Squirrels in Washington: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For
Squirrels do show up in Washington, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Yellow-bellied Marmot 路 Peter L Achuff CC BY
Eastern Gray Squirrel 路 Gavin Slater CC BY
Eastern Gray Squirrel 路 Public domain CC0
- 8
- species recorded
- 29,844
- GBIF records
- August, July, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
19 types of squirrels recorded in Washington
19 squirrel species have a verified observation record in Washington across the squirrel family (Sciuridae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
2 of the 19 shown are recorded as introduced to Washington rather than native, and 2 are endemic to Washington, found here and effectively nowhere else.
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Also recorded in Washington
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Least ChipmunkNeotamias minimus | Neotamias minimus | 159 |
| 14 | Northern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys sabrinus | Glaucomys sabrinus | 66 |
| 15 | Townsend's Ground SquirrelEndemicUrocitellus townsendii | Urocitellus townsendii | 53 |
| 16 | Western Gray SquirrelSciurus griseus | Sciurus griseus | 46 |
| 17 | Washington Ground SquirrelUrocitellus washingtoni | Urocitellus washingtoni | 27 |
| 18 | Red-tailed ChipmunkNeotamias ruficaudus | Neotamias ruficaudus | 25 |
| 19 | Common Golden-mantled Ground SquirrelCallospermophilus lateralis | Callospermophilus lateralis | 21 |
Plus 2 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
27,888 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Washington, most often in August, July, June.
When squirrel are recorded in Washington
Squirrels do show up in Washington, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
1. Where are squirrels most likely found in Washington?
Washington hosts squirrels from the coast to the Cascades. Eastern gray squirrels thrive in urban parks like Seattle's Discovery Park. Douglas squirrels prefer conifer forests in the Cascades and Olympics. In eastern Washington, look for ground squirrels in shrub-steppe habitats. CheckWashington's wildlife areasfor specific park suggestions.
2. What time of day and season are best for squirrel spotting?
Squirrels are most active early morning and late afternoon, especially in spring and fall. Summer heat pushes them to shady mornings. Winter activity drops but sunny days still bring them out. During autumn, squirrels are busy gathering food and are easier to spot. Try visiting a local park around 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. for best odds.
3. What signs of squirrel activity should beginners look for?
Look for characteristic chew marks on pine cones and acorns. Squirrels leave distinct tooth marks (two parallel grooves) on nutshells. Watch for leaf nests (dreys) high in tree forks, about 20-30 feet up. On the ground, search for small scratchings near tree bases. Tracks show four front toes and five hind toes, often with a bounding pattern.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. How can I tell apart Washington's common squirrel species?
Eastern gray squirrels are large with gray-brown fur and a long bushy tail. Douglas squirrels are smaller, with reddish bellies and a distinct white eye ring. In eastern Washington, ground squirrels like the Columbian ground squirrel have shorter tails and live in burrows. Pay attention to size, tail length, and habitat. For more details on squirrel species, visit thesquirrel hub.
5. Which Washington parks offer the best squirrel watching?
Urban parks like Seward Park in Seattle are reliable for eastern grays. For Douglas squirrels, try Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park or Mount Rainier's Paradise area. Eastern Washington's Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge hosts ground squirrels. Always check local trail maps and park guidelines before heading out.
6. What squirrel watching gear should I bring?
Bring binoculars (8x42 works well) for scanning treetops. A field guide helps with identification. Wear quiet clothing and walk slowly. A notebook for recording behavior is optional but useful. If you want to show your squirrel enthusiasm, consider a wildlife-themed shirt from ourt-shirt collection.
7. Travel widget and squirrel hotspots
If you're planning a dedicated trip, focus on parks with dense oak or conifer forests. The Olympic Peninsula and Cascade foothills offer year-round chances. Pair your trip with sightings of other Washington wildlife like deer or hawks for a full day out.
8. What Easy Street Markets picks fit this page?
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8. Frequently Asked Questions about squirrels in Washington
**What is the most common squirrel in Washington?** Eastern gray squirrels are most common in urban and suburban areas. **Are there any invasive squirrels?** Yes, eastern grays are introduced and can outcompete native species. **Do squirrels hibernate in Washington?** Tree squirrels don't true hibernate but become less active in winter. Ground squirrels do hibernate. **Can I feed squirrels in parks?** It's often discouraged as it can spread disease and cause dependency. Check local park rules.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see squirrel in Washington: August, July, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your squirrel sighting in Washington
29,844 verified squirrel records have been logged in Washington, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Washington
- Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site 路 Wildlife Watching 路 Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail 路 Wildlife Watching 路 Find hotels
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Mount Rainier National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Nez Perce National Historical Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What squirrel species live in Washington?+
Washington hosts squirrels from the coast to the Cascades. Eastern gray squirrels thrive in urban parks like Seattle's Discovery Park. Douglas squirrels prefer conifer forests in the Cascades and Olympics. In eastern Washington, look for ground squirrels in shrub-steppe habitats. CheckWashington's wildlife areasfor specific park suggestions.
Where can you see squirrels in Washington?+
Washington hosts squirrels from the coast to the Cascades. Eastern gray squirrels thrive in urban parks like Seattle's Discovery Park. Douglas squirrels prefer conifer forests in the Cascades and Olympics. In eastern Washington, look for ground squirrels in shrub-steppe habitats. CheckWashington's wildlife areasfor specific park suggestions.
When is the best time to see squirrels in Washington?+
Washington hosts squirrels from the coast to the Cascades. Eastern gray squirrels thrive in urban parks like Seattle's Discovery Park. Douglas squirrels prefer conifer forests in the Cascades and Olympics. In eastern Washington, look for ground squirrels in shrub-steppe habitats. CheckWashington's wildlife areasfor specific park suggestions.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Washington