If you love exploring and learning about the wildlife in the Northwest, you won’t want to miss the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, located 20 miles south of Puyallup. The Wildlife Park covers over 700 acres, featuring over 40 unique species of the northwest. The park allows you to view these animals up close and offer guided tours that allow visitors to walk through open meadows, forests, and wetlands.
You will notice educational displays throughout the park that teach visitors about unique Pacific Northwest animals and plants. Some common animals you will see include elk, mountain goats, eagles, bobcats, cougars, bears, wolves, foxes, wolverines, badgers, snakes, newts, and much more! The Northwest Trek hires highly trained veterinarians to care for and treat these animals. This park does an incredible job of making these native animals feel comfortable and at home. You will notice that the enclosures surrounding the park are designed to replicate the animal’s natural habitat.
When visiting the Northwest Trek’s website, you are given the option to download the park’s map in advance of your visit. As shown on the map, children can spend time at the Kids’ Trek – a nature-inspired playground. This playground features hands-on activities and gives children a place to explore on their own.
The Northwest Trek cares deeply about wildlife conservation. The park works diligently to protect the Pacific Northwest’s wildlife, plantlife included. Many of the animals you will see throughout the park have either been orphaned, are endangered, or are there for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to collect data on how to better understand and protect animals in harm. In part of keeping the northwest conserved, the park, along with the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Lancer Hospitality, and Wildlife Trading Company is working hard to reduce single-use plastics. The park encourages visitors to bring their own reusable water bottles to fill up at the park’s water bottle filling stations. You can read more about what the Northwest Trek is currently doing in regard to conservation on their website.
The Northwest Trek Wildlife Park allows you to purchase tickets online. Adults can expect tickets to cost $22 per adult, $14 for youth ages 5-12, $10 for children ages 3-4, and free for any infants trekking along. Please note that the prices may change based on the business. Always check their website for more information regarding pricing and membership options, as well as operating business hours.
There are volunteer and donation opportunities you can make towards the park. Donations allow the park to further extend its data research, upgrade exhibits, and buy new equipment when needed. If you are interested in donating, visit their website at https://www.nwtrek.org/connect/donate/. You can also visit the website for additional information on when volunteers are needed and what you can do to help.
