SSC Arboretum — Local services in Seattle

I first discovered this place as a High School senior enrolled at South Seattle College and can still remember that spring day, being all caught up on my schoolwork and having time to kill before my part-time job I took a walk through the arboretum. Nearly a quarter century later; wow, how time flies; many things have changed but the essence of the place remains and keeps me coming back. It's a pocket of tranquility tucked just minutes from downtown Seattle. It's rarely so busy that you can't find somewhere quiet to sit down and appreciate how special this place really is. Do that a couple times and you realize that the different gardens while uniquely their own seem to fit into a master plan that is fluid and evolving. Ever so slowly being improved or expanded, sometimes seemingly growing with the plants and trees living within. While you can walk through every path here in less than half an hour, this is a place that will reward those looking to slow down and appreciate how wonderful it is to take a quick time out and find a little inner peace. My only real gripe is that the goldfish/Koi pond in the sensory garden is still needing repairs. Dogs welcome so long as they are leashed and you pick up their leavings. There are several trash cans. Campus security has mostly been friendly even when I've lost track of time and stayed a little late. The arboretum closes at dusk. The attached Seattle Chinese Garden shouldn't be...

Occupying the NW corner of South Seattle College, the SSC arboretum is modest in size but full of little surprises hidden among some of the smaller paths and walkways. Several larger spaces and walkways make the smaller paths easy to miss, so take your time and explore.

Largely well-maintained, with numerous defined areas for gardens and groves, a few areas show signs of stagnation or incomplete renovation.

Numerous benches to sit and appreciate the beauty are scattered throughout the grounds along with a gazebo, several viewing platforms, and a few bridges. A small artificial stream bubbles slightly obscured from view in one corner...

Lovely place for a stroll in any season and any kind of weather. Lots of evergreen conifers for all seasons, plenty of blooming flowers in curious foliage for much of the year.

This arboretum serves as a plant lab for the adjoining South Seattle Community College students. The Seattle Chinese Garden also adjoins the Arboretum, so you can optionally wander both in the same visit, and both for free.

Parking is free in the lot when the college is not in session, and plenty of free street parking whenever I...