Best places to see wildlife in Washington State

Introduction: Washington’s Wild Side Awaits

I still remember the first time I saw a bald eagle grab a fish from Puget Sound. My heart stopped. That’s what makes wildlife watching in Washington so magical – those breathtaking moments that happen when you least expect them. (Wildlife in Washington State)

Having explored these spots for over a decade, I’ve put together this guide to my favorite places where nature never disappoints, whether you’re packing professional camera gear or just want to show your kids what an orca looks like outside an aquarium.

Table of Content

1. Olympic National Park: A Biodiversity Wonderland

The Olympic Peninsula feels like its own planet. With nearly a million acres spanning from coastlines to alpine meadows, this UNESCO site tops my list for good reason.

What You Might See

• Roosevelt Elk (the largest elk subspecies in North America)
• Black bears foraging in meadows
• River otters playing along streams
• Marmots sunning on rocks
• Over 300 bird species including northern spotted owls

Best Spots Within the Park

The Hoh Rain Forest’s Hall of Mosses trail almost guarantees elk sightings early morning or evening. I’ve watched entire herds move like shadows between moss-draped trees. Eerie and magnificent.

For marine life, head to Rialto Beach where tide pools reveal starfish, anemones, and sometimes harbor seals lounging offshore. Definitely bring binoculars.

Local Insider Tips

• Graves Creek Road in the Quinault Valley is my secret elk-viewing spot with way fewer crowds than the Hoh. Go 2-3 hours before sunset.
• Everyone misses the marmots at Hurricane Ridge by sticking to the main trail. Take Klahhane Ridge about half a mile in and look for rocky outcroppings – they’re like marmot condos!
• For tidepooling, check tide charts and arrive 1-2 hours before lowest tide. Second Beach beats the more crowded Ruby Beach.
• Grab the $3 waterproof wildlife checklist at the Port Angeles ranger station – totally worth it.

Pro Tip: Visit in May when baby elk calves appear and spring migration brings tons of birds.

2. San Juan Islands: Orca Territory

Photo by Nathan Moore

Watching a massive orca breach the surface of the Salish Sea is something that stays with you forever. The San Juans offer the best orca-watching in the lower 48, and my yearly trips here never disappoint.

What You Might See

• Orca whales (three resident pods: J, K, and L)
• Minke and humpback whales
• Harbor seals and porpoises
• Bald eagles
• Black-tailed deer

Best Viewing Spots

Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island is called “Whale Watch Park” for good reason. I’ve spent hours on these rocks watching orcas pass close enough to hear them breathe. Unforgettable.

For a different angle, kayaking from San Juan County Park offers amazing encounters (just keep a responsible distance).

Local Insider Tips

• Everyone flocks to the west side of San Juan Island, but locals know Cattle Point on the southern tip has excellent orca viewing when pods travel through the strait.
• Skip those expensive whale tours and take the inter-island ferry instead. It crosses prime whale territory for a fraction of the price!
• The morning Anacortes-to-Friday Harbor ferry passes waters where porpoises feed – stand on the right side for best views.
• For land viewing, South Beach on San Juan Island has amazing eagle-watching at low tide when they hunt exposed pools.
• Locals check the Orca Network Facebook page for real-time sightings before heading out.

When to Go

While orcas appear year-round, aim for May through September when salmon runs attract hungry pods. Last July I counted 27 orca sightings in one day!

Pro Tip: Download the Whale Alert app before your trip for real-time sighting updates. Saved me hours of fruitless searching.

3. Mount Rainier National Park: Alpine Wildlife Haven

Photo by Vlada Karpovich

Standing at 14,410 feet, Rainier creates its own ecosystem. Summer subalpine meadows burst with wildflowers, drawing creatures from tiny to massive.

