc. The jewel though is the Reserve. It's hard to explain the beauty and peace of this place. A must do when you are in the area.

I asked my boys to take me to the Bloedel Reserve on a recent Mother's Day trip to visit them. None of us had been there before. I am so glad to have finally seen this gorgeous house and surrounding forest with gardens. It was very warm that day, so I am grateful so much of the hike from garden to garden is in the forest. I've never seen anything like this . . . hiking to 12 different gardens on one property. It was magical.

Fantastic preserve chances with each season. The grounds are well kept. Doesn’t s are available to explain the gardens. A gift shop is newly remodeled and offers a variety of souvenirs.

Bloedel Reserve is such a beautiful, peaceful place with thousands of species of trees, shrubbery and plants native to the Northwest. The fountains and ponds are very "zen" and offer places to meditate and relax. I go there whenever I need to recharge my batteries. I highly recommend it as a place to take a gentle walk and site-see.

This is an extremely well laid-out and organized nature preserve. The paths are easy to walk on and the map makes them easy to follow (it would be hard to get lost). The grounds are a combination of wild and groomed. I have two relatively small criticisms: the reserve is a little too well organized in that you can't wander around at all off the trails; Many of the plants are imports, not native to the Northwest Coast and there is generally little information about any of the plants. All things considered, this is definitely one of the great places to visit on Bainbridge Island.

Bloedel is an amazingly beautiful garden. Not only is it an inspiration for gardeners...but provides a venue for plays, concerts, etc. The natural beauty of the Northwest is displayed at its most magnificent. Truly a Bainbridge treasure. Shakespeare in the garden, Vivaldi amongst the most beautiful landscape.

Well worth the visit. Gardens are beautiful year round. Good walking shoes are a plus as it’s nice to enjoy all the winding paths covered in wood chips. The gift shop is small but very nice selection of items.

We visited the Reserve while on a day trip from Seattle. The Reserve is a picturesque estate, different landscapes and gardens abound. I love the idea that there are no signs along the trails and gardens; the map is accurate and all that is necessary. You are really able to enjoy the sights for what they are; relaxing, lovely, varied in their beauty. It made for a very pleasant two mile stroll.

We have participated in their Strolls For Wellness program which gave us a whole new appreciation for this local landmark. Go with friends or on your own. Wondrous in every season.

Though this is not the Butchart Gardens, it has its own charm. February may not be the best time to go, as it was pretty cold and there didn't seem to be much in bloom. I can't attest to how the rest of the year is. Nevertheless, it is a nice stroll through the reserve with many nice sites and views. If you are on the island, it's worth a couple hours of your time.

While staying on Bainbridge Island, we were fortunate to have time to see the Bloedel Reserve. Cost is if I remember $10.00 for seniors. It takes about one and a half hours to walk the preserve, if you don't stop along the way. Very beautiful walk and not very strenuous. Plan to stop at the main house over looking Puget sound. also check out the Japanese garden.

What a lovely time we had yesterday at Bloedel Reserve. The grounds are beautiful and so well kept. Their gift shop is a little pricey but it’s very nice. We loved the trails. They were so easy to walk on and it was easy to keep socially distanced.

This is my first visit in the fall! It’s a beautiful walk even in a rainy day. The new gift shop is a destination visit. It’s worthwhile to have an annual pass if you choose to visit a time or two.

This beautiful park at the northern edge of Bainbridge Island is worth the visit for any nature lover. It's well worth the $15 entrance fee (which I thought was a little steep until I actually saw the property). The grounds are impeccable and the array of plants in the gardens and the woods is simply astounding. You could spend an entire day at a very leisurely pace, but realistically, about 3 hours is plenty.

Manicured pathways lead you through beautiful, forested areas and to a lovely home which is open for viewing. The highlight for me was another home of Japanese architecture. A wonderful way to spend a couple of hours.

This is our favorite place to bring out of town visitors or just to go for a walk. An annual membership is well worth the cost if you are local. It provides a diverse sampling or Pacific Northwest flora and fauna, organized in different sectors of the Reserve. An easily walkable trail takes you on about a 1.5 mile loop that allows you to see virtually all parts of the reserve. There is plenty of free parking, once you pay your admission. The docents in the mansion on site and the gatehouse are eager to answer your questions.

My wife and I wanted to experience taking the ferry during our 6 days in the Seattle area and decided to ride to Bainbridge Island. At first, we were content to just walk the downtown area near the ferry dock, but then decided to check out Bloedel Reserve. We weren’t planning to rent a car, but there was a bus available right at the ferry dock - $2 per person each way -and even gave us a $2 discount to get into the gardens. It was the highlight of our trip to Bainbridge Island. We took our time strolling on the 2-mile path through the estate, pausing to read how it came to be and checking out all the different flowers and plants at the reserve. There are many places to sit and take in the surroundings and revel in the peace and quiet of the place. We probably spent 2-3 hours walking around and reading about the plants and flowers there Our days in the Seattle area were go, see, do and often at a breakneck pace. This was an opportunity to slow down and take in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. When we were done, we took the bus back into town and were dropped off at a local bar for a quick snack and a drink before getting back on the ferry. Packaged with ridding the ferry, it was a great way to spend a day.

The grounds and the house and the flowers are gorgeous at Bloedel. Wonderful that this land was preserved as it is.

Kids can enjoy Bloedel as much as adults . . . if they're prepared for the serenity and architectural landscaping. We heard some yelling kids that disrupted the unique serenity but managed to help our kids enjoy Bloedel at its best by preparing them for a very adult experience. The scavenger helps the younger crew and focusing on the architectural aspects helps the pre-teen/teen crew. Would be nice to see an older kids guide. Definitely pricey. Makes a nice mom's treat for a traveling family.

Lush and peaceful. A beautiful cared for garden with many gorgeous flowers and plants. I loved the mossy areas and unique botanical experience. It's a must see in Washington State.

Bloedel Reserve is really beautiful garden , well maintained and a great place to take a stroll around and enjoy the pond , trees, water springs and sea view all at once. You can easily feel a sense of calm dawn upon you here . I really enjoyed the afternoon i spent here. Easily reachable from ferry ternimal via a shuttle service and 10 minutes walk.

Enjoyable walk through the natural forest and planted areas. The house was lovely and had an interesting history.

After 15 years in Seattle, I was excited to finally make it to this local attraction today (Jan 29th). We drove up to the gate, and we had pre-purchased tickets for me and my husband. The woman at the gate noted that one of us was a student and asked to see my student ID. I showed her my ID from the University of Washington. She kept pressuring me for additional details to prove that I am really a student. I'm a mature student doing a doctorate in my 40s, and I really don't appreciate her unwelcoming attitude. My first job was at a Gold Coast estate/ museum in New York and we always sought to treat our visitors with respect. Not so much here.

What a great peaceful beautiful setting to visit. It definitely is a healing place to walk through the beauty of nature. It was much more than we expected. We will definitely come back each season as one can see that it changes with the seasons. You are walking though a meadow and then enter a forest with a couple of ponds - only to be surprised halfway through with a gorgeous mansion that the Bloedels once lived in. You can tour the main floor of the house and they have a gorgeous view of the sound from the back of the house. You finish walking the grounds by walking through a peaceful Japanese garden and exit back through the meadow. WE WILL BE BACK!

We typically go to Bloedel Reserve once a year, in April or early May, when we visit Bainbridge Island. Needless to say, we missed 2020. This time we went in mid-June, and I'm happy to report, it's more beautiful than ever! There is now a boardwalk on one side of the forest pond--it opens up the pond to much easier viewing, especially the bird life (when we were there, the place was teeming with cedar waxwings). And the meadow area has now been finished--lots of flowering lupine and other wildflowers. The forest areas are so lush in different shades of green. You can feel your blood pressure going down as you walk through them. Allow at least 2 hours.

First the bad news: This is the number one attraction on Bainbridge Island, and it costs $17 per adult.

Now the good news: There is no more bad news. It's not crowded, totally worth it and one of the most serene experiences you may ever have. Even your kids (who are cheaper or even free) will quiet down and enjoy it. When teens ask to go here, you know you have something for everyone. This so much of a must do, that it's worth going 20 miles out of your way to do it.

So why the anti-Butchart comment? Well lots of reasons, beyond the fact than many folks just off the ferry from Vancouver Island stop by. If you love gardens, you will love this one, but not for the flowers. The owner was color blind so valued textures and moods over colors, and it shows. While there are many different subsections, like Butchart, it's not flowers that distinguish them, but moods, textures and different levels of, well, zen.

Unlike Butchart, there is no food court, nor even anything that you can put your finger on as touristy. This has a much more dignified and serene take-me-or-leave-me feel to it. It could take several visits in several seasons to truly understand and appreciate this place. It's volunteer driven, and the attitude seems to be: we hope you love this place as much as we do, we're determined to keep it the way it is and don't much care about market share. It got to this state because investors who wanted to turn into an American Butchart almost bought it. So glad that didn't happen.

Hints: There are no signs or numbers for the various areas so be sure to get a walking guide when you enter. Give yourself two hours to stroll. Go slow, and visit all the back paths, where some of the best surprises are. On a warm day, bring water, which you can refill a couple times along the walk. On a cool day, bring a jacket; you'll need it. if you're not sure, bring both. Weather changes quickly on Bainbridge. Walk slowly and talk quietly. Experience. Bring a granola bar if you'll be there close to meal time. There is no food.

And as you get to the main road on the way out, notice that there's a chicken merge lane if you want to turn south toward the ferry. You'll need it on a busy day.

Enjoy.

Another way to enjoy Washington. This place was absolutely beautiful and a nice walking trail for about an hour. We enjoyed looking at the home as well as the surrounding land. We later went to a distillery and are some wonderful Pulled pork sandwiches, delicious beans and to die for Mac n cheese.

I enjoy Blooded Reserve during all seasons. It is especially nice to explore at the start of autumn and in early spring because of the changing flora. During the summer, you can take advantage of classical concerts too.

