Washington Park Arboretum: A Seattle Oasis

Public Transport

From downtown Seattle, several bus routes provide access to the Arboretum. King County Metro routes 43, 48, and 980 stop near the Arboretum on 24th Avenue in Montlake [5, 8]. From Madison Street, take route 11 and exit at Lake Washington Boulevard E [5, 8]. Walk north into the Arboretum [5, 8]. A one-way bus fare is $3 for adults [11]. Alternatively, consider purchasing an ORCA card for $3, which can be loaded with a regional day pass for $6, offering unlimited rides on most transit systems [21, 22, 25]. Youth 18 and under ride free [21, 27].

Walking

From the University of Washington Station, the Arboretum is a 1.2-mile walk [5, 8]. Head south, cross the Montlake Bridge and the SR-520 overpass, then travel southwest through the Montlake neighborhood [5, 8]. Access the Arboretum via the Wilcox Bridge over Lake Washington Boulevard E at the end of E Lynn Street [5, 8]. Follow the Arboretum Loop Trail from the adjacent Madison Park neighborhood, starting at the intersection of East Madison Street and 31st Avenue East [8].

Driving

From downtown Seattle, drive east on Madison Street through Capitol Hill and Madison Valley. Turn left onto Lake Washington Boulevard E to enter the Arboretum [5, 8]. From I-5, take exit 168 for SR-520 East and take the Montlake Boulevard exit [5, 8]. Follow signs to E Lake Washington Boulevard and turn left onto E Foster Island Road. Turn right onto Arboretum Drive E to reach the Graham Visitors Center [5, 8]. Parking is free in designated areas, including the Graham Visitors Center and the Japanese Garden [2, 8]. Limited accessible parking is available at the Graham Visitors Center [9].