In the heart of Bellevue and the surrounding areas, you’ll find ample opportunities for catching sight of a wide array of animals — from blue herons to bobcats, salmon to sheep, cougars to cows — and a whole lot in between. Lush parks, family-friendly zoos and farms, serene wetlands, and scenic trails all provide visitors a chance to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of a majestic bald eagle, feed a friendly goat, or watch salmon spawn, the area’s natural havens promise unforgettable encounters. Join us as we explore some top spots for animal encounters.
Urban Animal Sightings
Get your ducks in a row — literally speaking — at Bellevue Downtown Park. This 21-acre circular slice of greenspace, surrounded by a moat and walking trails, is conveniently situated between Bellevue Square Mall and Main Street. Not only do people flock to the park to enjoy nature, the ducks do, too. Sightings have included mallards, ruddy ducks, ring-necked ducks, and long tailed ducks. Watching them waddle around as singles, pairs, and extended families is sure to put a smile on your face: Is anything cuter than a parade of ducklings? (Please note that feeding the ducks is discouraged.) In addition to ducks, there are dozens of other species you might spot at the park, from owls to eagles and jays to juncos. If the littles tire of feathered-friend antics, head to the park’s delightful play area to continue the outdoor fun. The park is also a popular for dog lovers, with plenty of space for a lively walk with your four-legged companion.
Tip for those with furry friends: With more than 100 parks in Bellevue, there is a wide variety of places for canine exploration. One shining example is Marymoor Park, which holds a former farm-turned-dog-park with 40 acres where dogs can run, swim, and play. One of the most popular dog parks in the country, locals refer to it as “Doggy Disneyland.”
Issaquah Salmon Days
Count yourself lucky if you have a chance to visit the 1936 Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, especially in the fall when adult salmon — that iconic creature of the Pacific Northwest — make the arduous upstream journey from the sea to spawn, completing their life cycle. Although fall is a popular time to visit, the admission-free hatchery — located in downtown Issaquah — is open year-round, from dawn to dusk daily. And when you’re not fish-gazing, there are dozens of educational exhibits and interactive displays to explore, including an aquarium, theater rooms, gardens, ponds, and a fish ladder with underwater windows for up-close viewing of Chinook (king) and coho (silver) salmon. Outside you’ll find viewing decks and a bridge over Issaquah Creek. What’s more, Friends of Issaquah Hatchery (FISH) docents are always on hand to answer questions, or you can book a guided FISH tour (reserve two weeks in advance). Or choose to at your own pace with a self-guided tour provided by a handy QR code. If you’re in town October 5 and 6, 2024, this year will mark the 55th year that the Salmon Days festivities in downtown Issaquah hosts a fun-packed weekend to celebrate the salmon’s return.
Cougar Mountain Zoo & Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
You can learn lots and have even more fun at the 11-acre Cougar Mountain Zoo in nearby Issaquah. With a focus on endangered species and promoting conservation, this small zoo — established in 1972 — offers visitors a chance for close encounters of the furry and feathered kind, with lemurs, parrots and other birds, alpaca, tigers, wallabies, gray wolves, cougars, and more. Popular mini-lectures and guided one-hour tours led by friendly, knowledgeable staff take place throughout the day. Upcoming events include Howloween in October and the ever-popular Reindeer Festival, which takes place most days in December. Bring some quarters to purchase treats to feed to select animals and take a picture with one of the many artistic bronze wildlife statues scattered throughout the zoo as a fond reminder of your visit.
Go a little further afield with a visit to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville, about an hour and a half south of Bellevue. With a focus on animals native to the region, this is a great opportunity to learn about the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest’s wetlands, forests, and meadows. Get a sneak peek of a visit to the park in this video from The Vue.
Kelsey Creek Farm Park
Located just minutes from downtown Bellevue, you’ll find 150 acres of forests, grassy meadows, and wetlands — and a peek inside the city’s rural past — at Kelsey Creek Farm Park. The park attracts hikers, joggers, picnickers, nature-lovers, animal-lovers, playground seekers, and more. In addition to the park’s two historic dairy barns, there’s a cabin on-site dating back to the late 1800s. Within the park boundaries you’ll find Kelsey Creek Farm proper, where families go to enjoy the barnyard animals, the outdoors, and relish the peaceful farm setting that harkens back to simpler times — all at no charge. At the farm, you can see chickens, ducks, cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits, ponies, and goats in their enclosures and learn about rural life. It’s the kind of idyllic place visitors and locals return to again and again. Enjoy a virtual visit to the farm by joining Visit Bellevue Ambassador Kara Patajo as she explores the farm.
Wildlife Viewing in the Area’s Wetlands & Greenbelts
Did you know that Bellevue has more than 80 miles of streams, providing habitat for salmon, cutthroat trout, waterfowl, and other wildlife? You’ll also find a handful of lakes — Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish (connected by the Lake to Lake Trail), and smaller lakes such as Lake Bellevue, Phanton Lake, and Larsen Lake. All of these wetlands serve as a rich habitat for both fish and wildlife. On Lake Washington, get out on the water to see what animals you can spot during an ecologically friendly cruise on an electric boat with Bellevue Lake Cruises.
In addition, places like Mercer Slough Nature Park (look for great blue herons) and the 150-acre Lake Hills Greenbelt Park (keep an eye out for coyotes, songbirds, and more) offer ample opportunities to enjoy nature and wildlife. A curious bobcat was recently spotted at 93-acre Weowna Park, next to Lake Sammamish, where the trail takes you through towering forests and along a creek with waterfalls and pools — and birds can be found in abundance.
Adventure Meets Wildlife
Multitaskers can keep their eyes peeled for wildlife while engaging in a host of other activities such as birdwatching at Bellevue Botanical Garden or Wilburton Hill Park. While hiking in the Coal Creek Natural Area you might encounter great horned owls in the canopied forest. Do some wildlife watching from a stand-up paddleboard, canoe, or kayak at Enatai Beach Park, where you can rent equipment by the hour from the REI Boathouse. From Enatai Beach you can also access Mercer Slough via a water trail, where you might see beavers or bald eagles.
