Excursion Birding and nature walk in university of washington botanical gardens tour at Seattle

Explore the stunning gardens, parks and birdlife of the Pacific Northwest on this excursion to the incredible University of Washington Botanic Gardens. Drive about 20 minutes from the pier to the University of Washington Botanic Gardens, a joint project of the University of Washington, the Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the nonprofit Arboretum Foundation. Visit the Washington Park Arboretum, a hidden gem on the shores of Lake Washington, for a guided bird walking tour of about 2 hours on the pathways and loop trails.

Designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the Arboretum is 230 acres and holds a dynamic assortment of plants and lots of walking trails. It is a great place to observe birds and other wildlife. Keep a look out for Cooper's hawks, barred owls, and many smaller species of birds nest in the Arboretum. Also look for beavers and their houses in the waters around Foster Island.

The Arboretum's Waterfront Trail leads you to Marsh and Foster Islands. From the northern tip of Foster Island, you can look across Union Bay to the University of Washington campus and Lake Washington. Nature lovers will appreciate the many tree species that can be observed on this tour. In the fall, look for golden-hued needles of the larch (Larix). Many kinds of trees, both native and exotic, mingle here: willows (Salix species) on the water's edge, an alder grove (Alnus species), the sleek madrona (Arbutus menziesii), pines (Pinus species), Douglas-firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii), maples (Acer) and oaks (Quercus). Smaller woody plants such as our native salal (Gaultheria shallon) and serviceberry (Amelanchier) grow in the understory. Foster Island contains some of the oldest plantings in the Arboretum, with many specimens dating from the 1930s and 1940s.

Take about an hour's stroll through the beautiful Woodland Garden to view one of the largest collections of Japanese Maples in North America. Enjoy the vivid fall colors of Sour Gum, Hazel and more. The Woodland Garden features two quiet ponds connected by a seasonal stream running through a small valley. The ponds and stream are framed by naturalistic stonework and an impressive variety of woodland plants. Originally designed in 1938, the Woodland Garden has matured into a layered mix of plants that thrive in a wooded setting.

The Pacific Northwest is home to an amazing variety of plant life from our towering conifers to the subtle and delicate Western bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa). Visit the Native Knoll and upland forest to learn native plant identification.

Tram Tour option: Guests who do not wish to or are unable to join the Birding & Garden Walking tour can participate in a fully narrated 1-hour Tram tour through Seattle's outdoor living museum. On the Tram tour option, learn about plants from nearly 100 countries, discover the Arboretum's connection with horses and sample a 16th century beverage made from the root of a woody plant. The Tram tour starts at the Graham Visitors Centre within the Washington Park Arboretum. After the 1-hour Tram ride, visit the Seattle Japanese Garden, a 3.5-acre urban sanctuary. Winding paths and benches invite you to view the garden on foot for approximately 90 minutes, slowly and mindfully in all of its detail - stones, water, lanterns, bridges, buildings and plants.

After about 3 hours, depart the Washington Park Arboretum and drive back to the cruise terminal.

Note

Please note: On the birding tour, some paths are narrow sandy paths and may be wet and muddy. This part of the excursion entails 3 hours of walking or standing, making it not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Walking trails are all flat and guests will need to be able to walk at least 2-3 miles

For those on the Tram tour (1 hour) it is covered. The Japanese Garden walk is at an easy pace 90 mins. Guests are recommended to bring a raincoat, hat, umbrella, sunscreen and are suggested to wear appropriate footwear (waterproof sneakers).