Washington
Where Coastlines Meet Mountains
Washington’s birding is shaped by dramatic contrasts, from Pacific coastlines and Puget Sound islands to temperate rainforests, sagebrush steppe, and the high Cascades. The state’s mix of marine environments, old‑growth forests, alpine habitats, and inland shrublands supports an exceptional range of species, including Varied Thrush, Harlequin Duck, Tufted Puffin, Sooty Grouse, White‑headed Woodpecker, and coastal seabird concentrations. Seasonal movement brings rich migration along the coast and through mountain passes, while year‑round specialties anchor each region.
At this time, our Washington departures are offered as private custom tours only. Stay connected for future updates - join our mailing list to receive news on upcoming offerings and inspiration for your next birding adventure.
Custom Group Tours Available Only
Sample Itinerary:
Birding Across Washington's Diverse Biomes (7-8 days)
Seattle → Olympic Peninsula → cross North Cascades → Methow Valley/Okanogan → Columbia Basin (Potholes/Othello) → Yakima Canyon & Oak Creek/Wenas → return to Seattle over Snoqualmie Pass.
This route deliberately moves you through Washington's major biomes in sequence: maritime rainforest, outer coast, alpine Cascades, shrub-steppe desert, irrigated basin wetlands, and ponderosa pine canyon — giving you the widest possible species list for the time available and in a single, seamless loop; starting and ending in Seattle, the route maximizes diversity and specialty species.
Designed for peak breeding‑season birding (May–June), this itinerary blends coastal alcids, mountain forest specialties, shrub‑steppe targets, and rich wetland habitats, with optional add‑ons like the Westport pelagic for albatross and shearwaters.
A winter alternative (December - March) is also possible, focusing on Snowy Owl, Gyrfalcon, Snow Goose, Great Gray Owl, Trumpeter & Tundra Swans, Rough-legged Hawk, sea ducks, and coastal wintering birds - a very different but equally strong trip focused on wintering specialties rather than breeding birds.
Target species: Sooty Grouse, Dusky Grouse, Canada Jay, White-headed Woodpecker, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Lewis's Woodpecker, Rhinoceros Auklet, Williamson's Sapsucker, Sage Thrasher, Sagebrush Sparrow, Gray Partridge, Chukar, Marbled Murrelet, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Black Oystercatcher, Tufted Puffin, Harlequin Duck, Surfbird, Wandering Tattler, Mountain Quail, Burrowing Owl, Bobolink, Varied Thrush, American Dipper, Clark's Nutcracker, Short-eared / Western Screech / Northern Pygmy and Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Other wildlife: Roosevelt Elk, Black Bear, Harbor Seal, Harbor Porpoise, Gray Whale, Sea Otter, Hoary Marmot, Mule Deer, Badger, River Otter, and Banana Slug.