This is a beautiful piece of property to wander around. There are many gardens, ponds and views. The walk is nicely manicured and is about 2 miles long. You should budget about 1 1/2 - 2 hours to do the whole thing as there are placed you will want to stop. I am sure this place is lovely any time of year when different plants are in season.

This is an amazing place. Walking trails provide a wonderful day and the buildings on the ground are equally exceptional. I have been at Christmas time to see the amazing Gingerbread House exhibits and also in the summer for the Shakespeare performances. A really special place - check the activities going on to see what looks good - this one is worth the trip over on the Ferry from Seattle. Spend the morning, get some lunch, more walking trails in the afternoon, get some dinner and back for an evening show.

This is an easy day trip. Wooded garden. Natural native beauty. Path are covered in nice mulch. The house is worth seeing.
The sound views are nice. It is a nice way to visit w friends while walking.

I'm so glad I dragged the family on this quiet hike through this reserve. Maybe it's because it costs money to get in, but there were so many less people here than anywhere else in Seattle. It was a nice getaway after a food tour at the Pike Market. You choose your own hike through the reserve, and there is a disability-friendly shorter one on paved road that takes you straight to the mansion. It is a very well preserved land with workers constantly working on the garden. There are so many picture moments including the one with the deer in the backyard of the mansion (well, not taken with the deer). The view from the backyard to the ocean is breathtaking and absolutely peaceful. The hikes are very intuitive with the map so you won't get lost. There are some shades for sun-phobes like me. Fortunately, it was sunny but cloudy so we had the most wonderful hike. I highly recommend here - you probably need a few hours. On the Bainsbridge Island, I really liked this activity.

Do not miss the Bloedel Reserve. I went with my daughter, granddaughter and wife. We spent several hours walking the paths and grounds. Such a peaceful and beautiful place. There are wide variety of habitats, water, glen's, marsh's, woodlands, vast expanses of grass.

I will go again and bring friends, never disappointed!

We were there in the fall, and the colors were just beautiful. The shop was lovely, and I'd love to come back at other times of the year to see the different foliage and flowers.

The Bloedel Reserve proved to be the highlight of our family's day outing to Bainbridge Island. After a short ferry ride, we were able to reach the Reserve within 15 minutes from the harbor in BI. The admission price was on the high end (just shy of $45 for two adults and a teenager) but in the end, we felt the 3 hours we spent walking around the Reserve was worth it as it provided beautiful views and a setting for a relaxed afternoon walk through nature. All the trails were very easy to walk on and meandered through dense vegetation at times that made me feel like I was transported to some other place. It is such a tranquil and scenic walk that I would highly recommend to anyone who are interested finding some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Will have a truly a relaxing and calming effect when you are done with the walk.

Walk through self-guided tour of formal and natural gardens and Bloedel home. This living museum changes with the seasons and is always enchanting. You must be able to walk about 1.5 miles.

We stopped here to relax while enjoying a nice walk. Very neat place to explore. The various textures and types of gardens are uniquely gorgeous in their own way. I never thought I'd be awed by a moss garden, but I sure was! Worth a stop to be off the grid for a short while and enjoy nature. The staff was friendly and informative.

Beautiful grounds. Very relaxing. Unfortunately much of the grounds were closed because a tree with an owl's nest had fallen down and the owl was apparently being very aggressive. That being being said, what we saw was gorgeous. Had the whole preserve been open I would have given it a 5 star. Highly recommend.

I have enjoyed this scenic reserve for 20 years or more. I went with my family during the new year in January 2017. Nice place for the grandkids to explore, and meticulously-maintained flora. Amazing house to see, with a botanical library.

I made my annual visit. It's so beautiful in May. I determined to take a membership this year so that I might visit more frequently and bring guests. Walking is easy and the grounds are just amazing. I'll enjoy watching it in every season.

Ever been to a restaurant that everyone is raving about only to find that it really isn't that great? Such is the experience here for me. For $17.00 per person you would expect something more outstanding than what is actually here. Let me paint a picture for you...you walk 2 miles along a path through tall grass and weeds and then tree's and some ponds covered with scum. There we saw 3 ducks and a group of geese. Pretty much what you might expect at any lake here in the NorthWest. If you have any type of disability...forget about it! No way could you do this. Now that being said, some areas were quite beautiful, by the mansion as an example, just not worth the price and the walk. Sometimes places live on reputation alone. Sadly this is the case here.

We saw the Reserve in November and there was plenty to appreciate about it, I think maybe especially at this time of year.

We stopped at the Bloedel Reserve for 3 hours this morning as the end to a wonderful 2-day getaway to Bainbridge Island. My hubby's first time to Bloedel and my 3rd - always so beautiful!

Love to take out of town guests to this very special place. If you are fully ambulatory and simply like plants, give yourself 2-2.5 hours. Although the walking trails are easy for most, if you use a walker or wheelchair or if you are a horticultural enthusiast, add at least a half hour to your planned visit. Whether you visit in spring, summer, fall or winter, beauty abounds. This destination is well worth a trip from Seattle.

A Great Escape for the day is only a short ferry ride away. Reconnect to nature with a peaceful walk in the woods on Bainbridge Island!! Knowledgeable and very friendly docent at the mansion. As you walk, take pictures on your cell phone to get quick answers from the staff about flowers or other bits of nature seen on the paths. Be sure to read the “Interesting Facts” on the mansion story boards. We drove our car over but bus transportation is readily available from the ferry terminal to the Reserve for those on foot or bikes.

Walk the trails through gardens that will blow your mind. The variety and beauty of this place can't be overstated.

Absolutely incredible. Immersive, experiential nature walk… serene, beautiful, tranquil. Bird songs, solitude. Foxglove along the path - beautiful but poisonous, beware! Cute gift shop and polite groundskeepers.

This is my return visit having found this spot unexpectedly last year. It gives the vibe of a place well loved and preserved with multi-purposes, most of all to deliver a therapeutic experience for nature and garden lovers. Nothing is overdone, but the woodland walks are carefully planted and maintained to give a pleasurable and repeatable experience.

After driving 3 days, we took a ferry from Seattle and decided to take a long walk at the Bloedel Reserve. We spent 2 hours leisurely walking in the mostly shaded beauty of this reserve. A treat for all your senses. Lush Pacific NW trees, ferns and moss. Breathtaking meadows with golden wheat and wildflowers.
A stunning Japanese garden, pond and home.
I wish I could bottle up what it smells like to walk through the woods and meadows here. Clean, earthy, fresh with little notes of ocean on the outer parts of the trails.
The cost of admission is worth it knowing you are preserving such a beautiful place.
This is one of those places you will preserve in your memory for times when you want to close your eyes and get away.

We went to see the rhodies and they were just about done blooming. However, I don't think that's the big attraction as there are many more interesting plants. Many of the species are native, of course, but there quite a few that have been planted that are quite fun. Look for the Madagascar may apple plant; it was just ready to bloom!

The Japanese garden and tea house are a not to miss.

A great place to visit. I pushed my disabled husband through the grounds on a mostly-paved path. We both appreciated the ambiance and beauty of the foliage and enjoyed the Japanese house.

a place to spend the day, a wonderful experience with many water features , a japanese garden and many other garden beds

Beautifully manicured estate grounds. I love how serene the walk was; no audio tour, no descriptive signs ever twenty feet. Just you and nature. Well worth the price of entry.

Admission is a little pricey ($17 per adult) but it's worth it to preserve this local reserve. Bloedel is a short drive from Winslow, and you can walk groomed trails in a peaceful setting. I don't believe they allow family picnics but I would ask because it would be a fun family event. Be sure and explore a few rooms of the Bloedel summer mansion.

Wonderful place to hike or stroll. Beautiful Japanese Garden. Interesting history. Avian sanctuary. Holiday miniature village and toy train. Always amazing flower arrangements.

We had a grey cool day to visit and it was actually perfect. The gardens and beautiful including cool ponds, lot of ferns and foliage. Spring would be a great time when everything's in bloom too. Nice 1 1/2 mile hike.

Visited for the first time on a beautiful sunny fall day. What a pleasant surprise to discover this wonderfully preserved, former private estate, now available to the public. The mostly natural gardens are the highlight, the foundation and staff do a wonderful job maintaining everything. A must visit, and if I lived closer I would spend lot of time here.

Spent a day on Bainbridge Island. Took the 7:05 Bainbridge Ferry to the Island. The next scheduled ferry will also work, but I like to be early just in case. Had time to have coffee and pastries at coffee stand (Commuter Comforts) at the ferry terminal. Then took the 9:30 BI Ride bus ($2 fare) to Bloedel Reserve. I booked the 10:30am timed entry, but they let us in at opening. The park is a nice 2 mile loop. Very nice and well kept park. The Japanese garden is very nice. This alone is worth the visit. Took the BI arise bus back to downtown and got off the Art Museum. You need to call BI Ride and they will send a bus to pick you up. Highly recommended.

Bloedel Reserve was designed by Mr. Bloedel as a healing garden and it truly is just that. If you are in need of a dose of peace, serenity or just sheer, natural beauty there is no better place than Bloedel. Allow yourself to slow down and take your time to be fully present. The Reserve is small and yet it is filled with hidden treasures in all seasons. Thank you to all the staff who so lovingly care for this very special place. And thank you to the Bloedel family for sharing it with all of us. I am lucky to live here on Bainbridge Island and to meet people from around the world who come to experience our garden sanctuary.

The Bloedel Reserve is a really special place. It has a combination of native forest, well-designed gardens, and views of the Puget Sound that make it beautiful and interesting. The Japanese garden is lovely in summer and fall, and in late summer the cedar waxwings hang out at the pond and put on a lovely display. The moss garden is my favorite spot, though. The use green carpets of different kinds of moss are a Pacific Northwest treat. Bloedel does have lots of rules that make it a bit rigid (like no picnicking), so they could stand to lighten up a bit, but it is a truly beautiful place to get some nature therapy.

