Hop aboard a tram and take a narrated tour through forests and meadows teeming with American bison, Roosevelt elk, moose, bighorn sheep and woodland caribou. Stroll along forested and paved pathways past natural exhibits that are home to a grizzly bear, two American black bears, a cougar, Canada lynx, bobcats, wolves and foxes. Marvel at the antics of beavers and other wetland animals as they splash and explore a river area.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park near Eatonville is first and foremost a place to see native Northwest animals and enjoy nature.
But it also has a very wild side for humans who want a bit of adventure. For an extra charge, visitors can test their mental and physical agility on the Zip Wild complex of thrilling zip line/challenge courses.
Plus, there’s the newly opened half-acre, nature-inspired playground for kids, from toddlers to tweens. The $1.9 million Kids’ Trek is a wonderland that combines a replica of a hollow tree with nets inside for climbing, a net staircase, three fabulous slides, a meandering stream and a toddler zone complete with a sand play area and more. A “construction zone” allows bigger kids to build forts and other imaginative structures. The playground encourages kids to explore nature and learn more about the world around them as they play. Admission to Kids’ Trek is included in each ticket to the wildlife park.
Northwest Trek recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and has long been a leader in the care and conservation of Northwest animals.
Seasoned visitors know that the best way to savor the wildlife park is to see it several times a year, appreciating the changing seasons and the life cycle of the animals. Spring, summer and early fall are great times to see bison, elk and caribou calves, deer fawns and bighorn sheep lambs as they grow.
Animals, adventure and a natural setting make Northwest Trek Wildlife Park a must-visit day trip. It’s an easy drive from anywhere in the Puget Sound area. When you enter the tree-lined drive, you just want to say “ahhhh,” slow down a bit and enjoy a day in nature.
KRIS SHERMAN
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
11610 Trek Dr E, Eatonville
360.832.6117
nwtrek.org