Bloedel Reserve
The basics
With 23 distinct landscape areas, which range from a bird marsh to a woodland area, there’s a lot to see at Bloedel Reserve. Much of the reserve is accessible on a 2-mile (3-kilometer) trail that loops through the reserve. (The surface varies between bark, gravel, and pavement.) The Bloedel Reserve is an included stop on some tours of Bainbridge Island, from half-day outings to full-day trips that add tastings at local vineyards or historical sightseeing.
Things to know before you go
- This is a great destination for bird lovers. While birds thrive throughout the property, the Buxton Bird Marsh & Meadow has some of Bloedel’s best bird-watching.
- Water is the only food or drink allowed on the reserve.
- Entry is via timed ticket, which must be prebooked online.
- Most of Bloedel Reserve is accessible with a wheelchair or stroller. Some areas have stairs and steeper terrain, but staff can suggest routes designed for easiest access.
How to get there
The reserve is located at 7571 NE Dolphin Drive in the northern part of Bainbridge Island. To reach Bloedel Reserve from Seattle, take the 35-minute Bainbridge Island ferry that departs regularly from the Seattle Ferry Terminal. The Bloedel Reserve is located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) north of the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal. Free parking is available on site.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The Bloedel Reserve is open Tuesday through Sunday, year-round. Spring flowers make April a favorite time to visit, with rhododendrons blooming in pink, red, and white. While many of the trees are evergreen, autumn does bring some subtle fall colors and a bounty of wild mushrooms.
Things to do on Bainbridge Island
After exploring Bloedel Reserve, head to the nearby Fay Bainbridge Park for a walk on pretty beaches overlooking Puget Sound. Right next to the ferry dock is Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, where you can see a mix of contemporary exhibits and works by local artists. Continue to the south side of Eagle Harbor to visit the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, built to recognize the treatment of local Japanese Americans during the Second World War.