What You Might See

• Mountain goats on impossible terrain
• Black bears feasting on huckleberries
• Whistling marmots warning their colonies
• Elk and deer in meadows
• The elusive wolverine (extremely rare, but present)

Best Viewing Areas

Paradise and Sunrise meadows offer stellar wildlife viewing with breathtaking mountain backdrops. I’ve found the Skyline Trail at Paradise reliable for marmot sightings – these chubby “whistlepigs” are surprisingly entertaining.

For mountain goats, try the trails around Sunrise, especially the path to Berkeley Park. Bring a spotting scope to turn those distant white dots into impressive animals.

Local Insider Tips

• The Glacier Basin Trail from White River Campground is my go-to elk spot during summer evenings. Reach the meadow about 2 miles in around 7pm and wait quietly.
• Everyone checks meadows for wildlife, but the old-growth forest at Ohanapecosh is prime spotted owl habitat. Hike Silver Falls Loop late afternoon and listen for their calls.
• The east entrance via Chinook Pass has way fewer visitors but excellent black bear viewing, especially in late August when huckleberries ripen. Tipsoo Lake area is perfect.
• Always check the unofficial “wildlife log” at Longmire Wilderness Information Center for recent sightings.
• Photographers: rent a cabin at National Park Inn at Longmire. Deer and fox visit the meadow out front at dawn, with perfect light.

Pro Tip: Visit weekdays in late August when crowds thin but wildlife remains active, feeding heavily before winter.

4. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Photo by Erik Karits

Just minutes from Olympia, this restored estuary where fresh and salt water meet creates perfect conditions for over 300 bird species. I’ve spent countless peaceful mornings here with just my camera and bird calls for company.

What You Might See

• Bald eagles and osprey hunting over water
• Great blue herons stalking shallows
• Thousands of migratory ducks, geese, and swans (fall/winter)
• River otters playing along waterways
• Occasional harbor seals following the tide in

Best Viewing Spots

The Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk extends a mile into the delta, offering amazing views without disturbing habitat. The Twin Barns Loop is another favorite – last winter I watched an eagle snatch a duck mid-air from this trail, nature’s food chain in dramatic action.

Local Insider Tips

• The hidden McAllister Creek viewing blind gets overlooked but offers the best shorebird viewing. Find it via the small unmarked trail branching east halfway down the boardwalk.
• High tide and low tide give completely different experiences. Check tide charts before visiting and try to arrive during changing tide for maximum activity.
• There’s a resident barred owl family that’s nested near the old twin barns for generations. Look in the dense maple stands about 100 yards east.
• The refuge closes at dusk, but if you arrive 90 minutes before closing and stay until the end, you’ll see the “evening flyout” when hundreds of herons and egrets return to their rookery.
• Bring quarters for the visitor center spotting scopes – they’re high-quality Swarovski models that make my personal binoculars look like toys.

When to Go

Pro Tip: Stop by the visitor center first – staff keeps a daily log of interesting sightings that’s led me to many creatures I would’ve missed.

5. North Cascades National Park: Wilderness Immersion

Photo by Alex Moliski

The North Cascades are Washington’s most rugged mountains, often called “America’s Alps.” This remote park sees fewer visitors, making wildlife encounters feel more special. I’ve hiked all day without seeing another human – but plenty of wild residents.

What You Might See

• Black bears and rare grizzlies
• Mountain goats and bighorn sheep
• Gray wolves (rarely spotted but present)
• Lynx and bobcats (if extremely lucky)
• Golden eagles soaring overhead

Best Viewing Areas

The area around Cascade Pass offers excellent chances for mountain goats and marmots. For an easier option, drive the North Cascades Highway (SR 20) and scan mountainsides for goats and bears, especially early or late day.

Diablo Lake overlook isn’t just for the stunning turquoise water – osprey and eagles fish here regularly. I once watched an osprey dive five times before catching dinner, all framed by snow-capped peaks.

