Washington State in the wild

Whale watching season is fast approaching in Washington State.

Visitors will get a chance to spot Puget Sound’s resident Orca pods, Minke whales, and Humpback whales until September.

However, the state is home to much more than just whales; visitors can spot bald eagles, elk, moose, black bears, and over 500 species of birds.

Head to one of Washington State’s 20 wildlife refuges or join a wildlife watching tour to learn more about the many animals that call the Evergreen state home.

Whale Watching Tours

Orcas can be sighted in the Puget Sound throughout the year, but visitors’ best chance for spotting one of the three Southern Resident pods is usually from April through September. Whale watching tours depart from multiple areas across the Puget Sound, lucky visitors will spot humpback and minke whales in addition to the resident orca pods. Take a tour out on the water with San Juan Outfitters from the San Juan Islands, Deception Pass Tours from Whidbey Island, or Puget Sound Express from Seattle, Port Angeles and Port Townsend. Expert guides will share information about the whales and visitors may even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle over the Puget Sound. See the whale-watching guide HERE 

Wildlife Refuges 

Washington State is home to more than 20 wildlife refuges, protecting natural wildlife ecosystems and landscapes, allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitats. To spot bald eagles visitors should head to Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, the largest refuge in the state, 80 miles north of Spokane. It covers 42,600 acres, where bald eagles appear in the fall and stay throughout the winter. For river otters, Roosevelt elk and over 200 species of birds, head to Willapa National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Washington which has more than 20 miles of footpaths to explore. Visitors to Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, may spot moose, porcupines, Canada geese plus more across 23,000-acres. The refuge hosts 10 miles of hiking trails, including three wheelchair-accessible paths and a 5.5-mile auto tour route for low-impact opportunities to spot wildlife.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park 

For a guaranteed chance to see some of Washington State’s native wildlife, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Tacoma is home to over 40 species of native Northwest animals, from Moose, to bears, to owls, and newts. The park works towards conserving Pacific Northwest wildlife through animal care and research. Hop on the Discovery Tram to see herds of bison, mountain goats, bighorn sheep roam freely through the 435-acre park, or take a Keeper Adventure Tour through the parks’ Free Roaming Area to hear real keeper stories and get up close to the wildlife. Follow the walking paths throughout the park to see grizzly bears, gray wolves, bobcats, beavers, pacific tree frogs and much more.

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