A Day Trip to The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island in WA
- NewbsOnAQuest
- Jun 13, 2022
- 2 min read
We had been planning this trip for a while because The Bloedel Reserve does require you to purchase timed tickets in advance. Please be aware that you cannot just drive there the day of and expect to be able to get in. As we often like to do things spur of the moment, this was one of the main reasons we had yet to visit even though it is close to us.
To get to the reserve from Seattle, WA you will need to take a ferry. While you can avoid the ferry, most who visit won't have the time to take the long drive around, but the ferry is a quick trip and definitely worth the experience in and of itself. Even if you are not visiting the reserve, I would still recommend taking the ferry to Bainbridge for the downtown views of Seattle and the experience.
The ferries can fill up quickly, especially in the summer months, so arriving early is good. Remember that residents often use these ferries as a part of their daily commute. To get to the Seattle Ferry Terminal, you will need to head downtown as the entrance is on the Seattle Waterfront at Pier 52. I highly recommend visiting the Washington State Department of Transportation website as it has all of the information you will need with detailed directions and cameras to let you see what to expect. Luckily, the signage is great and all of the employees are fantastic and will direct you where you need to go. If you haven't been on a ferry before, please don't let this deter you from making this trip as it is not nearly as daunting as it may seem. Here are a few pics of our ferry leaving Seattle and heading to Bainbridge Island.
The Bloedel Reserve itself has created a world unto itself with a landscape that incites creativity while providing a tranquil atmosphere. They truly have succeeded in their vision to provide refreshment and tranquility in the presence of natural beauty. I could go on and on about what you see, but words just don't do this place justice. Here are a few pics from our trip to give you an idea of what is in store for you.
We saw a variety of birds, ducks, a few amphibians, and even deer while on our visit. They have places where you can sit and soak up the landscape, and we could have spent hours in various spots just enjoying our surroundings. We would definitely recommend a trip should you be able to procure some tickets while visiting the area. There are a variety of things to do on Bainbridge Island but this one is worth a visit if you are able.
Here are a few pics from our ferry ride from Bainbridge back to Seattle. Keep in mind the time of day when making a trip as this can give you a whole different experience. For some very fortunate individuals, you may also see some wildlife: porpoises, orcas, seals, otters, or even humpback whales. I don't make any promises, and this largely varies based on which ferry you are on and the time of year, but we have seen some of the above and know of others who have been fortunate to see others.