Bloedel Reserve is that perfect place for people who appreciate nature. There is a wide variety of picturesque views and many plants and animals to enjoy observing. A beautifulJapanese teahouse and excellent gift house are a couple highlights. The pumpkins were also really fun to see in unusual places. Look forward to the next time!

My 16 year old and I visited this place and both of us were happy we did. The grounds are beautiful and the trails are well maintained. The main house is gorgeous with an awesome bird of the water from the back of the house. We loved everything about this place!

It's a 150-acre garden and a forest originally built by a lumber family on Bainbridge Island. The gardens are spectacular any time of year with native flowers and a huge array of plants, beautifully designed and kept up. You can explore the rolling landscape on well-maintained paths and visit the old mansion overlooking the water. All a short ferry ride from Seattle. If you don't want to take your own car, there are shuttles from the ferry dock.

I visited Bloedel Reserve after visiting few parks in Seattle area. I found this one the Best.

My visit started with a beautiful ferry to Bainbridge Island . What a lovely reserve! Its forests are serene and magical. What you get is a lovely, Moss gardens, Japanese gardens, Waterfalls, duck and ducklings paddling across the quiet pond. There are beautiful walks and trails very thoughtfully done, maintained and offer solace, silence and beautiful views. Their focus on being a nature reserve. All in all it will be a relaxing and enjoyable moments. We paid $17 for adults which is worth.

I loved the slogan written near exit sign by Prentice Bloedel Founder of this 150 acre garden "Nature can do without man, but man cannot do without nature

I recommend it for people that want to having a relaxing day strolling along and enjoying nature. If you are looking for excitement - this is not the place to go. The Reserve is large so plan 2-3 hours stay. There is no food, so plan for that too.

A visit to Bloedel Reserve was the first stop on our first visit to Bainbridge Island. Based on the stellar reviews here and other sites, we were looking forward to a pleasant couple of hours' walking and some nice views, but wow! The
Reserve was so much better than that. Every now and then one stumbles on a place that has a near-magical vibe of serenity and joy; this is one of those blessed natural spaces. The gardens and forest trails feature many intriguing, unusual plants and trees that we'd never seen before, especially near the manse. We found diverse treasures large and small while exploring the property, and came away full of admiration for the creators' artistry and also thankful for the years of loving care that have kept the reserve so vibrant and open to anyone who wants to enjoy it.

We did the hike, and it was absolutely beautiful. We even spotted a bald eagle in a tree above the water. Some areas were off limits due to a wedding, but it was still an amazing place to visit.

A super place to visit and a great experience to see the changing seasons of nature. I am a member here and enjoy going there time and again. I think it is a little expensive for day visits, but a membership is great value if you are a local.

this is a fantastic to visit over and over at all seasons. there are beautiful walks and trails very thoughtfully done, maintained and offer solace, silence and beautiful views. Their focus on being a nature reserve and healing place is wonderful

This is a true hidden gem of Seattle. This private reserve is located on Brinbridge Island, a 30 minute ferry ride from Seattle. Plan on spending the better part of the day there. The preserve, located on 150 acres, will take you at least two hours to walk the entire preserve. We took over three hours since we love to stop and take pictures. If you enjoy quite nature walks, this is for you. So peaceful.

Getting around the island is really easy and inexpensive with their public van service (they come to you). From anywhere in the island to anywhere else is only $2. Lots of great little restaurants for breakfast and lunch and of course local shopping.

Eventhough March is probably not the best time to go, we still had a wonderful time. I think we may go back during the spring.

I highly recommend a visit to this place. As a gardener, I was interested in the plants, but the beauty of this place would interest anyone. Allow 2 hours to fully enjoy the 2 mile path through the garden. Everything from water views to a Japanese garden can be enjoyed, and we even saw a bald eagle. The rhododendrons were just winding down but we saw a few blooms.
An easy ride on the bus from the ferry, just check the bus schedule first because it can be awhile before the next one. The Bloedel Reserve brochure at the ferry information booth has a $2 off each ticket coupon inside.

I am a member of a reciprocal public garden near my home. The visitor center was very accommodating, allowing me to park while they looked up the reciprocity. It was this lovely first impression that set a mood of tranquility and wonder for my visit.

The walk is 2 miles over mostly even ground with a little variation of incline and decline. I was worried about ice as the walk from the parking to the entrance had a few icy spots. They contacted their horticulture staff who went on a mission to deal with the icy spots I’d encountered. I also have osteoarthritis in my knees and worried 2 miles might be ill advised. However I took one Aleve before leaving my motel room. That did the trick. My knees didn’t hurt and I enjoyed the early light available just after they opened at 10 am.

Even in February there were blossoms on primrose, Christmas rose, some early shrubs, and witch hazel. I even saw a red rhododendron bud! The contrast of the snow and lush green landscape was startlingly beautiful. I enjoyed my solitary walk, occasionally seeing other early walkers.

The house was open and I took a look. Incredible artwork of the Bloedel family and the grounds, extension information about Mr. Prentice Bloedel and a docent who was very friendly and helpful. Their volunteer staff also creates beautiful flower arrangements in the bathrooms and throughout the house using material available on the grounds.

As I left, there was a group of people gathering for an informational excursion. If you get the opportunity to visit Bloedel Reserve, take advantage no matter the season!

I've visited this place twice and still look forward to returning. There's a wealth of history here, but mostly it is a wonderful excuse for escape and conversation.

….at the north end of Bainbridge Island, Bloedel is centered on a pretty but rather plain French 18thC-style house. Around it are laid out a series of garden areas, some that simply melded into the dense, damp woodland and others of a more formal nature, but all well maintained and offering different levels of exercise. The contents of the house are undistinguished, which is a shame.

However, it is the beautiful and haunting house built of local cedarwood and glass, hidden in the center of the estate, that is a focal point and does not disappoint. A combination of Native American long-house and Japanese shoji-screen hall, with wide verandas, it looks out over a gravel Zen garden, formerly a swimming pool, filled in after 1963 when the distinguished poet Theodore Roethke had drowned in it. The site and size make a perfect accompaniment – and memorial – for the poet house.

There is an excellent shop and bookstore.

For the small sum of $10 you get to wander the private home and gardens of a once great family...and the gardens are extensive, varied and beautifully maintain. Linger all day if you choose and take in the beautiful views at every turn. No food or drink is allowed on the grounds, but you are minutes away from some very fine restaurants, and the Seattle ferry. There is also a small gift shop in what was once a gate house

My wife and I visited this facility in August in beautiful weather and the area was very busy with traffic.
The facility itself was lovely, and old estate with a number of formal gardens which are meticulously maintained. An oriental garden is nationally rated and is breathtaking.
The mansion on the estate is open for visitors and is very nicely maintained as well. It is situated on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound and has a lovely view.
If you go there be sure to look around as there are a number of areas that are nicely developed into gardens to be see. There are a couple of ponds and an overlook of a waterfall, all of which are worth the time and energy.
Bathrooms are available at the mansion which becomes important as it is a bit of a stroll from the parking area to the mansion area. No rough terrain or steep hills, just a nice stroll.
There is quite a lot of history to be seen here and a number of very nice gardens..
There is a fee for entry which is modest. Ours was $ 10.00 a piece and we are on Medicare.
There is no place to eat. There is a store where one can buy books and such about the estate, the area, and the history.

You don’t need a tour guide for this one, unless you want to dig into the history. If you’re looking for a peaceful setting and one for som great photos of the Island, then this is a must see. My visit was in the early fall, on a beautiful day, so it was a close to perfect and it could be. Enjoy this wonderful place!

Taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island and having lunch on the water was already a lovely excursion from Seattle, but the Bloedel Reserve really felt like being in nature. It's huge and feels pretty untouched, and going in spring it wasn't crowded. I went with my boyfriend who likes nature but not intense hiking, so it was perfect for us. The one tricky thing was timing our visit exactly to the busses and ferries, then having to wait longer when the bus that was supposed to take us back didn't show up, but it was a great visit nonetheless! Visiting the reserve and Bainbridge takes the better part of a day, but there's still time left for other activities.

The Bloedel Reserve is one of the jewels that even the locals are unaware of. It is hidden at the end of Dolphin Drive a few miles from the Seattle ferry. The Reserve is a blend of woodlands, meadows, and landscaped gardens all linked by easily traveled bark paths. It also includes the mansion of lumber magnate Prentice Bloedel. We were able to see a number of bird species on this bright spring day. And spring blossoms were beginning to unfurl their bright colors. The camellia garden was still at its peak, There is a paved section of paths that allows wheelchair visitors to enjoy the the scenery, too.

Despite the ferry ride from downtown, this place is a must if you are in the area. The woods are gorgeous and the views stunning. Definitely worth a repeat. Note that the place is partly ADA compliant. Only gripe: Clearly the architect of the Japanese gazebo was never in Japan...

We were there in off season, but the grounds were still beautiful. The trail lengths run between 1.5 to 2.5 miles of easy strolling. Nice home in property that they actually let you sit on the furnishings. Nice water views.

Bloedel Reserve is a lovingly cared for park-like estate on the north end of Bainbridge Island. There is an easy-to-navigate path throughout the grounds that takes you to beautiful views of ponds, gardens, and a mansion. The setting is quintessential Pacific Northwest with beautifully tamed landscaping. This is wonderful place to bring friends and visitors for a quiet walk in a calm setting.

Nice walk through woods to stately house with wonderful view of Puget Sound. Lovely Japanese house and garden. Stream runs through much of the property. Nature tamed and less so, welcome restful spot on Bainbridge.

This short trip up from downtown Bainbridge rewards you with a peaceful walk though a old growth trees, being replaced by newer vegetation, with some wonderful opportunities to see young trees sprouting from the decaying remains of huge trees no longer standing. The walk takes about 90 minutes, depending on how long you stop to take in some time for reflection, along a bark covered path that is easy to walk. Visiting the original residence of the Bloedels and their view out to the water, one can only imagine life back then. There are a few ponds along the way and some natural springs, and since we were there in a very dry time, I imagine there is a lot more water flowing at other times of the year. Certainly a diversion from all of the city attractions and a good place to slow down and enjoy Nature.

