Best Time to See Squirrels in Washington
August, July and June is the best time to see squirrels in Washington. Based on 27,888 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels are most active across the year in Washington.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
27,888 verified observations of squirrels in Washington, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Washington
Peak month
August
4,346 records (15.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 841 | 3% |
| February | 727 | 2.6% |
| March | 1,423 | 5.1% |
| April | 2,680 | 9.6% |
| May | 3,322 | 11.9% |
| Junepeak | 3,782 | 13.6% |
| Julypeak | 4,327 | 15.5% |
| Augustpeak | 4,346 | 15.6% |
| September | 2,978 | 10.7% |
| October | 1,872 | 6.7% |
| November | 887 | 3.2% |
| December | 703 | 2.5% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 7,246 |
| Douglas's Squirrel | 5,748 |
| Hoary Marmot | 2,858 |
| Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel | 2,465 |
| Townsend's Chipmunk | 1,942 |
| Yellow-pine Chipmunk | 1,737 |
| Yellow-bellied Marmot | 1,600 |
| Olympic Marmot | 868 |
Sightings of squirrels in Washington peak in August, when 4,346 of the year's 27,888 verified observations are logged — about 15.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, July and June.
The quietest stretch is December, February and January, when squirrels are hardest to find — December sees just 703 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The squirrels you are most likely to encounter in Washington are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Douglas's Squirrel and Hoary Marmot — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see squirrels in Washington
- Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve — National Historical Reserve
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Mount Rainier National Park — National Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Plan your squirrel trip in Washington
Start with live tours near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main squirrel viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best squirrel viewing area in Washington.
Viator
Broader backupBook a squirrel tour in Washington
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in Washington?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, July and June, based on 27,888 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in Washington?+
December is the quietest month for squirrels in Washington, with only 703 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in Washington?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Washington, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.
More wildlife in Washington