If you’re looking for a Pacific Northwest day trip that feels a world away from Seattle, head across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island to visit the Bloedel Reserve. The highlight for nature lovers is the reserve’s extraordinary Moss Garden: the largest public moss garden in the United States.
Spanning about two acres, the Japanese-inspired garden is home to more than 50 species of mosses and lichens. Different shades and textures of green blanket the landscape, spilling over decaying tree stumps and creating an almost otherworldly, ancient-forest atmosphere. Dark huckleberry stems and towering trees add contrast to the velvety carpet below.
The garden dates to 1982, when 275,000 plugs of Irish moss were planted. Native mosses soon moved in, transforming the garden into something far more natural and diverse. Prentice Bloedel, who helped shape the reserve, had a particular fondness for alder trees. Rather than removing every stump when the forest was cleared for the garden, he left many behind as habitat for birds and as distinctive features within the moss-covered landscape.
Moss gardens are much more common in Japan than in American public gardens, making Bloedel’s collection particularly unusual. For Seattle visitors, it’s a chance to experience a landscape that feels both distinctly Pacific Northwest and inspired by Japanese garden traditions.
Beyond the Moss Garden, Bloedel Reserve features woodland trails, a Japanese guest house and Zen garden, a reflection pool, a rhododendron glen, and the historic Bloedel Residence overlooking Puget Sound. It is all open to the public.
Getting there is part of the fun. From downtown Seattle, take the roughly 35-minute ferry to Bainbridge Island, followed by a drive of about 20 minutes to the reserve. You can also walk onto the ferry and use public transit on Bainbridge.
Timed tickets must be purchased in advance. If you’re planning a day trip from Seattle, Bainbridge Island is an easy escape with a memorable experience at Bloedel Reserve waiting for you.
