Washington Park Arboretum

The Washington Park Arboretum is a 230-acre botanical garden and park at 2300 Arboretum Drive East in the Montlake neighbourhood of Seattle, Washington, managed jointly by the University of Washington and the City of Seattle. Its collection of trees and shrubs from around the world is arranged along Arboretum Drive and a network of walking trails. Visitors find large collections of maples, oaks, magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and conifers, along with woodland gardens and wetland boardwalks along the shores of Union Bay. Azalea Way, a wide grassy promenade lined with flowering cherry trees, is the best-known route and is at its most spectacular in April when the cherries and magnolias bloom. In mid-October the Japanese maples and other trees turn deep red and gold, which makes autumn another peak season. The Graham Visitors Center provides maps and seasonal information, and the Seattle Japanese Garden lies within the arboretum grounds, with a separate admission. The Arboretum Waterfront Trail leads through marshland to the water, where visitors may spot herons, ducks and turtles. A typical walk takes one and a half to two hours, and the park is open daily from dawn to dusk at no charge. Crowds are lightest on weekday mornings and heaviest during spring bloom weekends. Parking is limited, so many visitors use King County Metro Route 43 to Montlake Boulevard. Photographers find the best compositions along Azalea Way in spring and under the maples in autumn. Dogs on leash are generally allowed, and picnic areas are available near the central lawns.