This Little Known Natural Oasis Is Hiding In Washington…And You’re Going To Love It

Bloedel Reserve is a little slice of heaven on Bainbridge Island. Only a short ferry ride away from Seattle, this award-winning forest garden features stunning landscaped gardens, woodland trails, and a reflection pool where you can relax and take in all of the natural beauty.

You can find this quiet paradise on the north end of Bainbridge Island. It's only about a half-hour ferry ride from the city, and complete with well-maintained gardens, forested trails, man-made paths, a reflection pool, and a lovely variety of flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.

The Reflection Pool:

The Reflection Pool is one of the most dreamy features at the reserve. It offers a calm, tranquil place to sit and reflect over a mirror-like pool surrounded by forest and shrubs.

The visitor center by Mid Pond:

The preserve was formerly a private residential estate for a family in the timber business. Their gorgeous French-style home now serves as the visitors center, featuring stunning views over Puget Sound and a library filled with books about horticulture.

Walking through the woods:

You can find two man-made paths to take through the woods. One follows along a wooden boardwalk through wetlands. The other leads over a trestle bridge, with a unique perspective overlooking a gorgeous stream.

The Japanese Garden:

If you're looking for total zen, you can also go for a stroll through their gorgeous Japanese Garden. Surrounded by lush forest, it features a Sand & Stone Garden with a unique, elegant design over an old swimming pool.

Admission is $15 for adults, and reduced for seniors, military, and kids. To help preserve all of the natural beauty, pets and food are not permitted. For more information, check out their website here.

Isn't this place on Bainbridge Island just beautiful? Have you been to Bloedel Reserve before?