www.nwtrek.org

In 1971, Dr. David and Connie Hellyer decided to donate more than 500 acres of forested land to Metro Parks Tacoma. They wanted to create a park that would display North American wildlife in their natural environments to people of all ages.
After four years of diligent planning and intense fundraising, Northwest Trek opened to the public on July 17, 1975. More than three million visitors from around the world have visited the park to view the bison herd gallop across the meadows, the bull elk clash and bison calves nurse from their mothers.
Trek continues to be ahead of its time. Life is natural at this park. Visitors see moose, mountain goats, caribou and other North American animals living in the 435-acre free-roaming area during a 50-minute tram tour. A paved trail leads to large, natural exhibits where grizzlies, wolves and lynx reside. Five miles of trails take visitors through second-growth Douglas fir forests.