Individual Program name Program picture
Arboretum Guided Tours for Adults
   

Adult Tours

Free Arboretum Tours on First and Third Sundays –
Now Choose From Two Starting Times!

Guided walks, held first and third Sundays (January through November) at 11 a.m. and 1:00p.m., highlight the plant collections, seasonal beauty and history of Washington Park Arboretum. The 60- to 90-minute walks are led by trained volunteers and are free of charge. Walks begin at the Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive East, in Seattle. No pre-registration required. For questions call (206) 543-8801.


Scheduling Adult Tours

The Washington Park Arboretum Education Department coordinates 60-90 minute tours of the Arboretum, led by trained guides, for groups of 10 or more for a $4.00 per person fee. Choose a favorite collection or topic such as seasonal interest in the Arboretum, the ecology of Foster Island or native plants and ethnobotany.

To reserve a guided tour, please call the WPA Education Department at (206) 543-8801 or send an email. Three weeks advance notice required. Fee: $4.00 per person ($40.00 minimum group fee).

Please choose from the following topics for a guided Arboretum tour:

Seasonal Tours:

  • Winter Seasonal:  Visit the Joseph A. Witt Winter Garden to enjoy the fragrances of Honeysuckle and Witch Hazel, admire Paperbark Maples and watch for hummingbirds as you stroll through this amazing winter room in the forest. Other collections: Hollies, Camellias.
  • Spring Seasonal:  Take a walk along historical Azalea Way lined with flowering Cherries, Azaleas and Dogwoods. Loderi Valley features large-leaved Rhododendron trees sheltered by Magnolias. Other collections: Rhododendron Hybrid Garden , Magnolias, Crabapples.
  • Summer Seasonal:  Enjoy summer interest in the Arboretum. Explore the five eco-geographic regions of the new Pacific Connections Garden. See stunning Hydrangeas, Magnolias and Sorrel trees. Enjoy the fragrance of the Linden trees and warmth of the sun filtering through tall native trees.
  • Fall Seasonal:  Celebrate fall with a stroll through the beautiful Woodland Garden to view one of the largest collections of Japanese Maples in North America. Enjoy the vivid fall colors of Sour Gum, Buckeye, Witch Hazel and more. Autumn delights also include: Oak Collection, Walnut Family, Franklinia, and renowned Mountain Ash collection.

Year-Round Tours:

  • Foster Island Ecology:  Visit the plants and wildlife that live at the Arboretum's shores. Take a walk to Foster and Marsh Islands where great blue herons, turtles and beavers reside. Along with a multitude of birds that call this area their home and learn about the unique plants that comprise this wetland habitat.
  • Native Plants and Ethnobotany:  Visit the Arboretum's Native Knoll and upland forest to learn native plant ID and Puget Coast Salish uses of native plants.
  • For a custom tour scheduled especially for your group, please contact WPA Education.


Virtual tours available at VR Seattle

 
 
       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Spring Azaleas by Joy Spurr

 

 

 

 

 


Fall Woodland Garden by Joy Spurr