Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
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Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

4.6
·6k reviews·Eatonville, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays during school year

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Best Time

Weekdays during school year

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(6k reviews)

"It was not only relaxing and comfortable but also incredibly informative. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tram Safari

Tram Safari

Free Roam Area

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

TikTokInstagram+1
Predator Exhibits

Predator Exhibits

Walking Paths

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

Instagram
Kids Trek Playground

Kids Trek Playground

Near Visitor Center

An expansive, nature-themed play area where kids can burn energy and explore.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Tram Tour is a Must-Do

The tram tour is the highlight for many visitors, offering a unique way to see animals like bison and elk roam freely in large natural habitats. Book tickets in advance, especially for popular times, to avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram+1

Plan for All Weather

The Pacific Northwest weather can be unpredictable. Northwest Trek has covered areas and some indoor spaces, but be prepared for rain or sun. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the park's trails. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays during school year
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Summer mornings
Why
Animals are more active
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall weekends
Why
Seasonal decorations
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#yearontiktok #pnw #wildlife #nwtrek
@nwtrek
246.3K likes • 1.2M views

🎟️ Book Tram Tickets Early

Tram tours are popular and can sell out. Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your spot. TikTokInstagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved paths and some inclines. Instagram

Sip, Socialize, and Save a Species! Come hangout with Gunner August 9th, from 6:15-9pm!🦏 Limited tickets available, sold online only at safarinorth.com🤍 Proceeds go to the International Rhino Foundation. 🦏🩵🌎#conservation #rhino #safarinorthwildlifepark #minnesota #internationalrhinofoundation
@safari.north
207.1K likes • 3.9M views
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park- Eatonville, WA This outdoor wildlife park has lots of covered areas (in case of rain) and some indoor places to warm up. My boys LOVED the tram ride through the free roaming animals and the kids playground. This was such a great family day trip. + Winter hours: 9:30- 3pm, Fri-Sun + Open daily through Jan 5th! + $26 adult, $18 child, under 3yrs free (discount for pu...
southsoundfamily
11.4K likes • 351.5K views

🍎 Pack a Picnic Lunch

Save money and enjoy a meal amidst nature. Cafe options are also available. Reddit

🌦️ Be Prepared for Rain

Washington weather is famously changeable; bring layers and rain gear. Instagram

Need a hiking break after Mount Rainier? 📍Northwest Trek Wildlife Park - Wild Drive 📍Washington 💰 Cost is about $90 for one carload with up to 8 people and includes access to the walking park where you can see other animals. This was a stop for us between Mount Rainier and Seattle, and it was a welcome break to all the hiking. It’s very cool to see all of this wildlife so close in a natural se...
travelallthepages
34 likes • 839 views

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. TikTokInstagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved paths and some inclines. Instagram

🍎 Pack a Picnic Lunch

Save money and enjoy a meal amidst nature. Cafe options are also available. Reddit

🌦️ Be Prepared for Rain

Washington weather is famously changeable; bring layers and rain gear. Instagram

🚗 Consider Carload Pricing

If you have a group, the carload admission can be a cost-effective option. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(6k reviews)

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

Tram tour immersion
Native wildlife viewing
Excellent kids playground

What People Dislike

Weekend crowds

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. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's a manageable drive. Many visitors stop at Northwest Trek as a break between Mount Rainier and Seattle. Instagram

Public transportation options are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the park. Reddit

From Seattle, take I-5 South to WA-512 West towards Puyallup, then WA-7 South to Eatonville. Follow signs for Northwest Trek. Instagram

Yes, ample parking is available at the park. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram+1

Look for family passes or consider the carload admission option for groups. Check their website for seasonal promotions. Instagram

It's highly recommended, especially for the tram tour, to book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid long lines. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram+1

Yes, the tram tour through the free-roam area is included with general admission. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see native Northwest animals like bison, elk, moose, bears, wolves, cougars, otters, beavers, and various birds of prey. TikTokInstagram+1

The tram tour is a must for seeing animals in their large, natural habitats. The walking paths offer closer views of other exhibits. TikTokInstagram+1

Absolutely! Kids love the tram ride, the extensive Kids Trek playground, and learning about wildlife. Instagram+2

Yes, they offer options like the 'Wild Drive Tour' and 'Keeper Adventure Tour' for more up-close animal encounters. Instagram

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the park to protect the wildlife. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe that offers convenient food options, including ice cream. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own lunch is a great way to save money and enjoy a picnic. Reddit

The cafe typically offers standard park fare like sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The tram ride offers unique perspectives of animals in their natural environment. The predator exhibits also provide great photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Yes, you can take photos from the tram, but be mindful of other passengers and the movement of the vehicle. TikTok

Generally, tripods are allowed, but check the park's specific photography policy on their website. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Northwest Trek is a fantastic destination for families. The tram tour is a guaranteed hit, offering a comfortable and exciting way for kids to see large animals. The Kids Trek playground is a huge draw, providing hours of active fun. Pack snacks and drinks, or utilize the cafe for meals. Consider visiting on a weekday during the school year to avoid the largest crowds. Instagram+2

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. Instagram+1

🚗 Day-Trippers from Seattle/Tacoma

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers

For those who love wildlife and nature photography, Northwest Trek offers unique opportunities. The tram tour provides chances to capture animals in their natural, expansive habitats, often without the typical zoo barriers. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Tram Tour

The tram tour is the undisputed star attraction at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. This narrated journey takes you through the park's expansive 400-acre Free Roam area, where native Northwest animals like bison, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep roam freely. The open-air tram allows for unobstructed views and a sense of being immersed in their natural habitat. Guides on the tram are often knowledgeable and share fascinating facts about the animals, their behaviors, and conservation efforts, making it both entertaining and educational. TikTokInstagram+2

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

Exploring the Walking Trails

Beyond the tram tour, Northwest Trek offers a network of paved walking paths that allow for more intimate encounters with a variety of native Northwest animals. These trails wind through different habitats, showcasing creatures such as cougars, wolves, bears, otters, beavers, owls, and various birds of prey. Each exhibit is designed to mimic the animals' natural environments, providing educational insights into their lives and the importance of conservation. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+2

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. Instagram

Conservation and Education Focus

Northwest Trek is more than just an animal viewing park; it's a dedicated conservation and education center. The park plays a vital role in protecting native Northwest wildlife and educating the public about their habitats and the challenges they face. Many of the animals housed here are either injured and cannot be released back into the wild or are part of breeding programs aimed at preserving endangered species. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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