Reviews of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park (Zoo)

Marque Rogers

Great place for kids of All ages. The park is lovely and well maintained. We spotted many animals and really enjoyed all the info given by our wild drive guide-- on the radio, we didn't have to come in direct contact with anyone. All the staff friendly, and well informed. Found it very safe to visit during Covid. Sanitizers were available in several spots throughout the kids trek. Every employee was wearing a mask and followed safety protocols very seriously. Loved it!

wei song

Wait time

Got your Goat

Yes

Ashley Bush

Went and did the drive through, it was ok, but the park itself was fantastic. The $90 includes the drive through and the park admission which was nice. It requires timed ticket for the drive through but not the zoo. Zoo was well maintained and clean, with variety of animals that HK they have saved. Workers were super kind and informative as well. Not a lot of people so it was super quiet and nice (around 5pm)

Munch Kin

I brought my family here ranging in ages from 3-13 and we all had fun! My 13 year olds niece said that she spent 6 hours playing there with a camp one day but we just did 3 hours before lunch. We would have stayed longer if we had brought our food (but they did have a cafe that we didn’t check out). We took the wild ride tour which is a guided tour lasting about 1 hour. We saw bison, elk, goats, caribou, and deer. The bison were incredible! I was very grateful because they had a spare portable radio when my car radio wouldn’t cooperate. All of the kids enjoyed the playground! I think a membership there is worth investigating because all of us wanted to go back!!

Stacy Litwin

Wait time

Amanda Smith

This is a fantastic nature park, and they have improved many areas - the Bald Eagle viewing area which bridges the trail is amazing - they can fly right overhead! The Cougar, Bobcat, and Lynx were amazing and loved their enrichment treats the keepers give them, bears were happy to get some fish and stood up for us, and the Roosevelt Elk were bugling!

Mark Klingler

Weekend

Andrew Bisset

It was a fun trip. Our favorite exhibit was being see the wolves and white owls. The costumes were fun during the Hoot and how event

Roxanne Castro

Reservation recommended

Eric Lundquist

Not sure

Laurie Walvisch

Public holiday

Oksana Mikhailenko

I worked here as an Americorps NCCC member in 2020. The staff is amazing, incredibly caring and intelligent people who want to get to work caring for and preserving the animals they house here. Jake and Brian are both caring staff members my team worked under and I cannot wait to eventually revisit this amazing place. Also, I was here during the fall/winter when the zip lines on the walking trails were not open but they look amazing!

Gina Roche - Brown

A wonderful experience! Loved seeing all the animals up close and hearing rescue stories from zoo keepers. Greatly satisfied by our visit!!

Sandy Stutzenburg

We absolutely loved this place! My partner and I did the Wild Drive Tour and walked around the nature trails inside and we loved both. The tour was great and our driver was so knowledgeable and easy to listen to over the radio. She obviously loves her job and loves animals and the environment and it came through. The inside of the park is beautiful and calming, and it wasn't very crowded (it was a Friday afternoon) so it made it even more relaxing. All of the animals, both in the enclosures and in the free-roaming area, seem happy, healthy, and well cared for. We would definitely recommend coming out to learn more about the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Thanks for a great time!

Thayne de Best

Visited on

Chris Dock

Visited on

William T

For how out of the way this location is, it was very full, but it also was a weekend visit. If you are a member of the Point Defiance Zoo, you can have a combo membership to NW Trek. While admission is free, most everything else here is not. Until Spring of 2022, there is no tram around the park as they are upgrading. So if you want to drive through areas not available by walking, that will cost another $70+. This trip, we chose to just walk. There are many areas in this easily walkable and large park. The enclosures are spacious and feel like a part of the forest, instead of something that shouldn’t be there. As with most parks, we didn’t always see the animals, but those that we did were very active, from a swimming bobcat to a playful Grizzly. The eagles were calling out most of the trip, which was neat. There is a large play area for the kids, so if you want them to sleep on the drive home, bring them here. They will enjoy playing in a small creek or climbing through a large tree. I will be definitely writing a new review when we can do the tram tour of the park (or if we splurge to use our own vehicle).

Julie Mounts

We had fun. We had a speed walk through the park before we went on the drive tour… was still fun to do something for almost an hour… we didn’t see a moose but saw some other cool animals. Beautiful area!

