Bloedel Reserve & Bainbridge Island Sightseeing: Gardens, Beach Wildlife and Ferry Photo Stops
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect 1.5–2 miles of walking with short stretches of standing and gentle terrain.
Overview
Spend a laid-back half day on Bainbridge Island: ferry across Puget Sound, watch shoreline wildlife at Fay Bainbridge State Park, then wander the reflective gardens of the Bloedel Reserve with a knowledgeable local guide.
Bloedel Reserve & Bainbridge Island Sightseeing: Gardens, Beach Wildlife and Ferry Photo Stops
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You step off the ferry into a small town that still moves at island pace: Winslow Way hums with coffee shops and art galleries, gulls wheel overhead, and the air smells faintly of cedar and salt. The tour groups meet by a black bus marked Tour Bainbridge; from there the road peels away from the town and into pockets of forest where rhododendrons and Douglas fir shoulder the shoulders of quiet lanes.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Catch the right ferry
Take the 9:30 am ferry from Seattle as recommended and arrive at least 15 minutes early — the ferry won’t wait.
Wear layered, waterproof clothing
Puget Sound weather shifts quickly; a light waterproof jacket and mid-layers keep you comfortable during shore and garden walks.
Bring binoculars
Binoculars help with seawatch at Fay Bainbridge State Park for ducks, scoters, and seals beyond the surf.
Respect Bloedel’s rules
Stay on marked trails, avoid loud noise and drones, and follow guide instructions to protect plantings and quiet zones.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seal
- Black oystercatcher and surf birds
History
The Bloedel Reserve was developed in the mid-20th century by Prentice and Virginia Bloedel and later opened to public access, blending formal landscape design with native forest.
Conservation
The Reserve emphasizes low-impact visitation—stick to paths and observe quiet zones to protect plant communities; Puget Sound shoreline areas benefit from responsible wildlife viewing.
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Adventure Hotspots in Bainbridge Island
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Shields against rain and wind common on the Sound.
fall specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Support and traction for garden paths and rocky beach sections.
Binoculars
Useful for shorebird and seal watching at Fay Bainbridge State Park.
Compact camera or smartphone
Capture reflections, gardens, and ferry views—bring extra battery for back-to-back shots.