Now Is the Time to Visit Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

I tell my daughter all the time how amazing it is to grow up in the Pacific Northwest — the forests, mountains and water give us incredible time outside and the occasional wildlife sighting. My daughter has even seen orcas during lunch at her outdoor school! 

I know how much she loves these unique experiences, and I am always looking for new and cool ways to deepen her appreciation of animals and the great outdoors — from nature walks to camping trips to zoo and aquarium visits. Lucky for us, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a mix of both. 

The park feels wild. Nature trails weave between towering trees and sword ferns. The haunting howls of gray wolves echo across the forest. And the famous 435-acre free-roaming area is home to mountain goats, bison, deer, elk and moose. We can spend time outside, safely seeing animals native to the Pacific Northwest in habitats much like they’d experience in the wild. 

We headed to the park on a cloudy Saturday morning, a slight chill in the air and a tinge of orange and red hues in the trees. As it turns out, fall is the perfect time to visit. 

A Pacific Northwest safari on an electric tram 

Northwest Trek has been in operation for 50 years, and is perhaps best known for its immersive tours of the free-roaming wildlife area. Last year the park switched to electric trams for an even better experience. The quiet trams travel up to 10 mph through the forest and meadow, passing right next to bison and deer who seem completely unbothered by the oohs and ahs of the tourists onboard. 

All aboard! 

Riding a tram is certainly a highlight for many of the park’s visitors (myself included). A tram tour is included in general admission, and tour time slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis at the admissions window. Since no snacks or beverages other than water are allowed on the tram, make a plan to fuel your kids before boarding. (Take a bathroom break, too!) 

Once we got our time slot, we were off. Right out of the gate, my daughter was thrilled to see Trillium, the trumpeter swan, gliding across the lake in search of an afternoon snack. Before you dare think swans are boring, just know that trumpeter swans are the largest waterfowl in North America, with wingspans over 6 feet long — the second bird of the day to be larger than my daughter (the first was the bald eagle!). 

Bison and more wildlife sightings 

A herd of bison was up next, and nothing could have prepared me for how huge these animals are, either. The bulls can weigh around 2,000 pounds. The tram slowed down so we could get an up-close look while the tour guide shared more about the bison that call the park home. There were even calves! 

On our tram ride, we spotted more animals on both sides as we looped around the meadow. We could even look overhead through the clear roof of the tram, searching the trees and hillside for more wildlife. The elk almost blended in completely, their antlers easily mistaken for branches sticking out of the tall grass.

While we had desperately hoped to see the park’s two moose, they were nowhere to be found on our tour. Despite being the tallest wild animal in North America, moose are experts at nestling in the ferns and blending into the forest shadows. Plus, there’s plenty of room for them to roam. Hopefully we’ll spot one on our next visit. 

Forest path walking tour 

The 725-acre park is home to more than 100 animals, and we had many we couldn’t wait to meet walking through the park. 

Woodland and wetland animals 

As we wandered down the trail toward the native woodland and wetland animals, my daughter’s eyes grew wide when she spotted the raccoons! Their masked faces peeked out of their dwelling with the same curiosity I saw in my daughter. 

As we walked along, we were greeted by a badger scurrying toward the window of its habitat. Then we saw a beaver paddling through the water, its head just above the surface as it swam along. The river otters — my personal favorite — put on a water show of their own, jumping in and out of the water and swimming next to each other. Upper and lower viewing decks gave us different perspectives. 

Cats, wolves and bears, oh my! 

Farther down the walking trail, the cat habitats invited us to a game of I spy. We scanned the foliage, searching for any sign of movement. We finally spotted a cougar as it rose from its resting spot in the ferns and walked along the fence. The lynx and bobcat eluded us. 

Deeper into the woods, we started to hear the wolves howling. Peeking through the trees from the path, we spotted a beautiful white wolf. The wolf bayed from its post on a fallen tree, before coming down and trotting along — all while keeping a watchful eye on the crowd that had gathered. (Duck into the E.H. Baker Cabin to learn more about the wolf pack and get an exclusive view of their habitat!) 

The park is also home to grizzly bears and black bears, who were active during our visit. (In November, the black bears will prepare for their long winter naps, known as torpor.) Perhaps the most unbothered animal we saw on our visit was the black bear submerged in the water, warmed by the sun beaming through the trees. The grizzly bears, meanwhile, delighted in creekside pumpkins. 