Carl Andres

I take my family here almost every other weekend. We have the family yearly pass. Great place to bring your kids and parents. Amazing staff and beautiful zoo animals. Walking is a plus if your in the need to get a little exercise in. I …

Kate Calixterio

Weekend

Zach Auld

We went on Labor Day to the Northwest Treks Wild Ride. You use your own car and join a caravan of other cars on a slow drive through the park and looking at the animals. There was some excitement as it was rutting season for the elk and we saw a dominate male with a herd of cows run off a younger male. A bison herd was also pretty close. We went into the park afterwards. Bears and eagles were the best. Unless your hungry don't bother with the food.

Kimberly Alvarez

Reservation recommended

Joe F

Has a great time on the walk in and drive through section of the park. Staff were friendly, facilities were clean, and the animals were awesome!

Ruby Sharma

Went today. Is wasn’t to bad. A lot of the animals were out except a few due to the rainy weather. It wasn’t crowded at all which I love. The tickets are the same price even when tram isn’t working so to construction. Though they have comp tickets for the next few months it would be the same thing as today ( no tram). I’m glad it was free parking and walking trail. We did the fairy trail for my daughter she loved it.

Chad Kaleo

Wait time

J

Yes

Denise Cole

Absolutely amazing! The wild tour ride was insanely beautiful! Northwest Trek is like nothing we have ever experienced! Definitely want to go back again! The playground was a great way for the kids to run off the extra energy! Highly recommend the Northwest Trek to anyone who loves animals and family time!

Cloud 37th

Reservation recommended

Katgab93

Wild drive is a value. You follow a caravan of cars thru their free range are. An get to listen to the your on FM radio. The tour last about an hour. That admission allows to also visit the walkable zoo area. Best of all when we went their was no crowds.

Andrea Silverman

No wait

Victoria Dodge

Top notch! Driving tour is a must. Bald eagles are great. Go see animals in a region they belong.

Amanda Isberg

We loved this place!!!! The drive through the free roam area was amazing and our guide was very informative. I actually preferred to be in our car instead of a tram so we could talk about what we were seeing and have snacks for the kids. The kids playground is super fun and all the animals seem well cared for and living their best possible life. We appreciate that this isn’t a zoo, but a place where displaced or injured animals can go and live. We would love to visit next time we are in the area. Our only suggestion would be to have allergy friendly foods available. While the menu states there’s gluten-free burgers, the way they are made isn’t safe for someone with a gluten allergy only a sensitivity. We were also told the ice cream they carried wasn’t gluten-free either. We packed snacks but it would have been nice to have an option for a treat.

Sarah Roemer

No wait

Sarah Christensen

It was our first time visiting NW Trek. It was a great experience being able to see animals we cannot normally see at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. It feels like a healing place surrounded by trees and nature. Also, they have an amazing playground for kids.

Scott Wright

Yes

Erik Sarvela

No wait

Kassia Kountz

This place is great! Almost gave a five star. Here’s the Pros & Cons from our first experience: Cons: A lady today got scared on the zip lining and I’m almost positive she didn’t receive a refund. She had a son who was CRUSHED he couldn’t finish without her. This may be a policy, but I think it’d be fantastic for business if the people who get nervous either get a partial refund or something towards the next visit. If you get scared, you’re just out of a decent bit of money. Secondly, this same Mom & Son was ahead of me by four or more people in the cafe. All they ordered was ice cream and I got my burger and ice cream before her. I mentioned to the cafe crew and they kinda brushed it off until she came up. I felt so bad for her. They also forgot my drink and weren’t the happiest bunch. I realize it’s busy, summer and it’s not the most fun job, but a smile goes a long way! Also, the options were limited. The animals were great from what I saw, but don’t get there late or they’re all napping! And a log broke on the most challenging zip line! Eeek! So definitely want a double safety check to ensure your patrons are safe. Pros: Though pricey, everyone loved the zip lining. And there’s waiting between which is good for recovery before going again. So many challenges. There’s different levels and that’s awesome too! The kid’s park is awesome! Like a little mini adventure area. The animals we did see were gorgeous. The burgers at the cafe weren’t five star, but not bad. The fries were actually great as was the ice cream! A clean park, clean bathrooms and nice souvenir shop. The birds were breathtaking. We saw one devouring it’s meal! And the bears were awesome. The guides we ran into were all helpful, informative and kind. I like there’s free parking even if it’s a bit of a walk from some lots. Not too bad though! One guide gave us lots of great facts about the animals. I really wish we could have done the part where you drive through and see the animals but the zip lining took half the day. I heard great things about it from other people there. So ultimately a GREAT trip! I think coupon days and military/first responders/firefighters etc. days or discounts would be amazing too. Or large family discount days? Just an idea. Hope this helps. Keep up the good work on the wonderful park and maybe tweak a couple small things to make it that much more wonderful!