I was a Bloedel member for years until they changed the policy - in the "old days" for $60 annual, a member could take up to 3 visitors with them for a total of 4. For the past 2 years, all $60 got you was a personal membership. While this may seem petty, it's something I am really struggling to overcome - recently visited and paid $25 with a coupon for a friend visiting and myself. Doubt I'll go back this year - which is a shame - it is a treasure and one of the most beautiful spots in the PNW.

Wonderful peaceful well manicured reserve. Lovely paths, easy walking and so much peace! A very welcome sanctuary from the busy city. So close to everything but yet so removed. Great way to get back in touch with nature.

An easy paced walk through lovely grounds. No aggressive hiking required. We went in late autumn, when the flowers and leaves were all departed, and it was still lovely. The shapes of the bare trees were magnificent, and hauntingly beautiful. The Japanese garden was still gorgeous.

This is a lovely way to spend a couple hours strolling in beautifully designed natural landscapes. The staff was very friendly, informative and accommodating. The house was beautiful. And the gift shop had many interesting books and gift items. I highly recommend this as a meditative or at least low key recreational activity on Bainbridge Island.

You can wile away a couple hours in this serene setting. I enjoyed it so much I had to go back the next day to walk two trails I had missed. The estate sits on a bluff overlooking Agate Pass on the Puget Sound. You can peek into the mansion, enjoy views of the Sound, and shop In the small gift shop for a great selection of books and guides. I bought the "Curious Kids Nature Guide: Explore the Amazing Pacific Northwest." Great for kids and seniors!
The gardens include meadows, as Japanese Garden, a bird marsh, a forest trail, a moss garden (LOL, no maintenance required) and a Himalayan garden to name a few. They offer an ARA trail in addition to the cedar bark trails. The variety of plantings was amazing. Rhododendrons of every color were in bloom. I only wish they had markers posted with the names of the more unique plantings for the novice gardeners like me!

If you're heading to Bainbridge Island, this is a MUST-SEE, particularly if you enjoy nature and scenery. Prentice Bloedel, who became heir to his family's timber business, was a naturalist and conservationist. He believed that nature could heal health problems (he felt it helped him deal with his polio). Bloedel purchased this property in 1951 and worked on the landscape for years before leaving it to the public. The space is vast and consists of different landscapes - first you come upon a meadow that looks like a painting, then a forest with a bridge and boardwalk, then the Bloedel Residence (open to explore to the public; docent inside provides info about the family and their legacy), ponds, a Japanese Garden and a Moss Garden. We were staying in Seattle, so we took the ferry to Bainbridge Island for $8.20 per person round-trip. My only regret was that we didn't have enough time to enjoy all the beauty - I would suggest spending at least 2-3 hours here if this is something up your alley. Highly recommend.

Honestly, the Bloedel Reserve felt underwhelming given the incredible natural beauty available in this region. While it’s well-maintained and peaceful, it doesn’t compare to the grandeur and rugged splendor of places like Olympic National Park, which isn’t far away. The high per-person admission fee feels extremely steep for what you get — a curated garden experience that lacks the scale and wildness the Pacific Northwest is known for.

The reserve is an excellent place for a stroll, full of trees and interesting plants, with the exception of some azaleas and few wild flowers there was not that many flowers to see (bet that changes in spring).
There is a Japanese garden and cottage in the middle of the reserve and the the Bloedel manor at the edge of the lake.

My wife found out about the reserve on Bainbridge Island and we took a day trip out of the city and really glad we did. The gardens are beautiful and it was a really relaxing day. Great to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Well worth the visit!

A PRAYER FOR THE WISE OLD
OWLS

For Kashturi

Take off your hats, owls will attack


For the wise-eyed old owls
we took off our hats for
to fend off attack, we a species
dappled with light in silence.
You couldn't tell the forest
from the poets.

Later we met a wise woman
from India, who only spoke
Tamal and as her sun-bright
Sari flashed a bright silk
flower sky opened our eyes like
owls who see best at sunset.

Michael Magee

We took the shuttle from the ferry port (10 minute drive if you are on the direct bus) to the beautiful Bloedel Reserve. It was peaceful and relaxing. We loved the 2 mile walk (although our shoes got quite dirty- wear your older tennis shoes) and would highly recommend this outing on Bainbridge Island!

Take a trip on the Washington Ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island ( about 30 mins). Drive to Bloedel Reserve about 10 mins and easily signposted. We were met at the gate and told where to park. Once paid and checked in , given a map and off we went. So peaceful just amble along the paths and through the trees to the house. What a view, just amazing. Not many people around although it was a beautiful day. Thoroughly enjoyed this little bit of peace with stunning views.

beautiful private estate now open to public and administered by a trust. Gorgeous gardens, an exquisite japanese tea house, trails, views of Port Madison and the sound. Very nice staff. Calling ahead is advised to get hours, etc.

We were lucky enough to have a beautiful two hour walk before the heavy rains came in the afternoon. We had arrived by plane in Seattle at 8:30am, rode the LiteRail ($3/person)downtown to the Pioneer station and caught the Bainbridge Ferry to the Island ($16.80 round trip for two). Then there is a unique bus service with a phone call to 1-844-4BI-RIDE. You can call, they pick you up pretty much anywhere on the island and take you wherever you need to go. It costs $2/person (inclusive of transfers if needed at the Ferry Station). Getting around is pretty easy on the island if you know this.

The Bloedel Reserve itself is the masterpiece garden established by a super wealthy family and now the public gets to see this stunning scenery and garden. It has transferred hands multiple times and the University of Washington had it twice but because they did not respect the wishes of the grantor family, the grantor family came and bought it back to keep it in a more pristine condition. Now it is run by a select board of trustees with strict instructions on maintenance and preservation. The irony is that the money used to preserve this beautiful garden was made by the father of the grantor in the timber industry. As a boy, the grantor Prentice Bloedel, saw the destruction clear cutting can cause and wanted to preserve this space with his wife Virginia later in life. As he was color blind to some degree, the textures of the plants used contrast against each other in beautiful ways. So even if you visit during the spring when we did when there is minimal blooming taking place (we were probably 2 - 3 weeks early), the views are still entrancing.

The cost is $15/person and well worth it. Take a nice long slow walk enjoying the call of the native birds. There are beautiful 'aged' wooden chairs large enough for two all throughout so if you need some spots to sit and rest, there are plenty.
We highly recommend it and are glad on our three day trip to Seattle, this was the first stop. We were able to experience nature, take a ferry ride and have beautiful views of the Seattle coastline in the process.

Enjoy!

Bloedel invites visitors to meander through a wildflower meadow, a Japanese garden, and woodland.

Well-groomed trails make ambling easy. Some physically-challenged visitors might find the way difficult depending on the malady they suffer. Contact the staff if you have questions.

The house offers a fantastic view of the Sound. The backyard contains seating for meditation or to enjoy a sublime experience.

The lovely grounds and gardens make for a terrific day trip across the Sound on the car ferry onto Bainbridge Island. Just do it.

Spent a long weekend on Bainbridge Island and mad time to visit the Bloedel Reserve. For the price this is one of the best things to do on the island. This place has something for everyone. If you like nature and want to spend time outdoors, this is the place for you!

One of our best trip experiences. A beautiful walk and so peaceful. A must do when visiting Bainbridge.

This was on my list as in my ‘1001 gardens to see before I die’ book. I did hesitate as it was going to be a bit of an expedition to get there. Tourists with no car. We wanted to do the ferry trip anyway, so decided to do the extra for the garden. That meant a bus from the ferry, about 10 minutes (helpful driver) then a 20 minute walk from the bus, albeit easy, very slight hill, but easy to find. More importantly though you must book a time slot, so apart from the detailed journey, this cant be a spontaneous visit.
The grounds are very pleasant, and it is called a reserve, not a garden. A lot of trees and all very green, a large pond and I think you could go in the house. There is also a reflection pond and a Japanese garden, which while in some respects were the highlights for me, seemed a bit out of character for the rest of the reserve.
Of note there are toilets at the entrance only, a small shop but no refreshments available and NO picnics allowed. For this reason alone you may want to choose you time carefully and eat before or after in Winslow, making the trip to the Island worthwhile. We spent a couple of hours walking around with a couple of bench stops.

Easy to reach by BI ride bus from ferry, this well landscaped estate is worth a visit especially on a good weather day, The estate house is particularly fine and fully open to visitors. Not to be missed on a day visit to the island,

The gardens/reserve are amazing, It is a 2 mile stroll though changing natural beauty.
What a tranquil and inspiring place to spend 2 to 3 hours, the way they have blended dying trees with new, the ponds are stunning, do not forget to walk through the house and visit the Japanese garden.
We came away so relaxed and inspired with ideas for our garden!

We thought this place looked interesting so we decided to go. From when you first pull in it is beautiful. The staff is very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed this scenic walk very much.

Love the moss garden and the 1920s style house and the Japanese garden with the house just as it was in 1960's.

I visited in April but the fall season is a most excellent time to visit as well. The grounds were filled with huge pumpkins and gourds, squashes and everything fall. The leaves were changing in October and softly drifting down through the forests. It's so good to go back to visit seasonally.

We arrived early afternoon and set off to walk the reserve, a truly amazing place and full of natural beauty. We loved the reflection pond and the house, staff are helpful. Allow several hours to visit as we were still wandering after close time and were told they were closed! Also no food available here!

I rarely go to Bainbridge Island but a friend really wanted to see this arboretum. I was impressed and would recommend it as an ideal example of NW flora in a real life setting.

There are a lot of really beautiful parks and trails in the Seattle area. Bloedel is no exception in this regard. However, Bloedel is the only one charging $17 per visitor. The area is pretty but it isn't unique enough to deserve the high entrance fee. Instead, go to any of the state/national parks in the area or places like the Bellevue Botanical Gardens (free) and donate your $17 to a place that is less pretentious and more accessible to the public.