Local Insider Tips

• Locals call the Early Winters area near Mazama “bear alley.” Drive this stretch of Highway 20 at dawn for almost guaranteed black bear sightings in berry season (July-September).
• Most people miss Stehekin Valley’s wildlife potential because it’s only accessible by boat or float plane. The Rainbow Falls shuttle stops at meadows where deer and bear are common.
• Thunder Creek Trail from Colonial Creek Campground follows a salmon-spawning stream with river otters, bears, and eagles in fall. The first 2 miles are flat and easy for most hikers.
• If Cascade Pass gets crowded, try Blue Lake Trail near Washington Pass instead – similar alpine habitat and mountain goats with half the visitors.
• Winter wildlife tracking is incredible here – rent snowshoes at Glacier Public Service Center and look for wolf, cougar, and lynx tracks along the closed portion of Highway 20.

Pro Tip: This is truly wild country. Carry bear spray, make noise while hiking, and know what to do if you encounter a bear. Respect equals safety.

6. Skagit Valley and Skagit Wildlife Area: Bird Migration Spectacle

Photo by Bryan Hanson on Unsplash

Each winter, the Skagit Valley hosts one of the most impressive bird migrations anywhere. Snow geese arrive by thousands, turning entire fields into moving white blankets. The trumpeting calls of swans echo across the valley – nature’s symphony at its finest.

What You Might See

• Snow geese (up to 50,000 in peak season)
• Trumpeter and tundra swans
• Bald eagles (one of the largest winter concentrations in the lower 48)
• Peregrine falcons and other raptors
• Elk herds in agricultural fields

Best Viewing Areas

Fir Island is snow goose central. The public access points along Fir Island Road provide excellent viewing. For swans, check fields around Bow and Edison. I’ve stood amazed as hundreds of these massive birds descended onto fields just yards away.

The Skagit River between Concrete and Rockport hosts hundreds of bald eagles from December through February during salmon season. Pullouts along SR 20 offer safe viewing spots.

Local Insider Tips

• Most visitors never find the Jensen Access viewing platform on Fir Island, but it’s my favorite spot – take Rawlins Road from Conway and look for the small gravel parking area on the right.
• Most bird watchers leave at dusk, but locals know geese return to specific fields just before sunset. The Headquarters Unit of Skagit Wildlife Area is perfect for this spectacular “fly-in.”
• Skip crowded Howard Miller Steelhead Park for eagle watching and head to the lesser-known Marblemount Fish Hatchery instead. Same eagles, fraction of the crowds.
• Morning valley fog makes viewing tough. Wait until it burns off (usually by 10am) or head to slightly higher ground like the hill on Best Road near Calhoun Road.
• The Padilla Bay Shore Trail rarely makes wildlife guides but offers excellent shorebird viewing without mud.
• Local farmers rotate crops yearly, affecting where birds feed. Stop at the Skagit Valley Visitor Center in Mount Vernon for updated “hot spot” maps.

When to Go

Mid-October through March is prime time, with January typically offering peak numbers. Go weekdays if possible – weekend eagle-watchers create traffic jams on narrow valley roads.

Pro Tip: Respect private property and view from designated areas only. Disturbing feeding birds wastes energy they need to survive.

7. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument: Rebirth and Resilience

Photo by JOHN CALLERY

The 1980 eruption created a unique opportunity to witness ecosystem recovery in real-time. Forty-five years later, the once-devastated landscape teems with returning wildlife, telling an amazing story of nature’s resilience.

What You Might See

• Roosevelt elk (large herds)
• Black-tailed deer
• Mountain goats on rocky slopes
• Black bears foraging in meadows
• Beavers reshaping waterways

Best Viewing Areas

Johnston Ridge Observatory provides sweeping views of the crater and valleys where elk herds gather. For a more immersive experience, hike the Hummocks Trail to see beaver dams and diverse birds.

The Muddy River viewpoint often yields elk sightings, especially dawn and dusk. I’ve watched entire herds with calves grazing peacefully in valleys once completely sterilized by volcanic fury – life finding a way.

