Adult Tours
Free Arboretum Tours on First and Third Sundays
Guided
walks, held the first and third Sundays (January through November) at 1:00
p.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. Call ahead to ensure availability,
at 206-543-8800 or email: uwbgeduc@u.washington.edu
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. 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 Sourgum, 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
specially for your group please contact WPA Education.
Virtual Mini-Tour
Arboretum Guided Tours for Adults