With a photographer's perspective, this location is really amazing for photography. It has a dense forest, a huge historic mansion, puget sound view, lakes, ponds, waterfalls and lot more. It is very quite and calm if someone loves to be in the nature with no noise around. Do take your camera with you and have a happy time taking wonderful pictures of the scenery or the people who might come along with you.

It was July 4 and it was a choice between going to the city center and participating in the Bainbridge Island festivities, or spending a couple of hours at the Reserve. We drove north on 305 and headed to Bloedel Reserve. $17 per person gets you in.

It was a beautiful day. Loved the property. Bainbridge overall has a Japanese feel about it, and this property was no exception. So many interesting areas to see and enjoy. It was great to commune with nature for a couple of hours. Well worth it.

This reserve is a great walk past well-designed gardens, ponds, plantf life, and vistas of Port Madison, a large bay on Puget Sound. If you are fond of eagles' s "singing" during live outdoor plays and concerts of various kinds, the Reserve will put you in touch with simple pleasures at the edge of modern city life.

Great place to walk around solo to think or with a great friend.A sanctuary far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.Because NO food just water allowed on the grounds you get to see other beautiful birds.
The garden is SO BEAUTIFUL.....
The mansion is beautiful with doors that open up to an absolutely breathe taking view of the sound.

If you’re coming to Bainbridge Island, don’t miss Bloedel Reserve! It has miles of trails, beautiful and peaceful. Don’t miss the Japanese Garden, and be sure to tour the residence and enjoy the spectacular view. This is a wonderful place to visit any time of year.

This is an expensive 45 minute walk, $17.00 is a bit steep. There is so much opportunity for improvement. The concept is really good, the execution is less then desirable. The opportunity to add carolers, holiday music and a more festive lighting arrangement at the beautiful house are only a few of the suggestions. It would be nice to see the lanterns filled with seasonal boughs in place of the tissue paper, perhaps brighter lights in the lantern to ensure safety of guests. About halfway through you will encounter a small section of stairs that clearly need to be better lit and staffed with a volunteer at the top and bottom. Upon exit, each guest should be provided a holiday gift, perhaps a candy cane tied with a ribbon that says it was from the event, or a scented cedar fragment from the forest floor tied with a festive ribbon. The opportunity to place floating lights in the water features would add an extra delight to the excursion. We will think twice about attending next time, however it is certainly worth a first time visit for the serenity alone.

A different type of garden. A 2 mile walk thru the woods that are absolutely beautiful. Not your regular run of the mill garden. Very peaceful and calming. Well worth the $15 cost of admission. Takes about 2 hours to complete the walk. Bring your camera.

I almost selfishly thought not to post a review, Bloedel is a treasure I'd like to keep to ourselves here on the island. At any time of year there's always something new to see. But think nature, not entertainment.

We lived in the area for nearly 4 years before we spent a day at Bloedel Reserve -- and what a marvelous surprise! We've visited many amazing gardens in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, but had no idea such a splendid garden existed right close at hand. It's a well-kept secret! We loved the many faces of the garden -- open areas, forested areas, the Japanese garden, all lovingly tended. Our next goal is to purchase a membership so we can visit the garden each season of the year.

Blodel is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. It's perhaps more well known and visited in the spring and summer but fall always brings a lot of color and offers a restful respite from a busy life. It's my go to place to take visitors, esp out of state or International ones to see the gardens. Also, as a gardner I continue to get inspiration for my own garden.

The shop is well edited and staff everywhere are very friendly. Be sure to attend their specisl events through the year.

This beautiful property has something to offer year round. The tranquil setting, wonderful scents and boundless beauty feed the soul.

We were in the Seattle for 1 day, we wanted to go
to this attraction, so we took the Ferry ($45) and headed to this place arrived at 3:08 only to find out even though they say it closes at 4:00 they close the gate at 3:00. So be advised to arrive early, so you don’t waste $45 on a ferry ride in vain.. ugh

We were looking for some outside activity before an evening wedding. This was the perfect place on a mostly sunny day. The fall foliage was gorgeous, but would love to see the spring and summer flowers. We encountered deer playing in the meadow. It was great fun to see their creative placements of gourds and pumpkins along the trail. Relaxing easy walk with benches to rest on along the way. Map very helpful, but it would be hard to get lost.

Well worth a visit . There are many environments each very carefully maintained. Wetlands, a Japanese house surrounded by same styled gardens and lakes a mossy sub forest- the main house, all the brainchild of someone who believed in the benefits of a natural exterior space.

On my first visit to BI, this was a must see. Spent a lovely couple of hours walking along the paths, enjoying the birds and admiring the beautiful plants and trees. I hope to go back when more flowers are in bloom.

got to this late afternoon,, so we were a little tired from the day's activities. as you drive up, you know this is something special as it's gated. staff greeted us, got us thru the gate and on our way thru the walking tour. just enjoyed the beauty and quiet of the place. easier walk than some others in the Seattle area. halfway thru you visit the Bloedel home for a short tour, and further along is a guest/meeting house built in very unusual style (combination of native American and oriental motifs). as noted, we could have used more time and some day will need to go back.

Ranks up there w other world class gardens in America (Fairchild, Winterthur, Longwood)! Especially serene, peaceful, loved the NW flavor of this garden. Beautifully placed curvaceous paths w pond, streams, flowers, Moss garden, terrific Japanese garden. So, so lovely. Poetry on natural wood plaques a great touch.
Very easy to catch the bus from the ferry port. Would love to return again

Went on the 4th of July and we were the only ones walking around. The hike is easy and it's impossible to get lost. As you walk along the trail, the setting changes - different types of trees, pond, brook, gardens. Very pleasant walk. You can also see the house, which is furnished similarly to the way it was when it was inhabited and it and the furnishings are very nice.

I have been to a number of French chateaus, with their stately mansions and gardens. This also has that. The families that built this were truly driven to perfection. I particularly liked the birch tree garden, the moss garden, and the Japanese garden. We walked for about two miles, taking nearly two hours. The docents and maintenance people are doing a great job there.

Most beautiful gardens to walk through with our dear friends. It is truly a must see on Bainbridge Island.

The two mile trip is simply amazing. Went on a beautiful day & couldn't have asked for a better experience. This is great for all ages.

I love this place and have been here at least half a dozen times. The moss garden alone is worth the trip -- simply unforgettable, spectacular, amazing. In fact, all of Bloedel is inspired and gorgeous. The walk along the bark path near the stream, bordered by the multiple white-trunked birches, is one of the loveliest experiences in the state of Washington, and all of the long-view vistas here are both soothing and inspiring. It is a lovely, lovely place, albeit one with a history tinged by opportunism and robber-baronism. Even so, I have one striking and enduring grievance with the administration of this site and that is the adamant refusal to label the plants. Some poppycock "explanation" is relied upon about how that information would detract from the viewer's experience. Nonsense. It's just a lazy out not to provide the public that information. Bloedel can and should close this gap.

The gardens are magnificent, with well marked paths all through the forests and around the manor house. The staff were courteous and welcoming. We especially enjoyed learning about the history of the Blondel family and the Japanese Gardens. Highly recommend and perfect for all ages.

This was my second visit and, as others have previously mentioned, I'm making this an annual visit (when visiting my daughters, who live in Seattle, from Illinois). If you love nature, this is the place for you. You will not want to walk fast through here, you'll want to slowly take it all in. Fallen trees, feeding others on the forest bed. Every turn in the path brings more beauty.
The greenery in here serves to remind us that we must protect our environment, for ourselves, but also for the plants and animals, who also depend on it, for survival.

Visiting Bainbridge Island was such a joy! We went to several key places of interest including Bloedel Reserve. You need a car to get here, but it is well worth it! There are acres of fields, wooded areas, a Japanese House with its Garden, ponds, luscious plantings, a stately home of the former owner of the estate and even a spectacular view of the Puget Sound. Paths are well marked, and it's a perfect visit for nature lovers. It was a very relaxing visit, and you can't go wrong by stopping at its small, but very nice gift shop. There are plenty of nice, clean bathrooms as well - both at the gift shop area, as well as the mansion.

A few years ago, I surprised my wife with a trip out to the Bloedel Reserve.
Unbeknownst to me, she had wanted to go in the past. It was recommended to me to take her out there for a nice day away from the hustle and bustle of work and family.

Prepare yourself for a fantastic experience. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a water or two and above all, take your time to experience this destination.

Do walk around inside the house. Its a great old mansion.
The gift shop has some nice things to buy and the staff are excellent at answering questions, providing guidance, etc

I took a time off from my business trip to go see this amazing place. It started with a beautiful ferry to Bainbride Island follow by a short but equally beautiful bus ride to this place. It has lawns, forest, lake, bridge, walkways, castle, japanese garden, worth every penny of $15 you pay for the entrance! Just keep a tab on time as time flies here and you dont want to miss your next bus!

This was the reason for our stay on Bainbridge Island. The house and grounds have been well cared for and this offering has been open to the public for a relatively short time compared to other homes/gardens around the country. It is apparent the appreciation for this place runs deep as the Foundation works to run and update the gardens as needed. We enjoyed our 2 1/2 mile walk through the reserve and would recommend it highly to all who enjoy spending time outdoors in a lovely setting.

What an incredible place! If you love the outdoors and have an appreciation for foliage and landscaping, this place is for you! We found it to be relaxing and a great way to enjoy each other's company while soaking in the beautiful scenery.

Been to Seattle a few times, saw a little, a a lot! Never, though, had we been to Bainbridge and that was a mistake.

Thankfully our adult daughter was busy, so we could have a day to ourselves...

We'd heard a lot about things to see on the island, but only the night before about Bloedel Reserve. An amazing forest retreat where you can see most of the important sights in 1 hour, or spend more than four hours exploring fantastic forests and trails...

The Japanese house is important, the view from the north point is breathtaking!

GO!