Local Insider Tips

• Coldwater Lake area gets bypassed by visitors heading straight to the observatory, but it’s actually better for wildlife viewing. Birth of a Lake Trail has great signs explaining how this ecosystem formed and which species arrived first.
• Few people know about the “secret” elk viewing area: Drive Forest Road 99 to Windy Ridge, then hike Abraham Trail about 1 mile to a hidden meadow complex that’s a major elk calving ground in June.
• Ape Canyon Trail on the east side offers not just great views but excellent bear habitat – the huckleberry fields at timberline are particularly good in August and September.
• Pine Creek Information Station keeps a wildlife board where visitors report recent sightings. Check it before deciding where to explore.
• Photographers: Meta Lake reflections at sunrise offer stunning shots with wildlife in the foreground and the volcano behind.
• Norway Pass trail climbs to a ridge overlooking Spirit Lake and crosses prime mountain goat territory – bring a spotting scope to scan cliffs above St. Helens Lake.

Pro Tip: Bring a spotting scope or powerful binoculars. Much wildlife is visible but distant across the broad valleys.

8. Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge: Eastern Washington’s Hidden Gem

Photo by Frans van Heerden

Just 20 miles from Spokane, this 18,000-acre refuge protects a unique landscape of channeled scablands – wetlands, ponds, and meadows carved by ancient floods. The diverse habitat supports wildlife found nowhere else in the region.

What You Might See

• Moose browsing in wetlands
• White-tailed and mule deer
• Coyotes hunting in open grasslands
• Porcupines in aspen groves
• Over 200 bird species including sandhill cranes

Best Viewing Areas

The 5.5-mile auto tour route lets you watch wildlife without leaving your car. For a closer look, Kepple Lake Trail often yields moose sightings, especially early morning. My most memorable visit included watching a cow moose and gangly calf feeding in lily pads just 50 yards from the viewing blind.

Local Insider Tips

• The refuge has over 50 managed wetlands, but locals know Blackhorse Lake consistently produces the best wildlife viewing. Look for the small blind on its northwest shore – follow the unmarked trail from parking.
• Pine Lakes Loop gets overlooked but offers excellent porcupine spotting. Look up into aspen trees where they often rest during day – I once counted seven in a single tree!
• The refuge roads are gated, but you can enter before official hours (after sunrise) and after closing (before sunset) on foot or bike for prime viewing times.
• Trumpeter swans nest here in spring but disturb easily. View only from designated blinds – the eastern blind on 30 Acre Lake offers clearest sightlines.
• For macro photography fans, the threatened Columbia Basin tiger beetle appears on sandy trails during summer – a rare find most visitors completely miss.
• During drought, wildlife concentrates around permanent water. Ask the visitor center which ponds still have water if visiting in late summer.

When to Go

Spring brings dramatic migrations and breeding displays, fall offers beautiful colors and active wildlife preparing for winter. Summer mornings and evenings yield good mammal sightings, though midday can be quiet.

Pro Tip: This is one of the few places in Washington for reliable moose viewing. Drive carefully – these massive animals appear suddenly and can be dangerous if startled.

9. Salmon Run Spectacle: Nature’s Drama

Photo by Lamont Mead

Few natural events match the drama of salmon runs. Several Washington rivers offer viewing, but my favorite spots combine accessibility with natural beauty.

Best Salmon Viewing Locations

• Tumwater Falls Park (September-October)
• Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail (November)
• Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (September-November)
• McLane Creek Nature Trail (November-December)

What Makes It Special

Watching bright red salmon battle upstream, leaping waterfalls and navigating obstacles to reach spawning grounds, powerfully demonstrates nature’s determination. And it’s not just fish – predators including bears, eagles, and otters often gather for this seasonal feast.

I brought my niece to Tumwater Falls during peak Chinook season and her eyes widened watching these massive fish – some over 30 pounds – hurling themselves at the fish ladder. “They’re coming home,” she whispered. Exactly right.

