Wildlife Near Seattle

wallhanger · Jun 27, 2006

Hey guys, the family & I are headed to the great Northwest for a wedding and a welcome break from the Texas heat over the weekend of the 4th. Wondering if you guys know of any good areas to see some big game. I'm guessing that right there around Seattle would be more blacktail and black bear country, but if there are any muleys within a reasonably short drive, would you mind pointing me in the right direction? I promise to share any good pics with the board.

Thanks,

WH

WAsharpstick · Jun 27, 2006

There are NO muleys close to Seattle your closest bet would be just over the pass on I-90(about 1.5 hours) near the towns of cle elum and easton for muleys and elk. Neither one is that great but I usually see deer in the Am in those areas as well as elk. You will need to get out there early though the temps in that part of the state go in the 90's very quickly and the critters all disappear.

deerhuntr4885 · Jun 27, 2006

Ditto, what WAsharpstick said. Cle Elum is your best bet but only early morn. or late evening. You can usually see some deer in the meadows and hay fields just east of Cle Elum at those times. Elk...will require more driving.

JACKELOPE · Jun 27, 2006

2-3 hour drive will get you to where they are, but then finding them is another issue. it is a pretty drive and a nice area, worth the drive if you are into sightseeing, etc. but i wouldn't drive 3 hours to see muleys. I-90 east 2-3 hours iwll get you into the mountains.
if you are into a roadtrip, sightseeing, possible animals, etc. you might look at the north cascades highway. it's an incredible drive the some big mountains and great views, it is a full day round trip though. it will end in the methow valley, winthrop, wa. where there are lots of deer and it is the approx. area where our big deer come from.
i believe, don't hold me to it, it is a national scenic highway.

wallhanger · Jun 27, 2006

Thanks, guys. If I can get away, I may try to get over in these areas and get some pics. Appreciate the info.

WH

spotnstalkID · Jun 27, 2006

Just like Jackalope said, North Cascades Highway to winthrop, Methow Valley area. It is as scenic of a drive as you could ask for and once you get near the Mazama/Winthrop area you'll see your fair share of wildlife. There are deer all over and if you keep your eyes peeled going over the pass you may see a bear or two also. I don't know how long you'll be in town for, but if you can afford to take a day and make the loop, it will be well worth your time. Great scenery and if you do it early in the morning or evening you'll see a lot of wildlife.

Jaxon

MikeLonsford · Jun 27, 2006

Not knowing your allowable drive time you could head south also. A trip to Mt Rainier can get you views of elk and deer. Besides driving towards a 14,000' peak that comes from sea level is pretty spectacular. If you really have drive time you could go further south and see Mt St Helens and be sure of seeing elk at the forest learning center, they're always in the valley on the mud flow. St Helens is probably 3 hours from Seattle and Rainier about 2.5. Depends on traffic in Seattle I 5 corridor you could add an hour to both of those. Have fun, the weather will be great!

Mike

WAmuleyHunter · Jun 27, 2006

Another place i just thought of would be if you are going to head east, towards Cle Elum and such, you could swing down to Ellensburg where you could find deer and elk but i was thinking that you could run down to the Yakima River there into "the canyon" and you will see deer and also a ton of Big Horn Sheep. Oh and also the only Blue Ribbon Trout stream in Washington. It is an awesome site for pictures and a heck of a good time. You can be there from seattle in an 1 1/2 to 2 hrs.

Garrett