What a lovely reserve this is! It is as much botanical artistry as botanical garden. Its forests are serene and magical. I won't go into the history of Bloedel Reserve. That's for the docents and staff. What you get is a lovely, peaceful walk through flower scented forests of hemlock and cedar, fringed by buttercup spangled meadows. Grosbeaks, song sparrows and invisible yet vociferous winter wrens singing in the trees. Mallard and merganser ducklings (sic) (a merganser is not a duck,it's a merganser), but you know what I mean were paddling across the quiet pond, their mothers watching protectively. Is there anything cuter than a duckling? (okay, kittens, but no pets allowed at Bloedel!)
A barred owl flew overhead and dropped a feather for us. The Japanese garden is lovely and it and the moss garden seque seamlessly into each other. I especially liked the 'zen' garden, with neatly raked gravel surrounding charismatic, moss covered boulders. With the exception of two sets of broadly set and very shallow stairs on one of the paths, the Reserve is completely wheelchair accessible. The walk is very easy on aging knees and feet, with little to no elevation climbs. The mulched paths smell of cedar.
Despite it's proximity to a road we heard NO traffic noises. Volunteers were weeding various beds near the reception area (which includes the nicely appointed gift shop). Parking is ample and free. Amazingly, entry fees were fairly low for such a lovely venue: $12 for seniors.
I highly recommend the Reserve no matter what time of year you visit. Go early in the day and you will have it to yourself, but even when it's ''''crowded''', still, you get a feeling of solitude, just you and the towering trees.

This superb horticultural collection, acknowledged one of the best nationally, features many beautiful, special gardens arrayed along a Puget Sound bluff. Accessible by car (and sometimes local bus) from the Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry, the site features a Japanese garden, a moss garden, beautiful pathways through typical Northwest forest locations, and beautifully planted special collections. Not to be missed, if you are a garden fan.

Wonderful gardens and woodland. A friend of ours stumbled upon it during a previous trip and described it as “magical”. High praise to live up to, but it more than accommodated. The home is also wonderful with a spectacular water view.

We weren't really sure about this and it turned out to be a beautiful nature hike. The Japanese gardens are so pretty

I visit beautiful gardens all over the world but the Bloedel Reserve is the first one that made me feel jealous. Designed by a private family, it has a two miles walking path that takes you through a variety of gardens that include pastures, a water garden, a woodland garden, a beautiful Japanese garden, an estate garden, and so much more. The plantings are specimen plants throughout that are lovingly cared for. Plane two to three hours there.

This is such a lovely place with lots to see so do allow yourself several hours to take full advantage of the experience. Make no mistake, it is not inexpensive, $24 for a couple of seniors. But the place is pristine and allows for a good long wander. This is a local gem!

Absolutely stunning grounds. Beautiful walking trails...on a nice day plan to spend a few hours. Truly something everyone should do

We boarded the ferry to Bainbridge Island ($8 per adult) and then caught the local bus ($2 per adult) right at the ferry building. The bus makes 3 regular stops, one of which is Bloedel Reserve, about 20 minutes up the road. We really enjoyed the beautiful grounds and the varied gardens there. It was a welcome contrast to urban downtown Seattle.

The trails are manicured bark and have routes around staircases/uneven terrain if accessibility is an issue. Bathrooms are at the entrance and at the mansion a mile up the trail. Note: you can't pack in a picnic - perhaps this is why the grounds are so immaculate.

There are beautiful vistas from every point. Highly recommended!

The Reserve is peaceful and tranquil. Trails are easily marked and will not get lost. Is a good get away from downtown Seattle.

We only walked a small portion of this beautiful nature reserve, but it was well worth the drive to the far end of Bainbridge Island. Even in a cold drizzly December day, the woods were beautiful. My sister and I took many photos. Lovely experience

The reserve offers amazing varied terrain and a restored mansion to rest in mid-stroll. Our group ranged in age from 4-40 and all found something to marvel at.

Blodel Reserve was privately owned and Mr. Blodel new the positive connection between man and nature. It is a lovely place to walk or sit and relax and enjoy nature. All paths are wide and covered with mulch or blacktop and very easy walking will only a few slight grades. The house is also available to walk through.

The grounds of the Bloedel Reserve are beautiful, complete with p
aths through pastures, ponds and flowers. We took several hours to explore the gardens and took lots of pictures. It was a wonderful way to spend the day.

I did find the routes a bit confusing and got turned around a few times.

This garden and home reminded me of some of the estates I've visited in the UK. Plenty of paths for exploring, a lovely home, and a great view of the ocean. The staff was very friendly and helpful

A must see for anyone coming to Bainbridge Island. The grounds are meticulously maintained. There is everything from forest areas to more formal gardens with an outstanding view of the sound. A great place to take families.

As Christmas gifts, Mr B would periodically make a new garden for Mrs B on their delightfully situated Bainbridge Island property. The result is an enchanting collection of various styles and types of Pacific Northwest plant and forest materials. I happen to like the moss garden the most, but it was neck and neck with the Japanese garden. All in all, it is 2-3 hours well spent in a relaxing and beautiful stroll through a unique and amazing sanctuary. Oh, ask the docent to point out the Bald Eagle nest looking out from the main house onto the Puget Sound.

The Bloedel Reserve is gorgeous. However, it's around $17/person do complete a 2 mile loop. The trails are wide with packed ground cover where you can push a stroller/wheelchair if it's not raining hard. For those who are more immobile, there is a golf cart that the staff can drive you to a few tranquil places for you to enjoy.

The Japanese garden was extremely unimpressive.

There are water fountains and bathrooms available.

This is a place that I would maybe visit once and then never again. It was nice but not memorable, especially for the price.

You have to reserve a time in order to be let in and they will only allow entrance 5 minutes before time, so plan accordingly with ferry schedule, which travels less often than normal. This is my second trip-my teenage kids begged me to take them back. They love it there. Right now, you travel a one way route thru reserve. We saw about 9 people the whole time. It is so peaceful and relaxing. Go!!!

We read about it in your site and decided to go.
The gardens, Japanese garden,the moss garden and the the flowers near the residence were simply superb.
Would visit again when the opportunity arises.

Oh so gorgeous. Highlight of our Seattle trip. Definitely recommend seeing mid-Oct for fall colors or May for likely blooms. Peaceful, beautiful sights wherever you look. Easy, non muddy trails.

Wonderful walk in the private reserve. Nice to see something like this being taken care of in a unique and beautiful way. Very pensive and serene,

We went back here after visiting almost 30 years ago during a recent visit back to see cousins in Seattle, who hadn't been. They were blown away, and we were reminded what an absolutely and truly special place this is. It makes for a fantastic day trip out of Seattle on the ferry, and I can't say enough about the Harbour Public House as a lunch spot on your day's journey. Plan to spend the better part of the arternoon enjoying the grounds and the house.

Bloedel Reserve is a 150-acre forest garden featuring groomed walking paths and stunning visuals. Influenced by the conservation movement and Asian philosophy the gardens offer a peaceful retreat. The home, also open for tours, offers open water vistas, as well as a garden filled with butterflies and little frogs.

Family visit with guests from out of town raved with the beauty and ambiance of the Bloedel Reserve. The peace and quiet was very enjoyable. It was hard to believe that such a beautiful place was located on Bainbridge island. I would return for a visit whenever the opportunity presents itself.

We visited after a day of cross-country air travel, and it was the perfect reset for our travel worn bodies and minds. Walking the two-mile well-groomed path was a true joy. We have visited Thuya Gardens in Bar Harbor, ME as well as Yew Dell Gardens in Crestwood, KY, and this is another immaculately cared for garden paradise. Highly suggest a visit.

Bloedel Reserve is a place I’ve known of for several years but never visited until this month. The privately owned reserve celebrates nature in a grand way with its expansive woodlands, gardens, and lakes. The manor house is open to visitors and has helpful docents.

I visited Bainbridge Island during a hot spell, which made walking the property’s trails a challenge. Even the famous swans seemed to be hiding in the shade. I look forward to a return visit during cooler weather

You can walk the extended paths or the shorter paved path. Either way, take time to enjoy the gardens. Any season, the Bloedel Reserve is an easy way to enjoy time out in the Pacific Northwest. The docents are charming with lots of interesting, not canned, information. Need an hour break? Go to the Bloedel.

Great walking trials, beautiful gardens and house, and friendly staff. Would recommend you walk in a loop. We usually start walking thru the meadow, by the barns, thru the woods to the bird marsh, then across the wooden bridge, thru the swamp (lower trail), right on the road and thru the house, take in the eastern view at the lookout, take stairs to the falls, turn right and walk the creek trail which loops back to the road, straight ahead thru the woodlands to the Japanese guest house, around the Japanese garden pond back to the road, right to the reflection pool trail on left, then straight thru the moss garden back to the road, left back over the bridge and left on trail thru the woods and meadow back to the parking lot. Covers just about everything with very little back tracking.

We actually stumbled upon the Bloedel Reserve by taking the advice of Tripadvisor after we decided to take a drive to Bainbridge Island while on vacation in Seattle. Wow! It's hard to put into words just how amazing this property really is. This is nature at it's very best. We casually walked through the reserve for about 3 hours. Ended up being the best 3 hours of our 5-day vacation.

My sister planned our visit to the Bloedel Reserve. She brought her husband and three young children and I brought two of my young adult children. We all gave Bloedel Reserve a thumbs up! This walk is easy for people of all ages who are in reasonable health and offers a variety of stunning vistas. At different times we felt like we were in the country, the forest, the jungle, the woods of England, a grand estate in France, a village in Japan, and the garden of Eden! A stroll through Bloedel Reserve is a fantastic way to spend a morning on Bainbridge Island.

A beautiful and relaxing stroll through indigenous as well as specially designed garden attractions. An abundance of nature-inspired poetry to accompany and enjoy on your stroll. An array of colors as spring flowers greeted the change in seasons. There are several invitations to sit and reflect along the easy path. Certainly would recommend this hidden treasure! Adults certainly would appreciate the grounds, some children and teens may, if they are accustomed to such nature walks, others may balk at the idea.