Local Insider Tips

• Tumwater Falls gets packed, but locals park at the lower viewing area (near the brewery) and walk upstream for better visibility and fewer people.
• At Kennedy Creek, most visitors stop at the first interpretive station, but the best spawning happens at station #4 – continue along the trail for less crowded viewing.
• McLane Creek Nature Trail is known for chum salmon, but few realize it’s prime for river otters feasting on spawned-out salmon. Visit early December and wait quietly at the viewing platform.
• Photographers: the Adams Street bridge in Olympia (near the Children’s Museum) offers urban salmon viewing with interesting architectural elements for composition.
• The Skokomish Tribe runs a little-known viewing site on the Skokomish River near Potlatch. Tribal guides share traditional salmon knowledge you won’t hear elsewhere.
• Dosewallips State Park on Hood Canal offers underwater salmon viewing – bring a polarized lens filter to cut water glare.

Pro Tip: Go after recent rainfall when river levels rise, making it easier for fish to navigate obstacles. This often triggers larger numbers moving upstream together.

10. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge: Accessible Wildlife Viewing

Photo by Hugo Sykes

Just 25 minutes from Portland, this wetland complex along the Columbia River offers some of the most accessible wildlife viewing around, including amenities for those with mobility challenges.

What You Might See

• Sandhill cranes (winter)
• Massive waterfowl flocks
• Coyotes hunting in fields
• River otters and beavers
• Black-tailed deer

Best Viewing Areas

The 4.2-mile auto tour route lets you observe wildlife from your vehicle – perfect for bad weather or those who can’t hike far. The Kiwa Trail (open May-September) offers an accessible boardwalk through wetlands full of birds.

During my last visit, I watched river otters playing and fishing along the auto route for nearly 30 minutes. They seemed completely unbothered, sliding down muddy banks and chasing each other through the water.

Local Insider Tips

• The auto route has numbered stops, but experienced visitors know the unnumbered pullout between markers 9 and 10 offers the best beaver viewing, especially 90 minutes before sunset.
• Most visitors never discover the “River S” unit’s walking trail that’s accessible even when the auto route closes Thursdays. Park outside the gate and walk in for solitary wildlife viewing.
• The Carty Unit on the refuge’s north side gets far fewer visitors but offers excellent birding along Oaks to Wetlands Trail. The oak woodland supports species not found elsewhere in the refuge.
• During winter floods, wildlife concentrates on higher ground. Look specifically at the elevated area near marker 12 on the auto route where deer, coyotes, and small mammals gather.
• For photography, morning fog creates magical conditions but arrives suddenly. Check Portland aviation weather the night before – if humidity tops 90% and temperatures are dropping, you’ll likely have perfect fog conditions.
• The refuge prohibits tripods outside vehicles on the auto route, but beanbag camera supports draped over your car window work perfectly and are allowed.

When to Go

Winter brings spectacular waterfowl and raptor concentrations. Spring offers nesting birds and newborn mammals. Summer and early fall can be quieter but still rewarding, especially early morning.

Pro Tip: The auto route is one-way and slow-speed only. Bring snacks and patience – wildlife viewing rewards those who take their time.

Essential Wildlife Viewing Tips for Washington State

After countless wildlife trips (and many mistakes), I’ve learned successful wildlife viewing comes down to preparation and respect:

Timing Is Everything

• Dawn and dusk offer peak activity for most mammals
• Midday is often slow except for birds of prey soaring on thermals
• Weekdays mean fewer people and less disturbed wildlife
• Check seasonal migrations before planning

Gear That Makes a Difference

• Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 are versatile)
• A spotting scope for distant wildlife
• Weather-appropriate, quiet clothing in natural colors
• A field guide specific to Pacific Northwest wildlife

Ethical Viewing Practices

• Keep safe distances (100 yards from predators, 25 yards from other wildlife)
• Never feed wild animals – it harms their natural behaviors and health
• Stay on designated trails to minimize habitat damage
• Keep dogs leashed or leave them home
• Pack out all trash and food scraps

Pro Tip: My secret weapon is patience. I find a comfortable spot with good visibility, sit quietly for 30+ minutes, and let wildlife come to me. It’s amazing what appears when you become part of the landscape rather than moving through it.

