A wildlife park of native Northwest animals in Eatonville, certified Sensory Inclusive with KultureCity, with free sensory bags (noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools) for a photo ID at the front ticket window, three named quiet zones, a social story to read ahead, a free ticket for a 1:1 caregiver, and a Disability Adventure Day in spring.
Sensory supports. Sensory bags, three quiet zones, social story, Disability Adventure Day.
Hours
Through December 23 2026: 9:30 am to 3 pm Thursday to Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday; closed November 26 for Thanksgiving and December 24 and 25 for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. December 26 to 31 2026: 9:30 am to 3 pm daily. Members can come in at 9 am, 30 minutes before general admission. For hours from January 1 2027, check the park's hours page or call 360-832-6117.
“If you or someone in your party has sensory needs, please let us know at the front ticket window.”
“These are available for check-out at no cost by leaving a photo ID at the front ticket window.”
“We also have quiet zones around the park: on the trail between Trek Treats and Bears, at the intersection of the Cat, Bear and Wetlands trails, and next to the bobcat area.”
“We provide a complimentary ticket for a 1:1 caregiver who is required to assist a guest with disabilities during their visit.”
The sensory bags hold VIP badges, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, a feelings thermometer and other resources. The park asks you to tell staff at the front ticket window about sensory needs and to ask there for anything you need.
The park's social story, "Let's go to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park", walks through tickets, bathrooms, food, the quiet area signs, the tram, the eagle net tunnel (you can go around it), the short tunnel at Forest and Wetlands where water may drip, the Kids' Trek playground and leaving. It is on the park's accessibility page.
The 1:1 caregiver ticket is not available online; ask at the front gate. You can also bring a caregiver or therapist free with a paid membership or admission.
If your kid needs help finding the way, staff wear a green or blue shirt with the Northwest Trek logo.
The Discovery Tram Tour (it can get loud on the tram with many people talking at once; the electric trams are quieter than the old propane ones)not stated
Some bathrooms (have loud flushes)not stated
Kids' Trek playground (can be very busy)not stated
Quieter, in the park's words
Quiet zones: on the trail between Trek Treats and Bears, at the intersection of the Cat, Bear and Wetlands trails, and next to the bobcat areaquiet zone
The Nature Trailsquiet zone
Admission: adult (13 to 64) $25 online or $32 at the front gate, senior (65+) $23 or $30, youth (3 to 12) $17 or $22; infants 2 and under and members free. U.S. military (with proof of service, at the admission window only, not online, not combined with other discounts, not for prior purchases) and Pierce County residents pay the online price at the front gate. Wild Access tickets are $8 at the front gate only, with discounted tickets and memberships for Washington individuals and families who qualify for income assistance programs or are in foster or kinship care. Groups of 15 or more can ask for a quote.
Tickets are valid for one visit, can be used up to one year from purchase, and are non-refundable. Online tickets are encouraged but not required; print them or show them on your phone at the front gate. Parking is free. After you pay for admission, ask at check-in for a Troll coupon worth $10 off up to five daytime front gate tickets at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. The coupon must be used at the Point Defiance front gate, not online, and is not valid with other discounts, group visits or special events such as Zoolights.
Discovery Tram Tours are included with admission, first come, first served, one per guest per visit. You can't request a tour time ahead or at the window, so go to the Tour Station at your assigned time; trams leave on time and staff assign your seats. Strollers, wagons, car seats, coolers and large items stay off the tram (there is stroller and wagon parking at the Tour Station). Children 2 and under need their own seat if they can't sit on a lap; tell staff when you check in. Windows can open, and the trams have heat. Restrooms are at the front entrance, next to the café, and near the grizzly bear habitat.
Wild Drive (in your own car) and Keeper Adventure Tours (in a keeper's Jeep, ages 5 and up) cost extra and need a reservation. Wild Drive: $65 for members or $120 for non-members per vehicle, including park admission for up to 8 people; the driver must be 18 or older. Keeper Adventure Tour: 90 minutes, $65 for members or $120 for non-members per person, including park admission, at 10:30 am and 1 pm daily; guests 5 to 15 must be with an adult.
Food: you can bring food and water, or a family picnic. The Forest Café, just right of the main entrance, sells burgers, chicken tenders, fries, snacks and kids' meals; its hours vary by season. There are refill stations and fountains around the park. Not allowed: skates, skateboards, wheelie shoes, scooters, balance bikes, bicycles, hoverboards, Segways, balls, frisbees and other recreational equipment, balloons and confetti, drones, outside alcohol, and pets, therapy or emotional support animals (service animals check in at the admission gate). Minors must be with an adult. No flash photography in animal areas.
Rentals, a limited number, first come, first served: strollers $13 single or $15 double ($15 on the accessibility page), wheelchairs $15, electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters $40, umbrellas $6. A courtesy cart can carry guests with mobility needs between the Tour Station and the front gate; ask when you check in.
Season: Thomas Dambo's Trolls, big wooden sculptures, are in the park through January 24 2027, included with admission; one troll, Valle, can be seen only from the tram, a Wild Drive or a Keeper Adventure Tour. Winter Wildland is December 26 and 27 2026, 9:30 am to 3 pm, free with admission; the Kids' Trek playground may be closed if it is frozen.
Dogs: on Dog Days (November 20 and 30, and December 3, 11, 19 and 30 2026), each guest 18 or older may bring one leashed dog into the park's dog-friendly areas with a $20 dog ticket bought online in advance; no dog tickets are sold at the gate. Dogs are not allowed on trams or Keeper Adventure Tours.
Getting there: the park is about a 1 hour drive from Tacoma (35 miles) and about 1.5 hours from Seattle and Bellevue (55 miles). The park map comes in Spanish too.
Email
info@nwtrek.orgNorthwest Trek, including Disability Adventure Day questions
