Top Washington Nature and Wildlife Tours

The ancient forests, mountains, and rugged beaches of the Olympic National Park provide some spectacular hiking opportunities. On this tour, visit two of the most stunning natural spots—Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach—and enjoy short, guided hikes at each destination. With round-trip transport, National Park fees included, and a guide who points out the local flora, all you need to do is focus on the views.

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!

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.

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. Spend several hours onboard, looking for whales and learning about the area’s ecosystem from an expert naturalist. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard.

Embark on a breathtaking 4-hour whale watching and wildlife adventure, departing from the picturesque Port Townsend on the stunning Olympic Peninsula. This exciting tour offers you the chance to witness the majestic creatures of the sea up close, along with a variety of other wildlife, in their natural habitats.

From alpine mountains and glacier-fed lakes to moss-draped rainforests and stunning coastal beaches–Olympic National Park has it all. Olympic National Park Tour not only takes you to the park’s most popular destinations like Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rainforest, and Ruby Beach, but it also includes numerous hikes, waterfalls, and hidden gems. Along the way, you’ll learn about the region’s fascinating history, local heroes, and champion trees and animals.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

This diverse and active half day tour features the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with two cascading waterfalls, a 2-hour moderate hike through an old growth forest, a visit to a historic logging town, and a stunning lake reflecting the surrounding mountains. We'll visit the verdant Ollalie Sate Park with Twin Falls and Upper Falls, the towns of North Bend and Snoqualmie, as well as the legendary 270-foot tall Snoqualmie Falls.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Pacific Northwest with our self-guided audio tour bundle, featuring Mount Rainier, Olympic, Crater Lake, and North Cascades National Parks! Traverse lush rainforests, marvel at volcanic peaks, and explore serene alpine lakes—all at your own pace. Our GPS-triggered narration offers expert insights, local legends, and hidden gems, enhancing your adventure without the constraints of group tours. With offline maps and hands-free guidance, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich history of these iconic parks. Join thousands of travelers who have transformed their road trips into enriching experiences—download now and let the Pacific Northwest captivate you! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Make exploring beyond Seattle city limits simple—and get up close and personal with the iconic Mt. Rainier—on this hassle-free, full-day trip. Following convenient downtown pickup, journey to Mt. Rainier National Park. Look forward to seeing scenic highlights including Christine Falls, Narada Falls, and Mt. Rainier. Experience the beauty of the area with help from a guide who knows the best ways around the park.

A road-based tour with short hikes throughout the day, where we enjoy beautiful highlights of Olympic National Park with panoramic views of mountains and ocean from Hurricane Ridge. Here we also enjoy a picnic lunch on a short hike. We then explore the rainforest at Crescent Lake, where we go for a short hike along the beautiful lakeshore, followed by a stop in the quaint town of Poulsbo with waterfront views. Finally, we cross Puget Sound again and see the best views of the Seattle skyline on the ferry back to Seattle.

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.

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.

Join us for an evening tour as the day fades into a stunning canvas of orange and purple, like a living painting. After sunset, you’ll witness the magical glow of bioluminescent dinoflagellates lighting up the water.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Seattle from Elliott Bay and Seattle Harbor on this narrated cruise. Learn about Seattle’s historic waterfront and get an up-close look at one of the world's largest shipping terminals. Take in the view of the city’s skyline with a spectacular panoramic background of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, including majestic Mt. Rainier. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard the ship.

Discover Seattle’s original neighborhood, Pioneer Square, on this guided walking tour that is great for locals and tourists alike who want to learn more about this city. Explore the underground pathways that were built in the southwest corner of the Emerald City more than 120 years ago. Learn about Seattle’s history and the events that transformed this once-small Indigenous dwelling place into one of the most popular and thriving cities in the United States.

Spend a picturesque six hours in and around the water on this kayaking tour, with a friendly guide to help you navigate the water and prepare your lunch on the beach. You’ll float through a wildlife habitat that’s home to the likes of seals, porpoises, and orcas. But don’t forget to look up for a chance at spotting some eagles too.

South Sound Kayak Tours specializes in small group kayak adventures on South Puget Sound. Join us for a guided 3hr tour to Hope Island Marine State Park! Located just 30min from Olympia and convenient to the Olympic Peninsula, Hope Island remains one of the best places to kayak in the area. The protected waters that surround the island offer the opportunity to see seals, sea lions, porpoise, eagles, and all the amazing creatures living just below the surface. Once on the island, you'll have time to explore the various trails, old growth forests, or picnic under the historic fruit trees. On those bluebird days take in the views of both the Olympics and Mt Rainier! **Ages (5+) with an Adult (16+) Weight Limit 240lbs per person. Solo or One person bookings may be cancelled or rescheduled to meet 2 person tour minimum.**

What makes this tour special is the combination of calm-water kayaking and rich, place-based storytelling. As your local guide, I don’t just point out wildlife—I help you understand the why and how behind what you’re seeing. Why do harbor seals choose Liberty Bay to raise their pups? How does the marine ecosystem here support such abundant birdlife? What’s the story behind Poulsbo’s Nordic harbor and its transformation over time? This is more than a paddle—it's a guided exploration through history, ecology, and the unique identity of Liberty Bay. Whether you're new to kayaking or an experienced paddler, this tour is designed to be accessible, educational, and memorable. Expect a relaxed pace, stable kayaks, and thoughtful interpretation that leaves you with a deeper connection to the Puget Sound.