bloedel reserve

549robb

Bainbridge Island is justly famous for scenic views, fabulous homes, charming shops and good restaurants. But visitors to Seattle should put a "must see" on the Bloedel Reserve, a 100-acre nature preserve with exquisite gardens, including a gorgeous Japanese garden and architectural gem of a Japanese guest house. A winding pathway through thick forest reveals more shades of green plants and grasses than can be found outside Ireland. Fragrant flowers fill the senses as visitors walk to the former manor home, built in the early 1930s, that commands a view of the sound, framed on a clear day by the majesty of Mount Rainer. All combine to make this walk in the park a sublime experience.

507jillb

The garden was beautiful even on a rainy winters day. I would have liked some references for the plants identifying some of them and the walk could have been longer but it was a lovely, easily accessible stroll.

helenl706

A two mile leisurely walk in some drizzle on our first visit to the reserve. Very well maintained & a photographer's paradise. You could see the beginning of little buds on a lot of the trees & bulbs were starting to emerge. If we were area residents we would definitely have an annual membership. We hope to be able to have one more visit in a few weeks as Spring gets closer. Lovely gift shop & the residence is open to visitors.

scubagadget

We love to visit Bloedel in each season to see the changes. It is relaxing oases. The volunteer staff is friendly.

michaelsG413HN

But the gardens are beautiful and varied. You can go from a moss garden to a formal Japanese garden to a Northwest rain forest within a few steps. Meticulously maintained by a trust fund from the estate of Sam Hill, ironically known for his railroads and logging activities, which razed countless thousands of acres of virgin forest. The visitor count is intentionally kept at a minimum to help preserve this beauty. It's much more natural than, say, the Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. It would be a nice day trip from Seattle by taking the Bainbridge Ferry, stopping off at the gardens, then proceeding to Poulsbo for lunch and some light shopping, or, if you're in a gambling mood, at the Clearwater Casino just up the road.

Malice6

Bloedel is a wonderful place to visit alone or with friends and family. Well-maintained walking trails wind through the old estate grounds. Nature, formal gardens, wildlife, birding, it is all here. The manor house is well situated with a back yard overlooking Puget Sound, the house itself is open for first floor touring. An interesting piece of local history.We usually bring visitors here as one of the best attractions on Bainbridge Island and we like to enjoy peaceful walks through the forest.It is a worthwile activity any season of the year.

FatimaY_12

Love this place. I took my friends from California here and they were soooo excited to see a Bald Eagle, something I ave taken for granted over the years. But this time, I realized what we have here is a very special connection to nature.

LovesNeon

Admission was a little pricey at $15/adult, but the grounds were truly amazing. We took a wrong turn and so missed the Japanese Gardens (closing time was too imminent to risk going back out). Absolutely beautiful place, a must-see.

SuzanneL499

The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island is a unique experience worth traveling to. Whether you go by ferry or car, once you arrive to the gardens, it is all a delight. The largest moss garden, a Japanese garden, variety of trees and ponds and ferns. Give yourself the gift of the experience .

emalene

It is a beautiful and special place on Bainbridge. The natural gardens and main house a must for bringing guests when visiting

MeganL787

Exploring new places and learning about different kinds of plant life in regional America is a to-do when I travel. The Bloedel Reserve was a fabulous experience. Lush green surroundings, pristine pathways, beautiful backgrounds for photos, and a fun half-day adventure. Nominal fee upon entry, make sure you have the ferry schedule worked out to get to the island from Seattle.

fierydragon87

A very beautiful place. A lot of effort has been put into designing the reserve the way it is - the maintenance is also great. It's nice to take a relaxed stroll through the place. It is like a little world by itself - you forget about what is happening in the outside world. In case you did not take your car on the ferry, there is a bus service right outside the ferry terminal that can take you to Bloedel. Make sure you know their schedule though - I think they are seasonal and not very frequent.I can definitely see the usefulness of this place for someone who is living around Seattle - a peaceful and relaxing break from a hectic daily life. But for someone who is travelling to Seattle from other cities, I feel there are much better places to visit. That is the main reason I have given it four stars (3.5 if it was possible).

Paulo701

This is an out of the way, but more than worthwhile trip from Seattle. The Bainbridge Island ferry from Seattle would be the way to go, although we were traveling by car to the Olympic Peninsula. The gardens include naturally appearing, themed presentations: ferns, mosses, maritime forests, Japanese house/garden/pond, topiary, walk along Puget Sound, birch, bog, and camellia gardens - a brilliant, inspired variety on expansive acreage. Everything is beautifully manicured. The home itself is sparsely furnished, but period photos and albums allow insights into its history and owners. This property is an incredible gift to the public.

DonT837

The Bloedel Reserve is a very beautiful and tranquil experience. You can tell that much care was taken to create this astounding setting. It is interesting to me that the relative of the owner of this estate also created an estate down by American Lake, which we have also visited "Lakewold Gardens"....I think that there was some friendly competition going on between them. Both I would recommend to anyone, especially gardeners.

TaraFenwick

A peaceful setting of georgeously kept wilderness, pastures, lawns, gardens, trails...what an endless gift from a generous benefactor. I am forever grateful. You will be too. Do good with your life...that is what this perfect preserve tells you. You just have to be quiet enough to hear the whisper on the wind. Go often, give much!