Washington typically has four distinct seasons, each with new hues to color the landscape beautifully. Hiking through lush forests or scenic trails offers varying experiences depending on the time of year. While saving outdoor adventures for the spring and summer might be tempting, we suggest another option. Lake Wilderness Arboretum in Maple Valley, Washington, is a magical place to get outside and discover the beauty of nature any time of the year. And as a bonus, it’s free!

Lake Wilderness Arboretum is located in Lake Wilderness Park at 22520 SE 248th in Maple Valley.
Lake Wilderness Arboretum/Facebook
Admission is free, and the Arboretum is open from dawn until dusk every day of the year.
The park sits on 42 acres and features verdant forested trails and colorful display gardens.
Lake Wilderness Arboretum/Facebook
Kids will love the Children's Discovery Forest, where they are encouraged to climb, jump, swing, and dig under a canopy of fir trees.
Lake Wilderness Arboretum/Facebook
A StoryWalk was added to the Arboretum in 2020 through a partnership with Maple Valley Library. Visitors of all ages enjoy following along to pages of classic Children's books installed in frames along the Arboretum’s Main Looping Trail. It's certainly a unique way to read and experience the beauty of nature at the same time.

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Meander through one of the largest deciduous Western Azalea gardens in the world.
Lake Wilderness Arboretum/Facebook
The best time for viewing azaleas in full bloom is typically during May and June.
Wander through pathways dotted with Vine Maples, Dogwood, and Flowering Currants. Keep a close eye out for resident owls and bats.
Lake Wilderness Arboretum/Facebook
Autumn is a particularly beautiful time of the year to visit the Arboretum ...
Lake Wilderness Arboretum/Facebook
... although winter can be equally magical when the snow gently covers native plants and forest trails.
Lake Wilderness Arboretum/Facebook

Whatever the season, Lake Wilderness Arboretum is an enchanting, immersive adventure. In other words, you’ll want to visit several times throughout the year.  For a list of upcoming events and special activities, visit the Lake Wilderness Arboretum official website and follow Lake Wilderness Arboretum on Facebook.

Have you visited Lake Wilderness Arboretum? What time of year did you go? We’d love to hear from you. Tell us about your adventure in the comments.

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Lake Wilderness Arboretum, 22520 SE 248th St, Maple Valley, WA 98038, USA