Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens

Imagine a cozy 3.5-acre green oasis tucked away in American Legion Memorial Park. The Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens is more than just a botanical collection; it is a living open-air museum located in the city of Everett. Here, in the Northwest USA, volunteers have created a unique space featuring over 1,300 plant species, including majestic trees, exotic shrubs, and vibrant perennials.

The grounds are divided into 11–12 themed zones, each with its own unique character. Visitors can stroll through the Conifer Garden, admire the elegance of Japanese maples, or explore the local flora on the Northwest Native Plant Trail. This is a completely free public space that serves not only as a place for peaceful relaxation but also as an important educational resource for gardeners and nature lovers.

Artistic elements give the arboretum a special charm: graceful stone and glass sculptures, cozy ponds, and the Fibonacci Fountain. Thanks to the variety of species, the gardens look attractive year-round—from spring blooms to the stark beauty of evergreens in winter—making this an ideal spot for photographers and family outings.

To contact the arboretum administration or find out more about events, you can use the official communication channels. Below is the essential contact information for planning your visit.

In this picturesque corner, nature blends harmoniously with art, offering many leisure options. Be sure to walk the Small Urban Tree Walk, which features compact tree species perfect for city gardens. Those seeking meditative relaxation will appreciate the Viewing Mound, where you can enjoy local views to the soothing sound of the Fibonacci Fountain.

It is a true paradise for photographers and beauty enthusiasts: you can spend time studying the details of stone and glass sculptures, such as the famous granite mollusk "King Clam," or watch the play of light in the Japanese maple grove. Seasonal changes constantly refresh the "scenery": a riot of early blooms in spring and a vibrant palette of turning leaves in autumn.

Families often choose the arboretum for educational walks or quiet picnics in designated areas. You can study local flora on the Northwest Native Plant Trail or find inspiration for your own garden in the Master Gardener demonstration zones. Excellent conditions for bird and insect watching make a visit interesting even for the youngest explorers.

The Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens are located at 145 Alverson Blvd, Everett, WA 98201, in the northern part of American Legion Memorial Park. The entrance is easy to recognize by the bright blue pillars created by designers Little and Lewis. Free parking is available for visitors traveling by car right at the entrance to the "Small Urban Tree Walk" zone.

If you are arriving by public transport, take a bus heading to Legion Park (it is recommended to check current schedules for Sound Transit or Community Transit). A taxi ride from the city center is also quick and convenient.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are convenient walking and cycling paths leading through the park directly to the gardens. It is worth noting that the grounds are fully accessible (ADA-compliant) and equipped with ramps leading to the main viewing areas.

The history of this green oasis began in 1963. The idea was to create a free educational space where city residents could enjoy the beauty of nature. The first themed section was the Conifer Garden, which officially opened its doors to visitors in 1964.

Over the decades, the Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens has developed and expanded thanks entirely to a "small army" of dedicated volunteers and support from a special foundation. Gradually, the grounds were enriched with new zones: a Japanese maple grove, a rock garden, and lush perennial plantings.

Today, this site is considered a local treasure of the state. It stands as an example of successful cooperation between city authorities and community activists on issues of sustainable development and the preservation of regional flora. Integrating the arboretum into the landscape of the historic park has made it an important cultural and educational center for many generations of local residents.

To leisurely walk along all the themed trails and carefully examine the plant collections, most visitors need 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to cross the bridges, explore the art installations, and relax by the fountain.

If your goal is to have a small picnic in a scenic spot, read a book in silence, or meditate on one of the benches, plan to spend a bit more time. Keep in mind that seasonal changes make every visit unique, so many tourists return several times throughout the year.

The arboretum is open to the public daily, allowing guests to choose the most convenient time for their visit. The hours coincide with the park's operating hours:

Monday — Sunday: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Admission to the grounds is free year-round; however, donations for the development and maintenance of the gardens are always welcome.

Exploring the surroundings of the arboretum will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the region and see other interesting locations in the city. Nearby, you will find both historical monuments and places for pleasant relaxation after your stroll through the gardens.