Bloedel Reserve

With 23 distinct landscape areas, which range from a bird marsh to a woodland area, there’s a lot to see at Bloedel Reserve. Much of the reserve is accessible on a 2-mile (3-kilometer) trail that loops through the reserve. (The surface varies between bark, gravel, and pavement.) The Bloedel Reserve is an included stop on some tours of Bainbridge Island, from half-day outings to full-day trips that add tastings at local vineyards or historical sightseeing.

• This is a great destination for bird lovers. While birds thrive throughout the property, the Buxton Bird Marsh & Meadow has some of Bloedel’s best bird-watching.
• Water is the only food or drink allowed on the reserve.
• Entry is via timed ticket, which must be prebooked online.
• Most of Bloedel Reserve is accessible with a wheelchair or stroller. Some areas have stairs and steeper terrain, but staff can suggest routes designed for easiest access.

The reserve is located at 7571 NE Dolphin Drive in the northern part of Bainbridge Island. To reach Bloedel Reserve from Seattle, take the 35-minute Bainbridge Island ferry that departs regularly from the Seattle Ferry Terminal. The Bloedel Reserve is located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) north of the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal. Free parking is available on site.

The Bloedel Reserve is open Tuesday through Sunday, year-round. Spring flowers make April a favorite time to visit, with rhododendrons blooming in pink, red, and white. While many of the trees are evergreen, autumn does bring some subtle fall colors and a bounty of wild mushrooms.

After exploring Bloedel Reserve, head to the nearby Fay Bainbridge Park for a walk on pretty beaches overlooking Puget Sound. Right next to the ferry dock is Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, where you can see a mix of contemporary exhibits and works by local artists. Continue to the south side of Eagle Harbor to visit the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, built to recognize the treatment of local Japanese Americans during the Second World War.

Most visitors spend at least two hours at Bloedel Reserve. That’s enough to stroll the 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) loop trail that winds through manicured gardens, meadows, marsh, and woodlands. Strapped for time? Do a portion of the loop trail—or stick to the .75-mile (1.2-kilometer) wheelchair-accessible paved road.

Bloedel Reserve combines cultivated gardens and wilder, natural areas on its 140-acre (57-hectare) property with views of the Puget Sound. Highlights include a Japanese garden, moss garden, reflection pool, and arboretum. At the 10-acre (4-hectare) Buxton Bird March and meadow, a boardwalk showcases a nesting area for birds and dragonflies.

No, dogs are not allowed at Bloedel Reserve, unless you’re visiting with a registered service dog. If you’re hoping to explore Bainbridge Island trails with your dog, head to Manzanita Park, Williams-Olson Park, or the Grand Forest. Off-leash areas are available at Strawberry Hill Dog Park and Eagledale Dog Park.

No, you can’t bring a picnic to Bloedel Reserve—picnics, snacks, and drinks other than water are not allowed anywhere on the grounds. It’s a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle along, however. Water bottle refill stations can be found at the Bloedel Reserve visitor center and gate house.

Spring is a popular time at Bloedel Reserve—it’s when the garden bursts into bloom after the cool, rainy Washington winter. April and May bring a rainbow of rhododendrons, orchids, and trillium. By June, the Buxton Bird Marsh and Meadow is a riot of blossoms for pollinators. Fall colors also impress.

Yes, you can take photos at Bloedel Reserve. It’s a gorgeous place to capture imagery, and amateur photographers are welcome to bring folding tripods and monopods that fit into a regular-sized backpack. Leave the drones at home, however. They’re banned at Bloedel Reserve, along with commercial shoots, videography, and portraits.