What kind of tours are available at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park?

Northwest Trek offers several ways to experience its wildlife. The popular Discovery Tram Tour, included with admission, takes you on a 40-minute guided ride through the 435-acre Free-Roaming Area to see large native animals. For more in-depth experiences, you can book a Wild Drive Tour, where you drive your own vehicle through the Free-Roaming Area, or a Keeper Adventure Tour, an exclusive 90-minute off-road Jeep journey with an animal keeper.

What animals can visitors see at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park?

Visitors to Northwest Trek can see over 40 species of native Northwest animals. In the Free-Roaming Area, you'll encounter herds of Roosevelt elk, American bison, mountain goats, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, and black-tailed deer. On the walking paths, you can observe animals in naturalistic exhibits, including grizzly bears, black bears, gray wolves, cougars, Canada lynx, bobcats, red foxes, wolverines, river otters, and bald eagles. The Cheney Discovery Center also features smaller animals like northern leopard frogs and banana slugs.

Is Northwest Trek Wildlife Park accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?

Yes, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is fully ADA accessible. The walking paths throughout the core exhibits are paved, making them suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The park's new electric trams also contribute to an enhanced accessible experience.

ZooWashington, US

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Nestled in the lush, forested foothills of Mount Rainier, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park offers a truly unique and immersive experience into the world of native Pacific Northwest animals.

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About

Nestled in the lush, forested foothills of Mount Rainier, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park offers a truly unique and immersive experience into the world of native Pacific Northwest animals. This 725-acre wildlife sanctuary, located near Eatonville, Washington, isn't just a zoo; it's a dynamic blend of education, conservation, and outdoor exploration where visitors can connect with wildlife in breathtaking natural settings. The park is divided into distinct zones, each offering a different way to encounter the region's magnificent creatures. The highlight for many is the expansive 435-acre Free-Roaming Area, where herds of majestic animals like Roosevelt elk, American bison, mountain goats, moose, and caribou roam freely through meadows, forests, and tranquil lakes.

Visitors can experience this incredible landscape via the popular Discovery Tram Tour, an included 40-minute guided ride on quiet electric trams that offer eye-level views and a peaceful, eco-friendly journey through the habitat. For those seeking a more intimate adventure, optional Wild Drive tours allow guests to navigate their own vehicles through the area, while Keeper Adventure Tours offer an exclusive off-road Jeep experience with an animal keeper, providing closer encounters and behind-the-scenes insights. Beyond the free-roaming landscapes, the park features a network of paved walking paths in its Core Habitat Area, presenting animals in naturalistic exhibits.

Here, you can come face-to-face with powerful predators like grizzly bears and black bears foraging in their habitats, observe the piercing gaze of gray wolves and cougars, or marvel at the agility of Canada lynx, bobcats, and wolverines. Playful river otters entertain with their antics, while the impressive Bald Eagles can be viewed up close in the Eagle Passage exhibit. With a commitment to conservation and providing enriching experiences, Northwest Trek fosters a deep appreciation for the region's biodiversity, making it an unforgettable destination for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park's origins trace back to the visionary donation of land in 1971 by Dr. David "Doc" and Connie Hellyer to Metro Parks Tacoma. The Hellyers, who had acquired the land decades earlier, envisioned a place where native wildlife could thrive freely and where people, especially children, could experience animals in a "nearly wild state" within a natural setting. After four years of diligent fundraising and planning, the park officially opened its doors on July 17, 1975. Over the years, the park expanded its offerings, adding various animal exhibits such as those for snowy owls, cougars, bobcats, lynx, wolves, and bears. Northwest Trek has also been accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) since 1985, a recognition that reflects its unwavering commitment to exceptional animal care and conservation efforts. The park continues to honor the Hellyers' legacy, protecting wild habitats and inspiring future generations to connect with and conserve Northwest wildlife.

What to do here

Participate in Keeper Chats to learn more about the animals and conservation efforts. Visit the E.H. Baker Cabin for an exclusive look at the wolf habitat. For adults, new adults-only overnight lodging options are available overlooking Horseshoe Lake.

Seasonal info

Animal activity can vary with weather; in summer, animals might seek shade during midday. Fall brings beautiful colors and often increased animal movement. Black bears begin torpor (winter naps) around November.

Accessibility

The park is fully ADA accessible. The walking tour paths are paved, making them wheelchair and stroller friendly. The new electric trams are designed to enhance accessibility.

Don't miss

Discovery Tram Tour

A 40-minute guided electric tram ride through the 435-acre Free-Roaming Area to see elk, bison, moose, mountain goats, and caribou.

Wild Drive Tour

Drive your own vehicle through the Free-Roaming Area for an hour-long guided experience.

Keeper Adventure Tour

An exclusive 90-minute off-road Jeep tour with an animal keeper for up-close wildlife encounters.

Walking Paths

Explore naturalistic exhibits featuring grizzly bears, black bears, gray wolves, cougars, Canada lynx, bobcats, red foxes, wolverines, and playful river otters.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Red Fox

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early

Especially during peak season or warm weather, animals are often more active in the morning, and the park can get busy.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved paths and potentially nature trails to see all the exhibits.

Bring Water and Snacks

While food is available, bringing your own water bottle is advised, and snacks are permitted in vehicles during Wild Drives.

Book Premier Tours in Advance

Wild Drives and Keeper Adventure Tours require reservations and are popular, so book online ahead of time.

Check Hours Seasonally

Operating hours vary throughout the year, so always check the park's website before your visit.

Don't Feed or Touch Animals

For the safety and health of the wildlife, never attempt to feed or touch any animals.

Frequently asked questions

: Northwest Trek offers several ways to experience its wildlife. The popular Discovery Tram Tour, included with admission, takes you on a 40-minute guided ride through the 435-acre Free-Roaming Area to see large native animals. For more in-depth experiences, you can book a Wild Drive Tour, where you drive your own vehicle through the Free-Roaming Area, or a Keeper Adventure Tour, an exclusive 90-minute off-road Jeep journey with an animal keeper.
: Visitors to Northwest Trek can see over 40 species of native Northwest animals. In the Free-Roaming Area, you'll encounter herds of Roosevelt elk, American bison, mountain goats, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, and black-tailed deer. On the walking paths, you can observe animals in naturalistic exhibits, including grizzly bears, black bears, gray wolves, cougars, Canada lynx, bobcats, red foxes, wolverines, river otters, and bald eagles. The Cheney Discovery Center also features smaller animals like northern leopard frogs and banana slugs.
: Yes, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is fully ADA accessible. The walking paths throughout the core exhibits are paved, making them suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The park's new electric trams also contribute to an enhanced accessible experience.