The plants in this reserve came from all over the world to create a magical, calming experience. The Bloedel's were very fortunate to have the money to own and live on such a stunning property from 1951-1986. It is obvious that much thought went into its design. Thank you to all who keep it so well preserved, and a special thank you to Ms. Johnson, the docent who has volunteered there every Sat. morning for ten years and answered my questions with patience. The Bloedel Reserve is a gem in the Pacific NW.

They’ve done an amazing job with this space. The path is wide enough, comfy and not strenuous.
The whole loop is only about 2 miles but there are so many different environments to see. Fern covered forest floors, meadows, marsh, Japanese garden, mansion bordering both the park and Sound. Very serene.
It’d be nice if you could picnic or sit for a spell in the meadow ( not allowed) but then it would likely not remain as pristine as it is.

Amazing garden, showcasing the different type of plants in their natural habitat. Also the Japanese style garden is worth it. Moss overgrown trees and a lake make it romantic. The house has stunning views and takes you back in time. We were told that 300 volunteers upkeep the garden. Wonderful!

Start your Bainbridge Island day trip with a couple of hour stroll through the gorgeous 150-acre Bloedel Reserve. The impeccably well-maintained gardens, from moss to Japanese, blend seemlessly into the meadows, ponds, and forest. Garden and forest therapy indeed.

The Bloedel Reserve was promoted as one if the top 10 botanical gardens in America. I've visited gardens and reserves across America from Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia to Lotus Land outside Santa Barbara, CA and this reserve in the summer at least in not in the ball park. It was no more interesting than most scenic places on the Olympic Peninsula.

This was a stunning reserve on Bainbridge Island, a short boat ride from Seattle. At every turn, there was beauty. I have been to many gardens, but this one is outstanding. Don't miss it!

If I lived in the area, I'd definitely become a member. Admission fee may seem steep, but the beauty and serenity that it buys are priceless. Walk as little or as much as you want, in a variety of gently shaped outdoor environments.

Main station closes early but you can still hike the trails at the Reserve after closing hour. Spent a few hours there. Worth the visit.

Bloedel Reserve is a good option for small groups and/or mature adults. The environment is quiet and peaceful, thus not suited for hordes of teenagers or children who want to run amuck. The trails available expose you to all kinds of natural beauty; they are conducive to peaceful conversations with a friend or loved one, or just some solo contemplation of life and such. You'll see meadows, small ponds, birds and fish, beautiful flowers, benches to sit down on and rest or take in the views, a really cool dwelling, and even views of the sound. Follow the path as laid out on the map and you'll get a nice amount of exercise in as well. The only thing Bloedel Reserve isn't is exciting. There isn't any activity or "action" happening. So don't come expecting that.

This 150-acre estate displays an amazing diversity of flora and water features that are all meticulously maintained. The trails are wide and covered with small bark or paved and easy to navigate. A map is essential as no signage is posted - with the purpose of limiting distractions from the beauty all around. The bottom floor of the Bloedel residence is open for touring. Don't miss the view of Puget Sound from the back porch! Strolling the entire grounds takes approximately 2 hours, and no food is allowed on the premises but water bottles are fine.

We like to visit these gardens during the summer since it's a great destination that you can visit and get a ferry ride in. Since it was Sunday we caught a 12:30 ferry from Seattle with a 10 minute wait over to Bainbridge, stopped for some food on the way and walked through the beautiful grounds for about an hour. The views are fantastic. We drove home thru Tacoma since the line for the ferry back to Seattle can be very logon a Sunday afternoon.The grounds are very natural, trees and ferns, etc, but very beautiful (don't expect a lot of flowers).

Beautiful!!! Don't go to Bainbridge and fail to see this place!! So peaceful and stunning views from the residence.

The woods, meadows, and gardens are spectacular. The views over the water from the bluff behind the historic mansion are also great. When I went - a Sunday afternoon in October - the paths were not at all crowded, and strolling through the quiet beauty of the reserve was calming and restorative. Highly recommended!

It is not easy to get there. You need to make a reservation to enter (they don’t sell walk in tickets), but they have wifi so unless you are unlucky and they are sold out (did not seem like a risk when we visited on a beautiful day that was made for a walk in the park) you can still make your reservation right then and there. As long as you made it there which is another challenge. Scheduled buses only go in the morning and late afternoon. There is a great $2/person charter bus that goes on demand, but the app where you should be able to order it is dysfunctional. Somehow we made it by using it, calling in, taking to the lady at the bus terminal and so on.

The park was nice. Nothing really unique, but a pleasant variety of flora and some semi-wild landscaping. The house is nice, with modest historical and architectural interest but with a pretty view and the staff was kind. The company was great.

The road back to the village was similarly difficult (yet very affordable) with app failure, bus delay, etc.

Seattle is not the same if you didn’t visit the Bloedel Reserve. It’s like heaven on earth and it’s so worth the visit to be amongst nature. You can smell the fresh crisp air, and enjoy the beautiful weather without a care in the world.

Great way to spend the day if you're a nature lover. Beautiful views, pastures, woodlands, trails, and a historical home.

This us a beautiful way to spend an afternoon for anyone who enjoys flowers and natural beauty. The beautiful musicians at the Japanese tea house were a delightful surprise.

We are lucky to live on Bainbridge Island for any number of reasons and the Bloedel is one of them.
If you find yourself on Bainbridge, find a way to this wonderful, natural wonder. There are miles of paths to wander, little lakes to see wood ducks if you're lucky and all types of Northwest birds you could imagine, including raptors like Bald Eagles, hawks and owls. And then there's manor house and the Japanese gardens. It's just a stunning way to spend a few hours or a whole day, celebrating nature. Bring a camera.

We took the ferry from Seattle over to Bainbridge Island and then made the short drive to the reserve. It is more than a botanical garden as there are large expanses of meadow and also wooded areas. There are deer families grazing and many birds. The lakes are serene and don't miss the Japanese garden. We went in the middle of winter on a sunny but cold day and it was just beautiful. I imagine the spring and summer are spectacular.

It's the place to head if you're in need of a giant dose of serenity! Awesome views, a dream of a story behind this nature reserve - the property, home, Japanese guest home, gift shop, helpful volunteers, breathtaking views, places along the amazing trails to meditate, snap photos, to breathe. It requires eleven grounds keepers to maintain this 150 acres and it shows. Immaculate! I'm utilizing too many words to describe a place so exceptional that it defies description.. so I'll leave it to you to find your own words.

We visited Bloedel reserve on our way back to the Seattle ferry from Sequim
The trees in the reserve are absolutely majestic.
The pathway winds through many different ecosystems
The mosses and ferns are amazing, as are the water features
The beautifully laid out and situated house has a fantastic vista of the ocean through an entrance portico
Absolute must see if you are on Bainbridge island

I was treated to a visit here by a member of the reserve. I hadn't seen her in many years, and it was the perfect place to walk and chat. It's such a nice combination of native forest and nursery plants, growing together in seamless harmony. Throw in a gorgeous home, a reflecting lake, a view of the Sound, a Japanese garden, a moss garden, a few easy hills, and this nature walk is quite diverse and lovely.

We have heard about this place for several years. It exceeded my expectations. The variety of settings whether it be open meadows, ponds, manicured lawns or the forest all offer something unique. Having all of these spaces in proximity to one another is impressive. The Japanese Gardens and tea house were a pleasant surprise as I did not expect these until arriving and reading the map.

We weren't sure about visiting this place but it turned out to be one of the best places I visited during my Seattle trip. A beautiful, peaceful walk around the woods and to top it all the mansion at the hilltop was the highlight. There are some ponds which provide good spots for photography. Also, do not miss the Japanese music which is on until 3 pm afaik.

After enjoying the hustle and bustle and chaos of Pike Place market take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and relax at the Bloedel Reserve. It's beautiful and super peaceful. On their website is a link to BI Ride, which is an easy and quick (20 minute) bus ride to the reserve. They give you a map of the 2 mile loop and show you a few short cuts if you want it to be shorter. The whole path is covered with bark chips. It is not really a hike, but wear good walking shoes.

This very large arboretum is beautiful laid out. There is handicapped parking near the gatehouse ( and very tasteful giftshop) and easy parking for everyone else. The paths are easy and for the most part have very little incline. I believe they now ask for reservations to keep the place capable of offering quiet and intimate moments at the various benches scattered around the property. It still has the owners house, available on the ground floor when you are more than halfway through the loop and it is really cozy considering the size of their estate. The forest is so big and the terrain so varied that it is kind of a shock to look through the house and realize that there is a vast panaroma of the Puget Sound. Just a gorgeous view . The landscape artist who created this beautiful place has placed so many paths to enhance views, to create a bit of mystery and to invite people off the main path, that it really is a triumph of landscape architecture. Be sure not to miss the Zen garden and to stop talking for awhile and listen to the wind in the trees. Just a great getaway- and surprising to me - how many Seattlites have never been there- much less tourists! My dear friend Rosanna and I had a great day together there- and both of us wondered why it had taken us so long to return.

I recently attended Romeo and Juliet at Bloedel Reserve at $27 per person. For the price, I thought the play would be something special and we would be treated to the Reserve. However, for one used to the legacy of Shakespeare in the Park, (always free seats in St. Louis or cheap seats for the plebians in Boulder), I was extremely disappointed. The venue did not open till 6, which did not give us enough time to park and get our seats to explore the park. The stage setting in front of some old buildings on a prop that seemed more like a jungle gym, was reminiscent of a school play. The costumes were uninspired. I cannot believe I paid almost $30 to sit out in the weeds for a performance that lost its voice at times. It appears to have been a fundraiser for Bloedel.
Why doesn't Bloedel have a day for the financially disadvantaged to explore the park? For rich people only.

