Open Source Photographic Guide Project
These guides are created as part of the Open Source Photographic Guide Project.
Introduction
The Washington Park Arboretum is 230 acres of urban green space on the east side of Lake Washington. Developed by the Olmstead Brother's firm (think Central Park in New York) in the 1920's on land logged by the Puget Mill Company the park contains an unbelievable variety of photographic opportunities from beautiful cherry blossoms and azaleas to relics of a failed 1960's freeway construction project.Special Photographic Features or Notes
Interactive Map
This map contains most of the information I mention below and also highlights a few important items to be aware of. I recommend you view the interactive version of this map to familiarize yourself with the area.
Click here for a larger, interactive map
The wetlands at the north end of the park are home to a variety of shorebirds (blue heron, swallows, crested commorants, and the occasional eagle) as well as turtles and frogs. Look for turtles on the floating logs throughout the wetlands. Spring and summer offer one of the largest displays of water lillies I've ever encountered surrounding nearly every bit of land. Rent a canoe at the Waterfront Activities Center across the Montlake Cut for the closest access to the lillies and more areas of the wetlands that can't be reached by foot.
The 520 interchange is a network of completed (and operational) bridges as well as relics of unfinished pieces of the interchange from the 1960's. The image below is a five image panorama taken from the placemark 'Marsh Island: Platform 1' in the interactive map below. The first platform is only about a five minute walk from the parking lot.
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| 520 Interchange Panorama (Brian Chapman, 2008) |
The next photograph shows two of the more interesting pieces of unfinished construction. This was taken from the middle of the area marked 'Unfinished 520 Interchange Construction' on the interactive map facing the structures to the south. The area to the left depicted in this image is also marked on the map as a potential area to avoid. As I mention in the map I don't think there is any danger but you might consider, at a minimum, not taking your kids back there. If you have a tilt/shift lens you'll probably find good use for it underneath the structures but you'll also need to pre-plan to do some exposure blending because the contrast between the dark areas underneath and the outside is significant.
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| Unfinished 520 Interchange (Brian Chapman, 2007) |
Azalea Way is named for the huge variety of azaleas that line the sides of the old bridle path and fill the walk with color during the spring. Most of the azaleas are at the northern end of the way. The southern section is dotted with cherry trees that attract crowds when they bloom during the spring. The image below shows the southern end of Azalea Way facing north.
Walking from the parking lot at the north end of the way to the Japanese Garden at the southern end takes about half an hour.
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| Azalea Way (Brian Chapman, 2005) |
Walking from the parking lot at the north end of the way to the Japanese Garden at the southern end takes about half an hour.
The Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden was designed by renowned Japanese garden designer Juki Iida in 1960. Tripods are not normally allowed in the garden so be prepared to use your steadiest hands. |
| Japanese Maple (Brian Chapman, 2006) |
Night Photography
Night photographers will probably be most interested in the North end of the park where remnants of partially constructed highways and the existing 520 interchange provide ample opportunity for photography after dark. Luckily (or not) in the winter darkness arrives early in Seattle - around 4:30pm - providing plenty of opportunity for "early" night photography. Proximity to the city in combination with the all too common low clouds and light drizzle are a perfect setup for moody night photographs. |
| City Glow (Brian Chapman, 2008) |
The last parking lot open is behind the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), on west side of Foster Island, which closes at 11PM. However, if you park there you need to walk all the way through Marsh and Foster Islands to get to the unfinished areas of 520. I have not looked too closely but I have not yet seen a 'no trespassing' sign that would indicate it is illegal to be on the grounds after the park is closed. If you plan to be there after the official operating hours I recommend parking in one of the nearby neighborhoods instead of using the marked lots.
Special Equipment
Unless it's the middle of summer there is always a decent chance that some rain will fall during the day so it's best to be prepared with an umbrella or at least something to protect your equipment. Even on the driest of days the area around Foster Island and some areas of Azalea Way are soggy so it's advisable to bring sandals if it's warm and shoes that you don't mind getting dirty if it's not.Getting there
The park is accessible by car, public transit, bicycle, and canoe. This map has most of the parking areas labeled. The lot at the Museum of History and Industry at the north end of the park is open the latest (11PM).
Click here for a larger, more interactive map.
Access by public transit is trickier but from downtown Seattle or Bellevue you can take any of the Community Transit buses that cross the 520 bridge just be sure if you're heading east from Seattle that you get off at the correct stop (the last stop before the bridge) or you'll be trying again from the other direction!
Access by canoe is from the Washington Activities Center where you can rent a canoe and paddle in to the wetlands. A canoe will let get you closer to nearly everything - the 520 interchange, the lillies, the wildlife, etc, but you won't be able to leave it and walk in to the southern part of the arboretum.
Enjoy!
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