Every October, something spooky-wild stirs in the forest at Northwest Trek. Lights flicker. Skeletons look on from the shadows. A cauldron stirs mysteriously. And a UFO has crash landed in Kids’ Trek. But behind the magic of Hoot ‘n’ Howl, the wildly popular after-dark Halloween event, is a year-round effort powered entirely in-house by the talented teams at Northwest Trek. From design to build to the final eerie glow of opening night, it’s all hands on deck. “Planning for Hoot ‘n’ Howl begins right after the last guest leaves the park each October,” said Nikki Dzialowy, Facilities Manager. The Facilities …

There’s postseason magic in the air, and not just at T-Mobile Park. The excitement of October baseball has officially reached the wild at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, where animals (and humans) are proudly stepping up to the plate for the Mariners. Guests who wear Mariners gear to either zoo will receive $5 off general admission at the front gate. The offer is valid through the end of the Mariners’ postseason run. Checkout the breakout animal stars of the postseason below. Thanks to some quick and creative training from her keepers at Point Defiance Zoo, …

As the Seattle Mariners head into the heat of October baseball, Pierce County zoos are stepping up to the plate to join the postseason excitement. Starting Saturday, Sept. 27 fans sporting Mariners gear will knock $5 off general admission at the front gates of both Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Whether you’re hyped for homers or wild about wildlife, both zoos are ready to bring the energy of the ballpark to the animal kingdom. At Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, the Mariners mojo is going moose-size. Northwest Trek’s mascot, Footloose the Moose, is officially cheering on …

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary this summer, marking five decades of connection, conservation, and community built on the extraordinary legacy of one visionary family. On August 23, 1971, Dr. David “Doc” and Connie Hellyer donated the land that would become Northwest Trek Wildlife Park to Parks Tacoma. Their vision was clear: to create a place where people, especially children, could experience the beauty of wild animals in their natural setting. On July 17, 1975, their dream came to life as Governor Dan Evans wielded a chainsaw to open the park in a symbolic log-cutting ceremony. Now, …

Top Spring Break Adventures at Northwest Trek Spring Break just got a whole lot wilder! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, where the animals are waking up, the trees are blooming, and the fun is non-stop. Starting March 31, the wildlife park will be open daily. Check out these wildly exciting experiences you won’t want to miss: Spot the Adorable Bison Calf Hop on an electric tram or book a Wild Drive and cruise through our 435-acre Free-Roaming Area to see majestic animals like bison, elk, and mountain goats. But here’s the real treat: keep …

As you glide around the shimmering lake, a herd of majestic Roosevelt elk stands peacefully drinking. Fluffy white mountain goats stare curiously back at you. Deep in leafy shade rests a massive moose. Nothing disturbs the forest’s tranquility – especially not you. Because you’re riding around Northwest Trek Wildlife Park’s Free-Roaming Area in a new electric tram: quiet, immersive and eco-efficient. The Eatonville wildlife park is now operating six new electric vehicles, along with a new tour station, to guide tourists and locals alike on the beloved Discovery Tram Tours. “We’re excited to bring back this incredible wildlife tour for …