The Underrated Wildlife Park In Washington Where You Can See Wolves

Did you know that there are wolves in Washington? At the end of 2021, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife counted 33 packs and 206 wolves roaming our beautiful state. In the wild, these charismatic animals are famously shy. Still, it's possible to see wolves and numerous other local species up close and personal at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville!

Plan your visit to this remarkable sanctuary for Evergreen State creatures, big and small.

Comprising a sprawling 723 acres, Northwest Trek first opened in 1975 following a generous land donation from Dr. David “Doc” and Connie Hellyer to Metro Parks Tacoma.

Since then, it's grown from strength to strength, attracting individuals eager to experience personal encounters with Washington's wildlife. In 2019 alone, over one million people visited the park.

On the back of all this success, Northwest Trek manages a robust conservation program. Some species they work with include fishers, trumpeter swans, northern leopard frogs, and native bats! They also advocate for the reintroduction of grizzlies to the rugged North Cascades.

But these aren't the only Evergreen State species you can see here! The park is home to bears, cats, canines, eagles, birds, various herbivores, and a stunning array of wetland creatures.

You'll love the intimate viewing section for playful otters.

And the chance to see even everyday animals in their most personal moments.

And don't forget to drive through the awe-inspiring free-roaming enclosure where moose, elk, bison, and more all share an expansive 435 acres.

Last but not least, Northwest Trek's gray wolves, siblings Tala, Darci, and Canagan, are some of the park's most charismatic residents.

They've called Northwest Trek home since 2013 and have played an important role in changing hearts and minds about conserving wolves in the wild, where they're often villainized for hunting livestock.

It's rare to meet a Pacific Northwesterner who doesn't love our beautiful outdoors. But part of appreciating our stunning local nature is understanding the other animals that call Washington home. A visit to Eatonville's Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a fantastic place to start, providing immersive educational opportunities to visitors of all ages.

Combine a trip to Mount Rainier National Park with a layover in town, so you'll have all day to get up close and personal with some of the Evergreen State's most magnetic creatures. Northwest Trek remains one of the best places to see wolves in Washington, along with the array of other species who call this park their home.