Top Washington Nature and Wildlife Tours

Get up close with the orca whales off the San Juan Islands near Seattle on this half-day whale-watching cruise. San Juan Island is where the southern resident killer whales live about six months out of the year, from mid-April to October. It’s also considered one of the best places to view orca whales.

Get up close with the killer whales of Anacortes, the home port to the San Juan Islands, on this whale-watching cruise led by naturalist guides. Climb aboard a Blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pacific Northwest searching for orca, humpback, and gray whales. Along the way, see ocean wildlife in their natural environment, like seals, porpoises, sea lions and otters—plus a wide variety of birds and more.

Set sea and observe the Pacific Northwest’s majestic wildlife on this half-day whale watching cruise. Take in picturesque scenery of the San Juan Islands while searching for orca, humpback, and gray whales. Along the way, spot additional ocean creatures in their natural environment, such as seals, porpoises, sea lions, and otters.

You don’t have to venture into the San Juan Islands to see whales in their natural habitat—with this tour, you can board a whale-watching cruise right in downtown Seattle. You'll spend 3 to 5 hours onboard, looking for whales and learning about the area’s ecosystem from an expert naturalist. Choose from budget-friendly standard seating or pay extra for premium window seats. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard.

This excursion is meticulously designed to foster a profound connection with nature, facilitating tranquility and serenity through the forest's inherent calmness. Tailored to accommodate varying ages and fitness levels, this bespoke experience promises inclusivity. Commencing in the morning, our tour aims to immerse travelers in the natural splendor of the Cascades, offering interpretive insights into the area's ecological significance. The intent is to leave participants with a newfound appreciation for natural environments. Be advised, the tour includes hiking, tailored to ensure accessibility for all participants. This journey includes visits to two majestic waterfalls within the Cascade Mountains, offering an extraordinary venture into a temperate rainforest with the chance to witness colossal old-growth trees. We adhere to a precise schedule, returning by noon. Guests are advised to bring water and snacks during this morning-long, physically engaging experience.

Have the special chance to explore Olympic National Park with a naturalist guide—and make your sightseeing logistics smooth and hassle-free—on this full-day, small-group tour from Seattle. With round-trip transit from your downtown hotel, getting to the UNESCO–listed park is made simple. From beaches to mountains to forests and beyond, experience the best of this spectacular landscape, seeing and doing more with your guide than you could alone.

Spend a full day discovering the beauty of Olympic National Park, with highlights like the dramatic Hurricane Ridge and the serene, ancient Lake Crescent. Your driver-guide leads you to some of the park’s most stunning spots while sharing insider knowledge you wouldn't get on your own. Stop by the Olympic National Park Visitor Center to immerse yourself in the park’s fascinating natural features and history.

See the highest mountain in Washington State on this small-group tour of Mt. Rainer National Park. Your guide will transport you from Seattle—conveniently taking care of all the driving and logistics—to explore the iconic park of the Pacific Northwest. With your guide in the lead, you’ll spend the day hiking, visiting the Longmire Museum, and seeing incredible vistas of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls.

Experience the natural beauty of Mt. Rainier with the help of a guide to lead the way on this full-day group tour from Seattle. Enjoy a scenic, narrated journey past lakes, waterfalls, historic towns, and Mt. Rainier. Take in spectacular views from Narada Falls, considered the most popular waterfall in Mt. Rainier National Park, and the aptly named Paradise. Includes pickup and drop-off from select downtown Seattle and airport hotels for your convenience.

The best way to spend your World Cup 2026 off-days in Seattle & surrounding areas Include most highlights of Olympic National Park during this full-day guided tour from Seattle, with comfortable vehicle transfers and a ferry ride over Puget Sound. Discover the park's diverse ecosystems as you explore varied terrains and landscapes. Enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors in the Pacific Northwest. Itineraries vary, but include Hurricane Ridge, Crescent Lake, and Merrymere Fall. Take the Washington State ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, then drive to Olympic National Park learning about the community's unique history along the way. During winter months, trek through beautiful forests with snowshoes. Lunch, water, and a snack are provided. Capture photos with the park's prettiest natural features in one day. Round-trip transfers from a variety of Seattle neighborhoods or the airport are included. Explore the park's best spots by hiking or snowshoeing, depending on the season.

“Just magical. So awestruck and inspired.” Acclaimed artist Christopher Marley transforms nature's wonders—from colorful insects to fossils to sea life—into a stunning, immersive art, nature and science exhibit. It's beautiful, unforgettable, and uniquely curated for wonder. A stunning exhibit of thousands of ethically sourced specimens presented as breathtaking works of art.

