
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Seattle, United States
1. Olympic National Park
A diverse park with mountains, rainforests, and beaches, home to black bears, cougars, and various marine wildlife.
- Marine Life: Boasts a rich marine ecosystem, offering whale watching opportunities.
- Rainforest: Features one of the last temperate rainforests in the U.S., teeming with unique flora and fauna.
- Mountains: Offers hiking trails through breathtaking mountain ranges, providing views of diverse wildlife habitats.
2. San Juan Island National Wildlife Refuge
Home to the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales and a variety of bird species.
- Killer Whales: A sanctuary for the critically endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales.
- Bird Watching: Ideal location for birdwatchers, with over 200 species spotted annually.
- Marine Education: Offers educational programs and guided tours to learn about marine life and conservation efforts.
3. Deception Pass State Park
A coastal park with diverse wildlife and opportunities for boating, hiking, and camping.
- Marine Wildlife: Home to seals, sea lions, porpoises, and a variety of bird species.
- Boating and Camping: Offers boat launches, campgrounds, and picnic areas for visitors.
- Hiking Trails: Features scenic hiking trails with views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
4. North Cascades National Park
A rugged park featuring glaciers, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife such as black bears, wolves, and mountain goats.
- Glaciers: Home to over 300 glaciers, offering opportunities for glacier hiking.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides views of a variety of wildlife species in their natural habitats.
- Alpine Lakes: Boasts numerous crystal-clear alpine lakes perfect for fishing and swimming.
5. Olympic Peninsula
A region of diverse landscapes, from rainforests to coastlines, with a rich wildlife population.
- Rainforests: Home to one of the last remaining temperate rainforests in the contiguous U.S.
- Marine Wildlife: Offers opportunities for whale watching, sea lion spotting, and birdwatching.
- Hiking Trails: Provides scenic hiking trails through forests, mountains, and coastal areas.
6. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
A zoo and aquarium offering a wide variety of exhibits showcasing local and exotic wildlife.
- Local Wildlife: Features exhibits on Northwest marine and forest wildlife.
- Exotic Species: Showcases exotic species from around the world, including tigers, gorillas, and penguins.
- Education and Conservation: Offers educational programs to raise awareness about wildlife conservation efforts.
7. Mukilteo Lighthouse Park
A park offering views of the Puget Sound and various wildlife such as seals, sea lions, and birds.
- Marine Wildlife: Provides opportunities for seal and sea lion spotting.
- Bird Watching: Ideal location for birdwatchers, with over 150 species spotted annually.
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
8. Twin Harbors National Wildlife Refuge
A coastal refuge offering opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and beachcombing.
- Bird Watching: Ideal location for birdwatchers, with over 200 species spotted annually.
- Fishing and Beachcombing: Features a long sandy beach perfect for fishing and beachcombing.
- Coastal Wildlife: Home to various coastal wildlife species, including seals, sea lions, and sea otters.
9. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
A forested park offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and educational programs.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for cougar, black bear, and bobcat sightings.
- Hiking Trails: Features a network of hiking trails through forests and wetlands.
- Education and Conservation: Offers educational programs to raise awareness about wildlife conservation efforts.
10. Snoqualmie Falls
A waterfall located in a forested park, home to various bird species and other wildlife.
- Bird Watching: Ideal location for birdwatchers, with over 150 species spotted annually.
- Waterfall Viewing: Offers stunning views of Snoqualmie Falls and the surrounding forest.
- Nature Trails: Features nature trails through forests and along the river.
11. Port Townsend Marine Science Center
A marine science center offering educational programs, aquarium exhibits, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Marine Life Exhibits: Showcases local marine life in aquarium exhibits.
- Education and Conservation: Offers educational programs to raise awareness about marine conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for seal, sea lion, and bird sightings in their natural habitats.
12. Bainbridge Island Park & Recreation District
A collection of parks offering wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities for seal and sea lion sightings.
- Hiking Trails: Features a network of hiking trails through forests and along the coast.
- Picnic Areas: Provides picnic areas for visitors to enjoy meals while taking in the scenery.
13. Woodland Park Zoo
A zoo featuring exhibits on Northwest wildlife and exotic species, as well as educational programs.
- Local Wildlife: Features exhibits on Northwest marine and forest wildlife.
- Exotic Species: Showcases exotic species from around the world, including tigers, gorillas, and penguins.
- Education and Conservation: Offers educational programs to raise awareness about wildlife conservation efforts.
14. Puget Sound Express Whale Watching
A whale watching tour company offering tours of the Puget Sound in search of orcas and gray whales.
- Whale Watching: Offers opportunities for orca and gray whale sightings.
- Education and Conservation: Provides educational information about orcas, gray whales, and marine conservation efforts.
- Scenic Tours: Offers scenic tours of the Puget Sound, showcasing its natural beauty.
15. Tillamook Burn State Forest
A forested area offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and educational programs.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for elk, deer, and bear sightings.
- Hiking Trails: Features a network of hiking trails through forests and along streams.
- Education and Conservation: Offers educational programs to raise awareness about forest conservation efforts.