Gloria Davis

First time for the grandkids going there and they had so much fun watching and looking for all the animals. They have a great kids zone they loved playing in and they have a big covered seating area where we had our lunch ???? They can't wait to come back again they said.

Kimberly Steiner

$31+

Shana Bobbitt

Our family had an enjoyable time at NW Trek. The park has lovely walking paths and a variety of wildlife to see. The driving tour was fun and the leader had a nice speaking voice and gave a lot of info on the animals. Good for all ages

Eric Nebel

Visited on

JD Schneed

Finally came back after not visiting for a few years, love it just as much as when I was a kid. Tram trail in the car is awesome, loved all the animals and they had misting areas all set up since it was in the high 80's, great trip

Sarah Santos

We enjoyed a visit here today with our two boys (11 and 13). Everyone was friendly, organized, and professional. The men's bathroom was very, very clean! We spent five hours: Wild Drive, Zip Wild, and outdoor enclosures. A number of animals could not be seen at 85°F. The day cost $151.41. The Wild Drive includes park admission, so call and book by phone to avoid paying twice.

Crystal Lua

No wait

Jennifer Lemus

Visited on

Erika Brown

Really a beautiful walk through a self guided tour of the animals. Option for a ride but this allowed us to take as much time as we'd like viewing the animals.

serrah linares

Price for adult entry

Niraj Shah

We went for Father's day 2021 for the wild ride tour, you are now guided through the park on a scheduled tour with your own VEHICLE! My family and I enjoyed it so much more than we ever did the tram! They even have you thne your radio to a designated FM station just for the tour guide to still be able to give you all the information about the park, animals you see along they way, as well as other fun facts. Such a great idea! If you don't want to listen to the tour guide you just turn down your radio! There's no more only being able to see one side because there aren't any strangers next to you to block the view! It is a separate thing from general admission and it costs more but definitely worth every penny! General admission is included in the price so you are able to park and walk through to see all the predators. IF they're out that is, we were slightly disappointed with that part since my daughter didn't get to see any of the animals she really wanted to but I guess that's just part of the chance you take. There also seems to be a newer section with a large children's play area that we didn't have time to check out. That's on the agenda for next time!

Beth Bear

Drive was quick but saw alot of wild animals. Nice to see all the animals they offered. The bears were our favorite

Molly Davidson

Another incredible experience. The tram ride is currently down, but we still got to see quite a few animals and my toddler had a ton of fun in the kid's play area (seriously, I wish I had a place like that to play in when I was little!). The people in the gift shop were really friendly, and the volunteer at the Lynx/Bobcat area was very informative. This isn't a zoo. Animals aren't crammed into tiny spaces so they can be easily seen. Here, they're given larger spaces and places to get away from loud people. You may not always be able to see the animal you want to, but at least you can know they're comfortable and well taken care of.

Stephanie Allen

Weekend

Mark Eakin

Wait time

Kristian P.

Visited on

Nathanial Stewart

Awesome wildlife with a fantastic play area for kids! My family and I have been going here since we moved to the area. It's got a great layout, a unique and fun playground, and, when it was running, the tram was a phenomenal experience for the kids! I'm a little disappointed with how much they charge now for vehicle tours. The kids still ask for the tram and we're left explaining that $70 extra per trip just isn't in the budget. Still hoping to see the tram return soon!

Paula Rovik

Up to 10 min

Peggy Nystrom

Weekend

Donald Bowell

Reservation recommended

Jeanna Currier

Wait time

Sarah Ruiz

While camping in Mossyrock I decided I'd see what attractions the surrounding areas offered and I stumbled across Northwest Trek. I had never heard of it neither had and of my friends and family I mentioned it to. The park was INCREDIBLE from the staff to the animals this wildlife park was on point and gorgeous. We especially loved the wild drive we did.