Welcome to the Jungle, Washington Park Arboretum.

Spring has finally made it to Seattle, WA! Are you ready for the perfect 70 degree days, slight humidity and perfectly clear blue skies? I know I'm ready, except those days are not quite here, but the trees and plants have began to bloom! Head out to the Washington Park Arboretum for the day and take a stroll through the 230 acres of beautifully maintained trees and plants. The UW Botanical Gardens is responsible for all of the plants and trees within the Arboretum and continue to landscape and keep the grounds pristine.

You will find yourself walking along a trail entering different sections of the Arboretum, which each section houses different types of trees and plants. Out on Lake Washington you will find Marsh Island, which is surrounded by lilly pads in full bloom and an array of long grasses. As you head in land you'll go through the oak family, winter garden, Japanese maples, woodland garden, Asiatic maples, rhododendrons (Our state flower), and many other beautiful and intriguing sections of trees and plants. If all of this is a little overwhelming and you're wondering how you are going to see all of these sections in one day, don't you worry. You can go to the gift shop near the main entrance of the Arboretum, and sign up for either a guided tour or audio tour of the 230 acres!

If you are willing to pay a small fee you can enter the Japanese Garden which you will find in the Northwest corner of the Arboretum! The Japanese Garden is home to hundreds of Japanese specimens and water gardens. Meditate and put yourself at ease while walking through this beautiful garden. A great place to take a slow walk and really enjoy yourself on a sunny day.

The Washington Park Arboretum is truly a great place to run, jog, walk, or sit down and have a relaxing picnic! I hope you enjoy your time at the Arboretum!