12 Types of Frogs in Washington

1. What are the most common frogs in Washington?

The Pacific tree frog (*Pseudacris regilla*) is by far the most common and can be found from sea level to subalpine zones. Other widespread species include the northern red-legged frog (*Rana aurora*) and the Columbia spotted frog (*Rana luteiventris*). The Oregon spotted frog is rare and limited to a few sites. Look for the dark mask on the Pacific tree frog and the red underlegs on the red-legged frog.

2. How can you tell Pacific tree frogs from other small frogs?

Pacific tree frogs have a dark stripe through the eye that extends to the shoulder, plus large toe pads for climbing. They change color from green to brown but the eye stripe stays. Northern red-legged frogs have a dark mask but lack toe pads and have red on the underside of their legs. The Columbia spotted frog has a more pointed snout and light upper lip line. Check out ourfrog identification hubfor more comparison tips.

3. Where in Washington are frogs most often spotted?

The best bets are low elevation wetlands, beaver ponds, and marshy edges of lakes west of the Cascades. The Pacific tree frog is common in backyards and rain gardens. East of the Cascades, look along slow streams and irrigation ditches. A great starting area is the Columbia River Gorge or the wetlands near Puget Sound. For more Washington wildlife spots, see ourWashington wildlife guide.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. When is the best time of year to see frogs in Washington?

Breeding season from late February through April gives the best odds, especially after warm rains. The Pacific tree frog calls from March to June. Northern red-legged frogs start earlier, sometimes February. In late summer, young frogs are common near water. Winter is quiet most species hibernate in mud or leaf litter. The peak window for confident sightings is March to May, but you can find adults near water year-round in mild coastal areas.

5. What field marks separate Washington frogs from lookalikes?

Check skin texture: the Pacific tree frog is smooth with toe pads; the rough-skinned newt is a common lookalike but has dry warty skin and no toe pads. Also check eye direction: frogs have horizontal pupils; toads have horizontal but with parotoid glands. The northern red-legged frog has a dark mask, but the tailed frog (*Ascaphus truei*) has a vertical pupil and lives in cold mountain streams. Dorsal folds (ridges down the back) are prominent in red-legged and spotted frogs but absent in Pacific tree frogs.

6. How do frog calls help identify Washington species?

The Pacific tree frog's call is a two-part *rib-bit* or a long trill. Northern red-legged frogs give a short, low *cluck* or *grunt*. Columbia spotted frogs produce a series of short clicks. The Oregon spotted frog has a rapid, low-pitched rattle. Listen at dusk during breeding season. Online recordings are a great tool for learning before you go out.

7. What is the easiest frog to find for a beginner?

The Pacific tree frog is your best bet. It is active by day, calls from bushes near water, and often shows up in suburban gardens. Look in rain barrels, under logs, or on windowsills at night since they hunt insects near lights. In western Washington, you will probably hear them before you see them. Start in a local park with a pond such as Seward Park in Seattle or the Washington Park Arboretum.

8. Where can I find wildlife art featuring Washington frogs?

If you want to bring some frog identification inspiration home, check out these art prints available at Easy Street Markets. They make great reminders of your field experiences.

Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print

A vivid art print that captures the striking colors of the red-eyed tree frog. Perfect for frog lovers.Check Price and Availability

Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print

A beautiful print of the Pine Barrens tree frog, with its green and purple tones.Check Price and Availability

Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire

An illustrated frog print on fine art paper, framed or unframed.Check Price and Availability

For more wildlife-themed gear, browse ourwildlife t-shirts.

9. Frequently asked questions about Washington frogs

**Are there poisonous frogs in Washington?** No native frogs in Washington are dangerously poisonous, but the rough-skinned newt carries tetrodotoxin and can be mistaken for a frog. Always wash hands after handling amphibians.

**Can you keep a Washington frog as a pet?** It is illegal to take most native frogs from the wild. Check state regulations and consider a captive-bred species instead.

**What is the largest frog in Washington?** The northern red-legged frog reaches up to 4 inches, and the American bullfrog (invasive) can be over 6 inches.

**Do Washington frogs hibernate?** Yes, they hibernate in mud, under logs, or in deep leaf litter from October to February.

**Where can I report a frog sighting?** Use the Washington Herp Atlas or iNaturalist to contribute group science.

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