
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Experience a wild safari through 400 acres of native Northwest habitats, home to bison, elk, and more. Educational and family-friendly.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a wild safari through 400 acres of native Northwest habitats, home to bison, elk, and more. Educational and family-friendly.
"It was not only relaxing and comfortable but also incredibly informative. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging."

🎟️ Book Tram Tickets Early
Tram tours are popular and can sell out. Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved paths and some inclines.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tram Safari
Free Roam Area
Ride through 400 acres of wilderness to see bison, elk, and moose roaming freely. A truly immersive wildlife experience.

Predator Exhibits
Walking Paths
Get up close with native predators like cougars, wolves, and bears in thoughtfully designed habitats.

Kids Trek Playground
Near Visitor Center
An expansive, nature-themed play area where kids can burn energy and explore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tram Tour is a Must-Do
Plan for All Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tram Tickets Early
Tram tours are popular and can sell out. Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved paths and some inclines.
🍎 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Save money and enjoy a meal amidst nature. Cafe options are also available.
🌦️ Be Prepared for Rain
Washington weather is famously changeable; bring layers and rain gear.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tram Tickets Early
Tram tours are popular and can sell out. Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved paths and some inclines.
🍎 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Save money and enjoy a meal amidst nature. Cafe options are also available.
🌦️ Be Prepared for Rain
Washington weather is famously changeable; bring layers and rain gear.
🚗 Consider Carload Pricing
If you have a group, the carload admission can be a cost-effective option.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Northwest Trek for its immersive wildlife experience, particularly the tram tour through the free-roam area. The park is lauded for its well-maintained grounds, educational focus on native species, and excellent Kids Trek playground. While generally positive, some note that it can get crowded on weekends and during peak seasons.
"This is a great place to get out in nature. For kids to see real natural settings, where and how animals live, is wonderful. We have a family pass and plan to go often. For kids, they have a great real natural play area for all they're extras energy. You can spend a few hours with your own lunch or eat from they're Cafe, it's convenient and pretty good. Even hard ice-cream, if the kids eat a good lunch.
Good Times"
rick tompkins
"Northwest Trek is truly a gem in the Pacific Northwest and an experience that feels both adventurous and educational from start to finish. The highlight of our visit was hands down the tram tour. It was not only relaxing and comfortable but also incredibly informative. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging, pointing out different animals along the way while sharing fun facts and deeper insights into their behaviors, habitats, and conservation efforts. Watching bison, moose, elk, and other wildlife roaming freely in such a large natural setting felt like stepping into their world, and it was fascinating to see them so close in a way that felt authentic and respectful.
The entire park itself is beautifully maintained—clean, safe, and thoughtfully laid out. Walking through the different areas, it was clear how much care goes into keeping the grounds well-manicured and welcoming. Each habitat was designed with the animals in mind, and the variety is impressive: from native predators like cougars, wolves, and bears to smaller but equally interesting creatures like beavers, otters, and owls. Every corner offered something new to discover.
Another pleasant surprise was the pricing. For the quality of the experience—especially considering the tram tour is included—the admission felt very fair. It’s rare to find a park that balances affordability with such a high standard of care, education, and presentation.
Northwest Trek is the kind of place you can enjoy whether you’re coming as a family, couple, or even solo. It’s both entertaining and enlightening, and I left with a deeper appreciation for Pacific Northwest wildlife. Absolutely worth the trip and highly recommended."
Eric Lopotosky
"What a wonderful experience! I had friends from Australia visiting and wanted to give them the experience of seeing some of the amazing animals here in the PNW.
We went on one of the guided tours in the Free Roam area and were able to observe many of the local residents. Our guide was amazing, incredibly knowledgeable and with a great sense of humor. It is obvious that the caretakers take pride in what they do and they do it well.
The park itself is clean and well maintained. The enclosures are also clean and well maintained, and measures had been put in place for the animals to cool themselves (we visited on a hot summer day.) The paths around the park are paved and fairly easy to navigate, although there are some inclined areas that individuals with mobility aids may need assistance navigating.
Should you visit during the summer, or on a weekend, be prepared for there to be a lot of children. If you'd like a quieter visit, I recommend going during the school year on a weekday.
(Bonus picture of frog chilling on the water fountain.)"
Amber Toulou
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Northwest Trek is located in Eatonville, WA, about an hour from Tacoma and Seattle. It's accessible by car, and parking is available on-site.
Yes, it's a manageable drive. Many visitors stop at Northwest Trek as a break between Mount Rainier and Seattle.
Public transportation options are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the park.
From Seattle, take I-5 South to WA-512 West towards Puyallup, then WA-7 South to Eatonville. Follow signs for Northwest Trek.
Yes, ample parking is available at the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary, but generally adults are around $25-$26 and children are $17-$18. Check their website for current pricing and special offers.
Look for family passes or consider the carload admission option for groups. Check their website for seasonal promotions.
It's highly recommended, especially for the tram tour, to book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid long lines.
Hours vary seasonally. Typically, they are open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with shorter hours in winter. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Yes, the tram tour through the free-roam area is included with general admission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see native Northwest animals like bison, elk, moose, bears, wolves, cougars, otters, beavers, and various birds of prey.
The tram tour is a must for seeing animals in their large, natural habitats. The walking paths offer closer views of other exhibits.
Absolutely! Kids love the tram ride, the extensive Kids Trek playground, and learning about wildlife.
Yes, they offer options like the 'Wild Drive Tour' and 'Keeper Adventure Tour' for more up-close animal encounters.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the park to protect the wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe that offers convenient food options, including ice cream.
Yes, bringing your own lunch is a great way to save money and enjoy a picnic.
The cafe typically offers standard park fare like sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The tram ride offers unique perspectives of animals in their natural environment. The predator exhibits also provide great photo opportunities.
Yes, you can take photos from the tram, but be mindful of other passengers and the movement of the vehicle.
Generally, tripods are allowed, but check the park's specific photography policy on their website.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many families appreciate the park's focus on native wildlife and conservation, making it an educational outing as well as an entertaining one. The paved paths are generally stroller-friendly, though some inclines may require a bit of effort.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Seattle/Tacoma
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
The walking trails allow for closer observation of predators and smaller creatures. While the park is designed for viewing, remember that these are wild animals, and patience is key for capturing compelling shots. The naturalistic enclosures and beautiful PNW scenery provide a stunning backdrop for your photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Tram Tour
It's highly recommended to book your tram tickets in advance, as they are included with admission but can have limited availability, especially during peak seasons or weekends. The tram ride itself is a relaxing way to cover a large portion of the park and get a comprehensive overview of the wildlife.
Many visitors describe the tram experience as a highlight, feeling like a true safari adventure right in the Pacific Northwest. It's a unique opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close without the barrier of glass or cages, fostering a deeper appreciation for their wild existence.
Exploring the Walking Trails
The Kids Trek playground is a major draw for families, offering an expansive, nature-themed play area where children can climb, explore, and burn off energy. It's designed to be engaging and safe, complementing the educational aspects of the park.
Walking the trails allows for a slower pace, giving visitors time to observe animal behaviors, read interpretive signs, and appreciate the park's beautiful natural setting. It's a great way to discover smaller creatures and learn about the diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest.
Conservation and Education Focus
Through informative signage, keeper talks, and the engaging narratives on the tram tour, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the importance of habitat preservation and the ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of these animals. The park's commitment to providing naturalistic enclosures and a respectful environment for its residents is evident throughout the grounds.
This educational aspect makes Northwest Trek a valuable destination for families and anyone interested in learning more about the natural world. It instills a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the wildlife that calls the Pacific Northwest home.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit