The park was founded by Dr. David Hellyer and his wife, Connie, who donated the land to the community in 1975.
The Free-Roaming Area is large enough to house over 100 animals that move across the terrain independently of human schedules.
Northwest Trek participates in the Species Survival Plan for several endangered species, including the woodland caribou.
The park's wetlands and meadows were naturally formed by the retreat of glaciers thousands of years ago.
The 'Kids’ Trek' play area is designed as a nature-inspired playground utilizing natural cedar and climbing structures.
The park maintains a dedicated wildlife research and conservation fund to support regional habitat protection.
It is one of the few places in Washington where visitors can consistently observe moose, which are typically elusive in the wild.
The facility serves as an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a 723-acre zoological facility located in Eatonville, Washington, focused on native Pacific Northwest species. The park features a 435-acre Free-Roaming Area where animals like American bison, Roosevelt elk, and moose reside in large, open-range enclosures. Visitors explore this area via guided tram tours, which provide elevated viewing opportunities of the wildlife herds. In addition to the tram circuit, the park maintains walking trails through forested habitats that house animals such as gray wolves, cougars, bobcats, and grizzly bears. The facility emphasizes conservation, education, and the rehabilitation of native fauna. It includes an extensive aviary and specialized enclosures for birds of prey, including bald eagles and owls. The park is managed by Metro Parks Tacoma and serves as a center for regional wildlife biology. It is situated within the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, providing a naturalistic environment for its inhabitants. The site integrates recreational paths with managed animal habitats to promote biodiversity awareness.
The elevated observation decks near the Free-Roaming Area meadows offer the best wide-angle shots of bison and elk herds.
Prioritize the tram tour immediately upon arrival as animal activity is highest earlier in the day.
Bring binoculars to get a better view of animals deep within the free-roaming meadows.
Dress in layers, as the forest canopy can be significantly cooler than open areas, even in summer.
Avoid arriving late in the day, as tram tours conclude well before the park gates close and animal activity drops significantly.
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas; tram operations may be suspended during extreme winter weather conditions.
Maintain silence during tram tours to avoid startling the animals; remain on designated paths at all times.
