Native wildlife park and tram

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

About 11.1 mi straight-line from Elbe

Pair the train with a substantial native-wildlife visit, using current seasonal hours, online pricing, and a deliberate Discovery Tram plan.

The place

About Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a 725-acre Eatonville destination focused on native Northwest animals and habitats. More than 40 species appear across walking paths and the large Free-Roaming Area, making this a full attraction rather than a roadside animal stop.

General admission includes the walking habitats, forest paths, Kids' Trek play area, and the electric Discovery Tram. Tram seats are first-come and limited, so inclusion in admission does not guarantee a particular departure or animal sighting.

The current 2026 pricing separates lower online rates from higher front-gate rates. Summer runs daily, while fall and winter move to shorter hours and several closed weekdays. Use the date-specific calendar rather than assuming a standard daily schedule.

The park documents accessible pathways, buildings, and viewing areas, plus a courtesy cart, sensory resources, caregiver admission, and limited mobility rentals. The tram has a 25-inch wheelchair-width limit and restrictions on car seats, strollers, wagons, and coolers, so exact needs still require advance review.

What stands out

Ride the electric Discovery Tram

A naturalist-led trip of about 30 minutes enters the Free-Roaming Area. Capacity and wildlife behavior determine the exact experience.

Walk the native-wildlife habitats

Forest paths and viewing areas feature animals of the Northwest, including cats, canids, bears, birds, and smaller species outside the tram route.

Give children room at Kids' Trek

The nature-inspired play area makes the park a strong family pairing when the train ride alone is not a full day.

Use accessibility resources deliberately

Courtesy transport, sensory tools, caregiver admission, rentals, and published tram dimensions support planning without promising every route or vehicle.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad trip

Northwest Trek is the closest substantial local complement to the Elbe train and preserves the regional focus: the railroad interprets logging and foothills transportation, while the park interprets the living wildlife and forest landscape. Allow a separate three-to-five-hour block and do not treat the tram as guaranteed simply because it is included.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Summer hoursJune 29–Sept 7: daily 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Early fall hoursSept 8–Oct 4: weekdays 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. and weekends 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sept 12 closes at 3 p.m.
  • Late fall hoursOct 5–Dec 23: Thursday–Monday 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. with listed holiday exceptions; closed Tuesday and Wednesday and on Nov 26 and Dec 24–25
  • Year-end hoursDec 26–31: daily 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • AdmissionOnline/front gate: adult $25/$32, senior $23/$30, youth age 3–12 $17/$22, age 2 and under free; parking is free
  • Discovery TramIncluded with admission, approximately 30 minutes, first-come and capacity-limited; join the queue early
  • Tram accessWheelchairs must be no wider than 25 inches; no car seats, strollers, wagons, or coolers aboard; check in with staff for a service animal
  • Ground accessAccessible paths and buildings, courtesy cart, sensory resources, caregiver admission, and limited rentals are documented; confirm exact availability
  • TimeAllow at least three hours, or most of a day for the tram, walking habitats, meals, and Kids' Trek

Add national-park history

Add Longmire Historic District

Use Longmire for a year-round museum, transportation exhibit, historic district, and short forest walk after checking roads and park congestion.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is the Discovery Tram included?

Yes, the current park FAQ says the electric tram is included with general admission, but seats are limited and first-come. Admission does not guarantee a particular departure.

What are current ticket prices?

Online/front-gate prices are $25/$32 adult, $23/$30 senior, and $17/$22 youth age 3–12. Children 2 and under and parking are free.

How long should I allow?

Three hours is a practical minimum for a tram attempt and a focused walking loop. Families using Kids' Trek or seeing most habitats should allow much of a day.

Is Northwest Trek wheelchair-accessible?

The park documents accessible pathways, buildings, and viewing areas plus support resources. The tram accepts wheelchairs up to 25 inches wide; confirm rentals, transfers, and the exact route before travel.

Can I take a stroller on the tram?

No. The current tram rules exclude strollers, wagons, car seats, and coolers. Park these items as directed before boarding.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, with a required check-in process because of the animal setting. Contact the park if you need to coordinate the tram or a specific habitat route.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-15. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.