Bloedel Reserve is beautiful collection of 12 gardens set in the wonderful grounds of the Bloedel home. The paths through the lush northwest plantings and woods and marsh are serene and rejuvenating. The story of the Bloedels is very interesting.
We strongly recommend a visit.

This is a beautiful site with lovely paths through a natural area with woodlands and ponds. Also a beautiful historic house. It is all very well maintained and staffed. Highly recommended for a visit that is quiet and relaxing. Bring your camera as there are great photo opportunities.

The reserve was more than I could have hoped for. I was totally blown away by it as was my husband and our friends. As previously mentioned it is about a 15 minute drive from the ferry. When you go into the little shop to buy your tickets for entrance there are some nice little gifts. The fee was $12 dollars per adult with discounts for senior citizens. We stopped in the ladies restrooms before we began our walk, and the place was very clean with a beautiful bouquet of flowers in the bathroom... I knew then this place would be special! The walk takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours. But, take the time to really stop and sit at the benches to take in the lovely smells and scenery. The Bloedel home on the property is just lovely. The lady that worked there was very helpful and full of information. I think the spring is probably one of the best times to go, as the place really does change by season. Just for your information there is no cafe for coffee or a bite to eat on the reserve. So if you want to have something you should pack it or bring it with you. We went in the morning and it was so peaceful and while there seemed to be a lot of people in the shop , the actual trail was so quite and tranquil. I would highly recommend this place .. It totally exceeded our expectations ... And I want to for sure go back at Christmas time. Take the ferry over and spend a wonderful time at the Bloedel reserve.

Visited the reserve with my elderly mother. We chose the shorter walk and loved every step. We spent 2.5 hours wondering the grounds and felt relaxed and rejuvenated when done. I would go back to take the longer trail and spend more time. Maybe bring a book, find a bench, and read

Avid gardeners will enjoy the different areas, and will be inspired. In spring the flowers are a delight to the eyes, in autumn, the colors are stunning. Enjoy!

Beautiful and varied gardens. Japanese garden with a teahouse( not open except for special events). Rainforest,moss garden,reflecting pool,pond,formal gardens,birch grove.... Lots of special activities as well.

We thoroughly enjoyed Bloedel Reserve! We took the ferry and then a bus to the reserve. What a wonderful property with a calm 2 mile trail that meanders through the property. We arrived after 2:00 and were able to complete everything as they closed at 4:00. If you would prefer to go through a little more slowly you may want to leave 3 hours for the walk. We would highly recommend visiting Bloedel!

This truly is a uniquely beautiful place and i was lucky enough to be guided by a good friend with whom I was staying and knows it backwards and forwards. It's like walking through a natural forest of incredible growths ~ a natural habitat that has been subtly designed for the soul to view. From the Japanese guesthouse, to the labyrinth ending with the infinity pool dedicated to the love of the man who created this for his wife. Stories within stories ... don't miss it!!

What an incredibly beautiful place. We are big garden people and Bloedel came highly recommended. We were not disappointed! The entire reserve is beautifully maintained, natural, and breathtaking. Walking through the woods feels like a fairy tale, with the trees and shrubs dripping with moss. I really loved the birch lined paths and Japanese garden. The paths are made from small fir chips, and are wide and kept clean. Please give yourself enough time to truly enjoy this garden when visiting, it is not a place to rush through!

What a lovely place. Beautiful walking paths through lovely gardens and forested areas. A truly special place. The Japanese garden is spectacular. Be sure to spend some time in the residence. The docents are very friendly and knowledgeable, not only about the Reserve but about the Island as well.

Bloedel Reserve is a private estate but it could easily be a state park. It is quiet and bucolic, with a number of easy walking trails. A real plus is the large number of benches spread around the reserve so you can rest and enjoy the calm atmosphere. If you love gardens and tranquility, this is a wonderful place to visit.

A great place to take an hour long walk. Uncrowded and let's hope it stays that way, although there are rumors that new management wants to turn it into mega destination
like Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island (which has a huge parking lot, buses etc.)

My friend and I visited on a sunny 70 degree day. This is quite a gem of a find, just a ferry ride away from downtown Seattle, it offered the lush green quiet of the country, yet within view of the Seattle skyline. It was about a two mile walk through meadows, woods, and around beautiful lakes and ponds. The Bloedel former residence is open to the public and offers a beautiful view across the Salish Sea to Seattle.

When talking about a favorite place on our Olympic Peninsula vacation, we both decided this was it. We spent about three hours here walking all the trails. Trees, flowers, ponds, birds and the mansion. All were beautiful and well cared for. The view from the mansion is spectacular. And, we had a nice sunny day.

Absolutely beautiful setting. The Bloedel Reserve has been preserved very nicely and is a wonderful site to see. The different types of plants and the landscaping is just wonderful.

Even though it was late in March and there had been snow recently, the garden featured many blooming flowers in a tranquil setting. Somewhat pricey, but worth it.

Love Bloedel Reserve. So beautiful, so peaceful. A nice couple of hours walk. Native plants and exotics. Good for families. Food not allowed. Beautiful in every season, Spring flowers, Autumn colors, Winter and Summer. At Christmas there is a train display in the French Chateau. We go over and over.

Always good, nature doesn’t get any better here in the US. The founders transformed natural forest to harmonize the environment with beautiful gardens and landscapes.

The moss garden glowed.

Enjoy the poetry in the garden.

I've been to a number of botanical gardens, but as the title suggests, Bloedel Reserve is actually that - a reserve. We visited in December, and I thought there was something special about visiting in the chilly overcast weather. Yes, the entrance fee is a bit steep, but we spent a good few hours here, taking in all of the scenery and snapping more than enough photos.

If you're a thrill seeker, this is not the place for you. There are no placards describing plants, no topiary sculptures or that kind of thing. We did enjoy learning about the history of the reserve at the manor house though, which is quite a nice sight in itself.

We did not have a car, but were able to take the bus (BI Ride) from the ferry terminal and back. Make sure to check the scheduled stop times!

My Dad, cousin and I went on a fantastic day trip to Bainbridge Island from Seattle. We took the ferry there and back.

We decided on the ferry to visit Bloedel Reserve after reading Trip Adviser reviews. A fantastic choice. All 3 of us agree this Reserve is spectacular. We couldn't make it to Olympic National Park but are thrilled with this choice. The scenery reminded my cousin and I of the Ewok's forest of Endor from the Return of the Jedi. We imagine that the Hoh Rainforest would be similar to parts of this Reserve.

There's a rare Wollemi Pine near the Bloedel House as well.

The Bloedel Reserve Is 150 acre site located on the northeast part of Bainbridge Island. It is accessible by bus from the ferry terminal and by car. Once you have entered the reserve there are many options for going on walks through forests, by serine ponds, manicured gardens, to the old house for look into the past,sit by a reflecting pool, or the unique Japanese house and garden. You can spend hours enjoying the flowers and quiet of the reserve.

This fun adventure began with a wonderful, windy ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island from Seattle. Once there, the staff of the Reserve could not have been more pleasant and helpful about how I could best enjoy the space. Those people were worth the price of admission. Things got better from there. Now, to be fair, don't go with the expectation of a carnival. It's a Reserve, and a great one.

We found this place by accident. We were planning to go elsewhere but happened to be in the area so we stopped by. So glad we did. I can't believe we didn't know about this place earlier. So beautiful and such an easy and relaxing hike. Love it. Will definitely be back.

Take a ferry over from Seattle and drive to the Gardens about 15 minutes from the ferry terminal. Staff helpful, toilet facilities spotless, the walk took us about 3 and a half hours. There are different sections to the the gardens, I liked the main house with a glorious view over Puget Sound and the Japenese Garden. This garden does not have many flowering shrubs but has meadows and variations of green and textures. The garden does not have tea/coffee/food available but a small gift shop is at the front entrance. A delightful day out from Seattle with the remaining day filled in at the town shops and cafes.

My wife and I had some spare time while visiting our Navy Daughter so we drove over to Bainbridge Island and hiked Bloedel Reserve. I say hike, but it was more of stroll for less than two miles that took us about three hours stopping to take in all the beauty, visiting the mansion and Japanese Gardens. Don't pass up the chance to take in this beautiful reserve if you get a chance!

A private reserve that once was owned by one family and now is open to the public. Myriad plants and venues to show them off. You can walk on trails that lead to the venues such as moss garden, lakeside plants, etc. it can definitely be done in a day.

Wonderful place for a walk whatever season. Always something new to see.
Friendly docents at the house with lots of interesting information.

Beautiful reserve with a well manicured path and an easy 2.5 mile hike. This is not a well manicured garden but a natural forest. There are several ponds and benches along the path.
It reminded me Alba Island and the Lake Matthison area of the South Island of New Zealand.

It was an easy trip on the bus from the Greenwood area of Seattle to downtown and then a quick walk to the ferry building.
Once we arrived at Bainbridge Island I asked my husband what he had researched for us to do. He said "I figured you would get some ideas". Oh boy!!
Well glad he left it to me. I looked in the Bainbridge ferry terminal for info on buses and places to see.
Bloedel Reserve it was. It was a beautiful sunny fall day. There are not enough words to describe how tranquil and beautiful this place is. It was fun to spot all the pumpkins and gourds placed around the grounds. We will be sure to visit every time we go to Seattle. If you have been to Kykuit in NY, it has a bit of the same feeling.
Most of the paths are a carpet of mulch, but others are wooden bridges or steps. The house is quite lovely and cozy.

Our visit today was spectacular. How they can maintain such a pristine woodland is beyond me. Mass plantings of Ferns, Hackenachloa and candalabra Ferns are breath taking. So much thought and landscape design is obvious at every turn. Compares or surpasses many Gardens in Italy, Ireland and England. We will be back.

This is a beautiful spot. 12 of us from our Garden club had a wonderful guided tour for 2 hour’s. Beautiful weather and gorgeous magnolias enjoyed by all. Due to a recent cold snap, the rhodys were not yet all out. A couple or three more weeks and the park will be in full bloom. We still enjoyed the early spring blooms! We will be going back time and again.