Wildlife Photography Basics for Beginners

You don’t need pro gear for memorable wildlife images. Here’s what I’ve learned through years of trial and error:

• Use your vehicle as a blind – animals often see cars as non-threatening
• Focus on eyes – they’re the window to animal expression
• Shoot during “golden hours” around sunrise and sunset for magical lighting
• Capture behavior and interaction rather than just portraits
• Include habitat in your composition to tell a story

Most importantly, prioritize the experience over the perfect shot. I’ve watched too many people miss amazing moments because they were fiddling with camera settings.

Seasonal Wildlife Viewing Calendar

Season	Best Wildlife to See	Top Locations
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Bald eagles, snow geese, trumpeter swans, elk	Skagit Valley, Skagit River, Olympic Peninsula
Spring (Mar-May)	Migratory birds, newborn mammals, black bears emerging from hibernation	Nisqually Refuge, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier
Summer (Jun-Aug)	Mountain goats, marmots, deer with fawns, breeding birds	Mount Rainier, North Cascades, Olympic high country
Fall (Sep-Nov)	Salmon runs, Roosevelt elk rut, migratory birds, black bears	Hoh Rain Forest, salmon viewing areas, wildlife refuges

Conservation and Stewardship: Protecting Washington’s Wildlife

These wildlife experiences wouldn’t be possible without conservation efforts. Washington’s ecosystems face challenges from climate change to habitat fragmentation.

Consider supporting local conservation organizations:

• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Conservation Northwest
• Wolf Haven International

Even small actions help: staying on trails, properly storing food in bear country, volunteering for habitat restoration, or reporting wildlife sightings to citizen science projects like iNaturalist.

Conclusion: Your Wild Washington Adventure Awaits

From misty Olympic rainforests to sun-drenched eastern scablands, our state offers wildlife viewing as diverse as the creatures themselves. These experiences connect us to something bigger – the ancient rhythms of wild lives in natural places.

I hope this guide inspires your own wildlife adventures. Remember that each encounter is a privilege, not a guarantee. The unpredictability is part of the magic – you never know when a wolf might cross your path or an orca might breach beside your boat.

These moments with wild creatures have shaped my life and deepened my commitment to protecting their homes. I bet they’ll do the same for you.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the best time of year to see orcas in Washington?

While resident orcas appear year-round, your best chances are May through September when salmon runs attract them to inland waters. Late June through August offers the most reliable viewing around the San Juan Islands.

Q. Are there grizzly bears in Washington State?

Yes, but very few. A small population (fewer than 20 bears) lives in the remote North Cascades. Encounters are extremely rare. Black bears are much more common throughout forested areas statewide. Learn more about Washington’s bears from the WDFW.

Q. What’s the best wildlife viewing spot for families with small children?

Nisqually Wildlife Refuge and Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge both offer accessible trails, educational facilities, and reliable wildlife sightings good for young kids. The auto tour routes work especially well when little legs get tired.

Q. Do I need any permits for wildlife viewing in Washington?

National Parks require entrance fees, and State Parks require Discover Passes. Many Wildlife Refuges charge day use fees or offer annual passes. No special permits needed just for wildlife viewing, though commercial photography may require permits in some areas.

Q. What should I do if I encounter a bear while hiking?

Stop, stay calm, and assess the situation. If the bear hasn’t noticed you, quietly back away. If it has seen you, speak in a calm, normal voice so it recognizes you’re human. Never run or climb a tree. For black bears (most common in Washington), stand your ground if charged. For the rare grizzly encounter, carry and know how to use bear spray. Learn more from Washington Trail Association’s bear safety guide.