Top Washington Nature and Wildlife Tours - page 2

Visit Mount Rainier National Park without having to rent a car by boking this one-day tour from Seattle. Your driver will take you through the park, with plenty of stops along the way to take photos of beautiful lakes and waterfalls, including Longnire and Narada Falls. You'll also get to spend some time learning about the park at the Jackson Visitor Center before ultimately making your way back to Seattle.

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.*

There are many beautiful waterfalls near Seattle, but it can be difficult to reach them without a car. See two spectacular waterfalls with ease in just half a day on this small-group tour. After meeting your naturalist guide in central Seattle, head to Snoqualmie Falls and then hike to Twin Falls. Along the way, explore an ancient rainforest and learn about the unique environment and Indigenous culture of the Cascades from your guide.

Hop aboard a schooner for a 2-hour sailing journey out into the Puget Sound, ideal for photographers or anyone who wants to capture images of the city from the sea. You'll board right in downtown Seattle's Pier 66 terminal and set out into the water for some fantastic views of the city's skyline and the mountains beyond.

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.

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. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Experience the food and culture at one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks, Pike Place Market, on this 2-hour, chef-guided food tour. See where chefs shop and locals hang out and enjoy diverse tastings at several different stops — places such as Beecher's ‘World's Best’ Mac and Cheese, Pike Place Chowder, local artisan chocolate shops and more. Feel like a market insider on this behind-the-scenes adventure to savor the flavors, as well as the sights and sounds, of this historic attraction.

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.

Olympic National Park is home to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most dramatic coastal scenery—and this full-day tour from Seattle takes all the hassle out of getting there. With just your guide and a small group for company, set off in the early morning and travel via private vehicle, including aboard the Bainbridge Island Ferry. Upon arrival at the park, hike along Hurricane Ridge, visit Lake Crescent, and more.

Make the most of summer in Seattle on an evening cruise that takes you past the city's skyline from a vantage point on the water. Pass by Elliott Bay, Alki Point, and into Puget Sound as the sun begins to set—perfect for snapping golden hour photos. Up on the top deck, enjoy an included drink (cocktail, mocktail, beer, or wine) and feel free to purchase more from the onboard bar and catch a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains.

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.**

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pass through the renowned Ballard Locks and learn about the complex system on a cruise that transports you between the freshwater of Lake Union and the saltwater of Puget Sound. The one-way cruise can be used as transportation, making it ideal for travelers who want to avoid traffic and enjoy a unique journey from the Seattle waterfront to the AGC Marina on South Lake Union (or vice versa).

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.

See a new side of Gig Harbor—and soak up the wild scenery of Puget Sound—on this boat tour. Meet your Coast Guard-certified captain, hop aboard the ex-navy boat, and set sail. You’ll see impeccable views of Mt. Rainier’s snowy peak, and admire local landmarks like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. As you go, look out for eagles, seals, porpoises, and other wildlife, and learn more about the region’s history.

Thanks to beautiful scenery, a vibrant town and the ambiance of Bavaria, Leavenworth is the most popular tourist destination in Washington after Seattle. Come and see it for yourself! Before we get to town, we'll enjoy classic Northwest scenery, take pictures with Bigfoot and stretch your legs on a woodsy trail. Explore Leavenworth and choose a lunch spot on your own (there are plenty of German options!) Heading back, we'll visit Deception Falls for a full Northwestern day to remember.

Join a small-group tour to Mount Rainier and take a scenic drive through the Cascade Mountains, catching sight of lush forests, volcanic landscape, wide lakes, waterfalls, and historic towns. Stop for photo ops at viewpoints along the way, before arriving at Mount Rainier National Park. Take in the scene of Mount Rainier itself—an active volcano—and explore the park’s trails, wildlife, and visitor center at your leisure.

Experience the magic of being carried by the wind, just as Peter Puget was when he mapped these waters back in 1792. From Seattle’s Shilshole Bay Marina we sail west across Puget Sound toward the magnificent Olympic Mountains. Along the way we will watch for orcas, schools of our local porpoises, sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, great blue herons, and other wildlife. On the Sunset Cruise, we’ll enjoy the light show as the sun drops behind the well-named Mount Olympus and other peaks in the Olympic Range and illuminates feathery horizon clouds into glorious colors. Captain Grant, who holds a 100-ton Master of Inland Waters License from the U.S. Coast Guard, is dedicated to sharing the joy of being on the water with others. A former reporter for the Seattle Times, former Science and Medical writer for the Associated Press, and author of four books (one of which was named one of the year’s 10 Best nonfiction books by the American Library Association) Grant is a natural story teller.

There’s nothing better than exploring the Oregon Coast at your own pace, with a flexible itinerary on this private full-day tour. Discover the stunning Northern Oregon Coast from Portland! Explore iconic beaches, dramatic cliffs, and scenic viewpoints, stroll through Cannon Beach and tide pools, snap photos at Neahkahnie Mountain and Cape Meares, and enjoy a delicious lunch and cheese tasting at Tillamook Creamery. Perfect for families, photographers, and nature lovers — book now for an unforgettable coastal adventure!

Explore the city's unique waterways, nature, and neighborhoods on an e-bike with a local guide who grew up, taught, and has a livelihood in the city. Seattle is a wonderful city to bike, especially when you have the help on the hills with an assist. Each helmet is equipped with an intercom system to communicate during the ride. Bikes are built adults, so participants must be 16 or older.