WILD DRIVE FAQs
ARRIVAL AND TICKETS
When should I arrive? What do I do?
Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your tour for check-in. Wild Drive tours depart promptly on the hour.
NO PETS ALLOWED.
What do I do when I arrive?
Please follow the marked entry road to our welcome area. Pull into the queuing lane, remain in your vehicle and wait for one of our staff members to greet you. When the staff member arrives, please give them the name or order ID number in your confirmation email.
If I arrive late for my scheduled tour time, can I join another tour?
Timed tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Our tours will depart on time so please plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your tour departure time.
Reservations rescheduled in advance will be charged a $20 rescheduling fee.
How do we buy tour tickets?
To keep everyone safe, timed tickets must be purchased online only in advance with a credit card or debit card. Northwest Trek members pay a discounted price on Wild Drive tours, similar to the discounted member pricing for our other premier tours.
Can we buy tour tickets at the ticket windows?
We expect Wild Drive tours to sell out quickly and encourage you to plan ahead to reserve your spot for this unique experience. If space is still available for an upcoming tour, you may inquire at our ticket window or use your mobile device to purchase an online ticket while onsite.
How many people are included in the vehicle price?
There is a maximum of 8 passengers per vehicle.
I have a diesel vehicle. Is there anything I should know?
Yes, you may drive your diesel vehicle on the Wild Drive. However, to minimize diesel exhaust for other participants, your vehicle will be placed at the end of the Wild Drive line.
SAFETY
What safety precautions are you putting in place for this tour?
Keeping our guests and staff safe is our top priority. All guests drive in enclosed vehicles and remain inside their vehicles during the entire tour.
What types of vehicles are permitted on the tour?
To keep our animals safe and adhere to the governor’s safety guidelines, the following vehicles are NOT ALLOWED:
- motorcycles
- open-top vehicles (convertibles and Jeeps must have tops up at all times)
- trailers (e.g. livestock, boats, campers)
- motorhomes, RVs or oversized vehicles
- vehicles with “soft doors,” “tube doors” or doors removed, such as Jeeps
- “low rider” vehicles
Additionally, tailgates, van/car doors and hatchbacks must be closed at all times. Vehicles must be in good working order and capable of driving 5 to 8 mph for 45 minutes. Feel free to open your vehicle sun/moon roof, but please do NOT stand up in them. You must remain inside your vehicle at all times so you don’t frighten the animals.
Can passengers ride in the bed of a truck?
No. Passengers cannot ride in the back of trucks. Vehicle doors and hatches also must remain closed at all times during the tour.
Is it possible that our vehicle could get scratched or be damaged?
That rarely happens, but you will be driving around animals with horns, antlers, and hoofs so it is always a possibility. Northwest Trek is not responsible for any damage to your vehicle.
WHAT TO EXPECT
How long will the tour last?
Please plan for about one hour for the entire experience.
Are restrooms available?
There will be restroom access before and after your tour. There is no restroom access during your tour so please plan ahead.
May I smoke in my vehicle on the tour?
No. Smoking is not allowed at any time on Northwest Trek grounds.
Can we eat or drink in our vehicle on the tour?
You may bring food and non-alcoholic beverages to consume during your tour. Please do not share any food with our animals. Our head veterinarian oversees their diets and human food can sicken them.
Can we have pets in our vehicle on the tour?
No. Pets are not allowed in vehicles during this tour.
What animals can we see on the tour?
Our 435-acre Free-Roaming Area is home to eight native Northwest species, including Roosevelt elk, North American moose, bison, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, caribou, black-tailed deer, and a trumpeter swan. In baby animal season (spring and summer) you may also spot a fawn, waddling ducklings and more.
Can we pet or feed the animals during the tour?
Animals may come very close to your vehicle on your tour but do not touch or feed animals at any time. The animals in our Free-Roaming Area have horns and antlers that can cause vehicle damage and bodily harm. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, which ensures the highest standards of animal care and welfare. We’re committed to ensuring the health and safety of our animals as well as our guests throughout this experience.
What if I drop something out of my vehicle window during the tour?
Please make every effort to keep all of your belongings inside your vehicle. If you accidentally drop something, do not stop and try to retrieve it yourself. The staff member in the last car of the tour caravan will be scanning the area for dropped items and will return them to our front office where you will be able to pick them up. You also may call 360.832.6117 to notify a staff member.
What if I need assistance during the tour?
Please call our main office at 360.832.6117 and press 0 (zero). A staff member will be happy to help you.
Is there an audio component to the tour?
Yes, your guided experience includes a live audio narration. You will get instructions at check-in on how to tune in to hear your tour guide talk about the animals and species you are seeing as you drive by them on your tour.
OTHER EXPERIENCES
Can we see any other areas at Northwest Trek?
Our new Wild Drive premier tours also include admission to walking paths in the core area of the park, with animals including bears, cats, canines, birds, forest and wetland animals.