Escape The Crowds Of Seattle At Washington's Award-Winning Botanical Oasis Of Woodlands

Combining dramatic coastlines, mountain peaks, and dense forests across Washington state, the Pacific Northwest is bursting with natural beauty. From embarking on a road trip along the Olympic Peninsula coastline to hitting the trails on a thrilling hike at Cascade Mountain National Park, this stunning corner of America draws visitors from across the country looking for opportunities to get outside — and, boy, does it deliver.

And while destinations like Mount Rainier and Seattle's Pike Place Market might take all the spotlight in guidebooks and social media, there are plenty of other hidden gem spots that deserve some attention too. For example, just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle, the Bloedel Reserve stands out as an oasis of peace that visitors to Washington can't miss out on. Nestled on a 140-acre woodland on Bainbridge Island, the living museum — where nature and landscaping combine — boasts a collection of curated spaces that showcase the region's native beauty.

Originally created by Prentice Bloedel in the 1950s, the reserve initially served as his private residence before opening to the public in 1988. Today, it offers visitors a chance to explore 23 different areas — from reflection pools to Japanese gardens — all of which have been designed to foster a deeper connection between people and nature.

Before you go, it's worth noting that tickets must be purchased ahead of time through the Bloedel Reserve's official website, as walk-up visits aren't available. Once booked, you'll want to plan for at least two hours exploring the reserve's two-mile loop trail, which winds through a series of well-maintained paths — made from bark, gravel, and paved sections that make it accessible for most visitors — as well as boardwalks, bridges, and scenic overlooks. 

On the day, visitors can begin their journey at the Arrival Garden, with its massive Western Red Cedar — a landmark that'll set the tone for what's to come. From there, the path will lead onto the Meadow Trail, before it starts to wind through dense forests over to the Buxton Bird Marsh, Pollinator Meadow, and Trestle Bridge to eventually reach the Mid Pond. Once there, you'll get your first dramatic look at the 18th century grand residence, which currently offers tours of the first-floor dining room, living room, and library for visitors who want to delve a little deeper into the history of the home. Oh, and don't forget to also check out the nearby Christmas Pond and Rhododendron Glen — with its colorful, seasonal blooms — once you're there.

The second half of your walk will feature some of the reserve's most distinctive spaces. This includes the peaceful Swan Pond and the Japanese Garden — complete with a traditional Guest House and Sand & Stone Garden — as well as the Moss Garden, Reflection Pool, and the shade-dappled Camellia Trail Woods.

While it's entirely possible to explore the Bloedel Reserve on your own, nothing beats the experience of having a professional guide show you around. That said, Viator's Bloedel Reserve & Sightseeing tour combines a visit to the reserve with other Bainbridge Island highlights, making it the perfect way to maximize your day trip from Seattle and enjoy a relaxing and scenic West Coast fall getaway at the same time.

Starting from $299, the five-hour experience kicks off at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (you'll have to reach the island yourself), where your guide will pick you up in a luxury Mercedes minibus. From there, you'll drive to and stop at Fay Bainbridge Park — a scenic beachfront location that's ideal for wildlife spotting and enjoying some courtesy refreshments — before making your way to the Bloedel Reserve.

With a five-star rating on the Viator platform, the experience — organized by the team at Tour Bainbridge — is described as "an absolute don't miss if you visit Bainbridge" by previous visitors, all of whom agree that the property and its gardens are a spectacular sight to see any time of the year.