Need to get out in nature? Get up close to animals? And eat great food?
We have the answer: a Northwest Trek day trip. Combine a morning or afternoon visit to the wildlife park with a half-day hike, picnic and local dinner outside, and you’ve got the makings of an awesome family day or romantic date. Keep reading to build your perfect itinerary.
Step 1: Animals up close
You can spend a morning or afternoon at Northwest Trek, getting up-close to grizzlies, bald eagles, cougar and more. There’s plenty of guaranteed parking. Wander the paved paths and learn all about animals native to the Northwest. Breathe in that clean Northwest air beneath towering forests, listen for bald eagle calls or wolf howls, and feel any stress melt away.
Add on a Wild Drive tour before or after walk in the park for something you can only find at Northwest Trek – seeing rolling bison, fluffy mountain goats, caribou, moose and more from the comfort and safety of your own car. Right now is prime viewing time for both baby animals and bison “rut” or breeding season – plenty of grunts, rolls and sparring between the bulls.
Have kids? Maybe come in the morning, when they have lots of energy.
On a date? Come in the afternoon to find secluded spots.
Step 2: Plan a picnic
For lunch, Northwest Trek’s Forest Cafe offers burgers, sandwiches, salads, ice cream and much more.
Saving your dollars? The area around Northwest Trek is brimming with perfect picnics spots. Pack a basket or cooler and head for one of these, either before or after your visit to Northwest Trek.
- Dogwood Park, for stunning views of Mt. Rainier. 41299 Clear Lake Hwy, Eatonville.
- Millpond Park, for a log cabin, pond and river access (see below for hiking). 101 Alder St. E, Eatonville
- Stringtown Cellars and Lavender Farm, for blooming fields of purple and a chance to pick your own too. 39610 Eatonville Cutoff Road, Eatonville
- Ashford County Park, with paths, restrooms and plenty of grass. 29801 SR 706, Ashford
- Need to buy lunch to go? Eatonville and Ashford have many delicious, affordable options. See Visit Rainier for the full list.
Step 3: Go for a Hike
Sometimes these days it seems like everyone has the same idea: Head for the most popular trail around. But if you know where to go around the Rainier area, you can skip those long lines and crowded trails.
Short & Easy
- Millpond and Smallwood Parks. A 1.5-mile roundtrip that’s dog- and kid-friendly alongside the pretty Mashel River
Slightly Longer
- Little Mashel Falls. A 4.5-mile flat roundtrip with three waterfalls and multiple trailhead choices. Best for older kids – and be sure to stay on the trail for safety
- Hugo Peak. A 4.5-mile roundtrip with 880ft of elevation gain, this is another Pack Forest hike that’s great for a half-day. There are many other trails in the forest, also. Be warned: Vehicles will be towed from the administration parking lot after hours.
Challenging
There are too many to list! For a complete list that’s sortable by length, elevation gain and other criteria, see Visit Rainier’s hiking page. Tips: Come early on a weekday to avoid crowds getting into Mt. Rainier National Park. And always bring the 10 essentials.
Where to Stay and Explore
Making a weekend of it? Visit Rainier has plenty of ideas for accommodations, from riverside cabins to inn rooms, plus direct availability searches and bookings.
Looking for something a little different?
- Ex Nihilo Sculpture Park on the Ashford-Elbe Road will have you gawking in awe at the giant dinosaurs, birds, spiders, cartwheels and more created by artist Dan Klennert out of scrap metal parts. It’s always evolving. 22410 SR 706, Ashford.
- Mineral Lake. At this tiny, historic town the views of Mt. Rainier in the lake just have to be seen to be believed. Take a dip, do some fishing or try the Cora Lake hike for more swimming and peekaboo views.
- Town of Elbe
- Why not ride a horse! EZ Times Outfitters operate guided horse trail rides out of Elbe year-round, rain or shine.
-
Mt. Rainier from Dogwood Park, Eatonville.