Bloedel Reserve — Attraction in Bainbridge Island

The reserve was recommended to us by a friend back in Chicago and we weren’t really sure what to expect. Coming from Seattle, we took the ferry, which keeping in mind that the tickets are round-trip. I had purchased four tickets for two of us, assuming that we would need two tickets there and two tickets back, but that wasn’t the case as each ticket for the ferry is round-trip ticket for seven dollars. The island also has great public transportation with the bus ride being two dollars each way per person. You just need to call the bus company and they were super attentive, and the bus drivers were really nice. Two dollars per person is amazing, so navigating around the island and getting to the island was very affordable.

In order to see the reserve, they have timed entry, so it is required to get tickets in advance, but there was a lot of openings so that wasn’t a problem.

We went on a rainy day and there weren’t a lot of people there. In hindsight, attending the reserve during a time of moisture accentuated the rainforest feel and we really enjoyed seeing the grounds in this particular setting.

The first section which is an open field had us wondering if we made the right decision but as we quickly entered the grounds, we saw the attraction to visit this property. It’s very difficult to verbalize the beauty, walking through the trails in the dense forestry. Seeing the house and guest quarters also gives you a clear understanding and appreciation of what it would’ve been like living on this property back in the day.

Sorry of the property and the family is pretty interesting and that can be seen in the building on the tour.

Overall, it’s wonderful experience and a great property to see. I highly recommend checking it out if you like nature. It’s well worth the trip...

I enjoyed this garden several times at the end of December, each time with a baby in tow. Even though it wasn't peak season, the grounds were still lovely and well worth the visit. The entrance fee is rather high for repeat visits, so if you go once and think you will go again, it's worth buying a membership, especially since you can apply the cost of your entry towards the membership cost. You'll need to confirm the limitations of that process with the park attendants; we took advantage of it the same day before we left.

Concerning access with a baby: Trails are well groomed, but there are steps here and there that make a stroller tricky at times. We had a stroller the first visit but I also carried my baby in a ring sling. We kept all our baby extras and purses in the stroller but not the baby because it was quite cold (easier to keep her warm next to me) and it was easier to pick up the stroller for steps without her in it. The bathrooms at the front gate do not have a changing table or seating for nursing, but the staff seemed receptive to the idea. They did, however, point us towards the Residence as being more comfortable for nursing, and it certainly was! It's a lovely old house with chairs and benches throughout, and no one gave me any grief for nursing there (I use a cover in public). Unfortunately for this review, I changed her diaper later in our car rather than there at the Residence, so I can't speak to whether there is a changing table there or not.

The last time we went we used a nice backpack carrier for our baby and that was fantastic, as the grounds are extensive enough for a couple of hours of hiking.

We packed a lunch, but plan to eat it in the car since they do not allow picnics on their grounds (regrettable, but...

Hi everyone! So we checked this place out today. You do have to pay to get in, $15 for military i.d. and children under four and under get in free. This is not a public, state run reserve its a private manacured park. Think Jane Austin era manacured park. Beautiful and well kept its definitely something to see. The staff was very welcoming and friendly, can't say the same for other patrons that were there. A lot of elderly people were there so it...idk I wore my hiking clothes and I have a rambunctious five year old with autism so it was hit or miss with our fellow walkers and their level of friendliness. The trail is gentle and well marked with lots of little places to see. For my #AutismFam if your kiddo loves water like mine this walk is a bit of a struggle because their are pools and ponds everywhere but they aren't allowed in. So it was a lot of redirecting today. Also their are no dogs or picnicing allowed at the reserve just fyi. We did have to stop and have a snack so Hadrian could rest and get level. I gave it four stars just because thats how it worked for my family, we may need a bit more rough and tumble trails to let our selves get wild. Definitely worth seeing at least once, good date spot I think. The trail is only 1.5 miles and they give you a map and the scenery is artistic in its simplicity. Anyway, get outside and go explore! Take a moment to check out our go fund page called Paws For Hadrian to get a service dog for our son. Even a share is greatly appreciated! #MilitaryWild #MilitarywildWA...