Washington Park Arboretum: A Seattle Oasis

Getting There

• 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].