While the path throughout the forest animal exhibit are paved, there are unpaved trails for self-guided nature tours on the other side of the tram tour station. 

A closer look at reptiles and amphibians 

We took a break from walking around and popped into the Cheney Family Discovery Center, home to newts, toads, garter snakes and banana slugs. 

There are interactive stations here, which thrilled my young daughter. She peeked inside boxes along the wall, discovering snake skeletons and other treasures. Then she peered into the amphibian and reptile habitats, watching as a snake slithered along. 

We didn’t stay long, as the discovery center is tucked behind a star attraction at the park: the playground. 

Kids’ Trek nature-inspired playground 

If my daughter had planned our itinerary for the day, it would have started and ended at the playground (with animal sightings, lunch and a midday playground stop sandwiched in between). And I can’t blame her. As far as playgrounds go, this one is fantastic.

My daughter was immediately drawn to the 20-foot-tall hollow tree trunk, with rope climbers and a bridge across. She conquered both the tube slide and the concrete ones, made friends on the rope bridge and ducked under the tumbled branches of the beaver lodge. Parent tip: Prepare for water play if you visit during the summer, the seasonal stream that runs through the beaver lodge is a perfect spot to cool off. 

I could only tear my daughter away from the playground with the reminder that she wanted time to shop for a souvenir from the gift shop.

Special events and seasonal activities 

From the summer Slug Fest to the magical Winter Wildland, there are seasonal events throughout the year at Northwest Trek.

Our visit coincided with the park’s Pumpkin Chomp & Stomp event, when the day’s keeper chats included pumpkins for the skunks and grizzly bears. We watched as the two skunks, Marigold and Sundew, scurried out to the carved pumpkin filled with snacks. 

Fun fact: From the 1980s up until 2014, Northwest Trek did not name the animals in its care. Names are used now to connect visitors to the animals. 

More ways to experience the park 

Northwest Trek offers three additional ways to experience the park, all of which require reservations and include admission to the park. 

• Keeper Adventure Tour: If you want to feel even more like you’re on a guided safari, splurge on this Jeep ride with a real keeper. The 90-minute off-road adventure gives you more time in the free-roaming wildlife area, with an up-close look at the animals and behind-the-scenes stories. There is a maximum of nine guests per tour. All participants must be age 5 or older, and kids younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Wild Drive: Caravan around the free-roaming area from the comfort of your own car on this hour-long tour. A naturalist in the front car narrates the tour as you go, highlighting the elk, caribou, deer and bison you are likely to see.
• Photo Tour: If you have teens in your crew with an interest in wildlife photography, this is the tour to book. Naturalist guides take you throughout the free-roaming area for the perfect shot of the park’s resident elk, moose, caribou and other animals. Participants must be 16 or older.

Tips for parents 

• Know the tram system. Tram rides are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and the park is not able to accommodate requests for specific tour times. Depending on how busy the park is, you may have an assigned tram tour time as soon as 15 minutes after you arrive, or several hours later. If you miss your tram tour time, head back to the admissions window to see if there is another available tour time. If there is a special event (like the pumpkin-chomping skunks) that you would like to prioritize, you can opt out of a tram tour time altogether, or check back at admissions afterward to see if you can book a later tour.
• Bring mini binoculars (or pick some up at the gift shop!). While the trams get you quite close to animals in the free-roaming area, some are still in the distance. Mini binoculars can help with wildlife spotting, even on the trails.
• Check the schedule for keeper chats. If you want to learn more about the native animals, head to one of the daily keeper chats. They’re a fun way to engage kids (and get their questions answered!) while watching the animals.
• Plan for snack breaks. Food is available for purchase at the Forest Café, and there are some additional seasonal offerings throughout the park. Outside food is allowed and there are picnic tables perfect for a lunch break. Refillable water stations are available throughout the park.
• Expect to stay for a few hours (or all day). We spent four hours at the park, and still didn’t see every animal or take the time to explore the unpaved nature trails. Give yourself plenty of time to experience the tram tour, wander along the paths, and stop at each habitat. Another benefit to an early start: Some animals are more active in the morning, especially on warmer days. No matter when you go, you’re sure to see some incredible wildlife. We’re already planning our return visit!