The glacial mountains, coastal rainforests, and wilderness of Olympic National Park lie about a 2-hour drive west of Seattle. With this tour, make your own way to Port Angeles, then set out on a guided minivan tour to the glacier-carved valley Lake Crescent. After admiring the views, enjoy an about 3-mile hike through the ancient forests to another natural wonder—Marymere Falls.

Set off on a full-day, small-group guided adventure through Olympic National Park, beginning with a scenic drive through Elwha Valley and around Lake Crescent to reach Sol Duc River Valley. Experience a guided hike to Sol Duc Falls, then explore the majestic Lake Crescent. After a stop at Port Angeles, ascend to Hurricane Ridge for breathtaking views and a guided hike through subalpine trails.

Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo houses over 300 animal species and contains more than 10 bioclimatic zones, which range from humid tropical rain forests to coastal deserts. Ideal for time-pressed travelers, this admission ticket allows you to bypass the ticketing line at the zoo’s west entrance. Inside, you can admire an impressive range of animals including gorillas, grizzlies, lions, giraffes, and penguins.

Mount Rainier National Park is centered around an awe-inspiring, iconic volcano — Mount Rainier — and takes you through miles and miles of old-growth forest. The overlooks along the drive will take your breath away and the serpentine roads leading up to Paradise and Sunrise — the most popular sections of the park — will keep your heart pumping and your camera clicking. Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour: • Explore the stunning alpine meadows of Paradise • Witness the first light of day at Sunrise Point, • Wander through the ancient forest of the Grove of the Patriarchs, • Stand in awe of Narada Falls as it plunges gracefully over a rugged cliffside, • Ascend to breathtaking heights aboard the Mount Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Cover the highlights of Olympic National Park in one day, without having to rent a car, on this tour from Seattle, which mixes car and ferry transport and about six miles (9.6 km) of hiking. Visit different ecosystems, including meadows, a temperate rainforest, and a subalpine forest, with time leftover to visit the Pacific Ocean.

Explore Mt. Rainier National Park's highlights on this day tour featuring glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and old growth forests. From Seattle, you'll head to the park and take guided shorter hikes from the Visitor Center at Paradise, including a one-mile walk to a picnic near giant glaciers. See Reflection Lake, Narada Falls, and Christine Falls. In winter and spring (November-June), snowshoeing replaces hiking—no experience required.

There is no better way to discover the Columbia River Gorge, a must-visit destination when you're in Portland, than on a private tour just for you or with a companion. From stunning waterfalls to iconic viewpoints, this is your chance to experience the Pacific Northwest at its finest. Book your tour today and let the magic of Multnomah Falls and the Gorge’s natural wonders captivate you!

Experience the top sights of Seattle and the majestic Snoqualmie Waterfalls in a single day on a small-group sightseeing tour. In addition to a driving tour of the city’s highlights, this robust and well-paced itinerary includes a cup of coffee at Starbucks Headquarters, a stroll at the offbeat Gas Works Park, a photo opportunity with the Fremont Troll, and more. A scenic visit to the Snoqualmie Falls completes your Seattle adventure.

Combine visits to both Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls in Washington with this half-day, small-group hiking tour that allows you to go with a guide, so you don’t get lost in a new outdoor space. A morning tour helps you connect with nature and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Enjoy Seattle’s cityscape, Olympic Mountain and Mt. Rainier views aboard Seattle's premier tall ship. After hoisting the sails, we’ll cut the engine and enjoy the tranquility on our beautiful schooner. As the sun sets, we will celebrate another beautiful summer day in the Pacific Northwest! Enjoy a beverage and the beautiful views as we sail back to the city.

Explore the rugged beauty of North Cascades National Park with our captivating audio tour! Visit iconic spots like Diablo Lake and Ross Dam while trekking through snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Our expert guides share fascinating stories and facts about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. Immerse yourself in local culture and gain insider knowledge on the forces that shaped these dramatic landscapes. Perfect for families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers, this tour offers an enriching and unforgettable experience. Download, plug in, and start your journey today!

Seeing the highlights of Mt. Rainer National Park in one day can be difficult if you don’t know where to go and downright impossible if you don’t have a car. Make your trip easy (and leave the driving to someone else) with this small-group tour from Seattle. Depending on when you visit, you might see wildflower meadows, alpine vistas, and waterfalls, either on a hike or on a snowshoe adventure.