Back in June, I drove 1500 miles north to the great state of Washington. There in the Pacific Northwest, Fox and I explored beaches, forests, and Northwest Trek in the heart of Mt. Rainier territory.
What’s Northwest Trek?
Northwest Trek is a premier adventure and wildlife park that takes visitors on a journey through the daily lives of PNW creatures and habitats. If you’ve ever watched Wild Kratts and wanted to go on an adventure with the kids, just like them, you totally can here.
The park itself is focused on conservation and educating locals and visitors on the importance of habitat and protecting endangered animals. Many of the parks animals are endangered species and have been Northwest Trek’s conservation program since the early 1990’s. From restoring habitats, protecting Grizzly Bears, and revitalizing the watershed animal community, Northwest Trek offers an educational journey unlike any other.
What Can You Do At Northwest Trek?
The wildlife park has much to offer and everything is doable in one afternoon. Fox and I journeyed up to the park around lunch time and stayed until 4 pm. We started off walking the animal trials and learning about the endangered species the park rescued and houses. Any habitat you could imagine being in the northwest is there; Wetlands, forest specific habitats, lakeside habitats, and more.
Walking through each exhibit, visitors are given a brief, but in-depth look at the life and successes of each creature and how we, as humans, play a role in it.
After wandering through the lush forest walkway you’ll find yourself walking down towards the tram. This is an hour long ride through the more wild areas of the park. On the tram you’ll experience up close encounters with buffalo, deer, moose, and local plantlife. It’s an incredible sight to see. The tram ride is a little chilly so make sure you’re wearing jackets!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWb00W-DpUa/?taken-by=travelfoodiemom
Once you’ve had your fill of the tram ride, depending on your kid’s ages you have two options: The outdoor play zone, Kids Trek, or the extreme choice (great for older kids) Zip Wild Challenge Courses. Being Fox is only four, we opted for the Kids Trek play area that was full of age appropriate fun including a stream that runs through the entire play area.
If your kids are dare devils or are older than 5 you can take them on any of these Zip Wild Challenge Course options:
| Sensation Course | Ages 18 & up | $69.95 plus tax* |
| Adventure Course | Ages 10 & up | $48.95 plus tax* |
| Aerial Runway | Ages 8 & up | $18.95 plus tax* |
| Discovery Course | Ages 8 & up | $32.95 plus tax* |
| Super Kid Course | Ages 5 & up | $21.95 plus tax* |
| $9.95 plus tax* per accompanying guardian (Super Kid course only) |
Keep in mind though, the cost of these courses are on top of admission to the park.
When’s the Best Time To Go?
In Washington, you always have to plan your day according to the weather. The best time to go to Northwest Trek is going to fall in the late spring and early summer category (especially for non-Washington state visitors). Going in June it was warm outside, but still cool enough to wear pants and a jacket over a t-shirt. Do keep in mind you are outside, in the mountains, and in the shade of a lush forest 99% of the time so be sure to dress appropriately.
Fox and I loved every minute of our adventure to Northwest Trek. I hope you head up before the winter comes and enjoy the outdoor adventures and educational opportunities the park has to offer.
Need tips on where to stay and what else to do in Washington? Check out The Seven Best Places In Tacoma Locals Are Raving About.