This year we resolved to see all the best flowers and gardens of Washington state in season. Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below. We are listing these attractions in order that they bloom.
APRIL: University of Washington Cherry Blossoms (Seattle)
A few courtyards set among historic college buildings are planted with cherry trees that blossom in the last week of March or first of April. The blooms last for about two weeks. Here we visited on the first day of widespread blooming. Later in this short season the ground will be carpeted in white blossoms.
We supplemented our visit with a walk to Red Square and the reflecting pond – which has a view of Mount Rainier on a clear day. Then we toured the Henry Art Gallery (free – donation suggested) for its modern art and walked out to The Ave (University Way) for food and drink.
We visited on a Saturday, when a huge crowd was on hand. The University doesn’t make it easy to visit the cherry blossoms. Much of the campus and its parking was closed off on this day. If you can arrive on a week day or by bus, you’ll have an easier time. We parked clear down the hill at the University Village mall, and then had quite a hike ahead of us up hill and 3 miles round trip.
You can check this web cam for the current status of the cherry blossoms: CHERRY BLOSSOMS AT THE QUAD
APRIL: Skagit Valley Tulips and Daffodils (Mount Vernon)
The Skagit Valley – west of the City of Mount Vernon and Interstate 5 – is the largest area in North America for farming of tulips.
Read about our recent visit and advice on the best way to visit the tulip fields and gardens:
It’s Tulip Time in the Skagit Valley
MARCH-MAY: Rhododendron Species Garden (Federal Way)
Weyerhaeuser left us two gems on their former corporate campus: the Rhododendron Species Garden and the Pacific Bonsai Collection. These two gardens adjoin each other. Parking is free. The bonsai collection – displayed outdoors – is free and can be viewed year round. The rhododendron garden is in spectacular blooms 3 months of the year, and then a green, woodsy walk the rest of the year.
We will report back in more detail after our May visit.
Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
If’ you’ve got extra time in Federal Way, don’t miss this small, one acre garden: PowellsWood. It should be in bloom most of the late spring and summer.
MAY-AUGUST: Coming Soon!
We will post more garden ideas here as we make visits and collect photos. What immediately springs to mind:
Bellevue Botanical Garden (Bellevue)
Bloedel Reserve (Bainbridge Island)
AUGUST: Wildflowers at Mount Rainier
Not to be missed: the lower slopes of Mount Rainier around the two visitor centers bursts into color during August. We will post photos after our visit. Meanwhile, read about the flowers from the official park website and read our tips on how to visit Mount Rainier on a busy day:
Discover Wildflowers – National Park Service
Hike at Sunrise Visitor Center
