Get Out: See Bison, Bears, Bighorn Sheep and More at Northwest Trek

With dry conditions today and the tantalizing prospect of spring on the horizon - especially as you're losing an hour tonight - aren't you just itching to get outdoors?

If you haven't been in a while (or have never been at all), consider taking a jaunt over toward Eatonville and spend some time visiting the animals at Northwest Trek. It's like a zoo, only it's not.

Standard entry fees get you access to the entire park which includes a self-guided walking tour and a ride on a narrated tram tour through the free-roaming areas of the park. See grizzly bears, wolves, bison, bighorn sheep and more.

It's a great trip for kids and provides ample opportunities for the amateau photographer to hone his or her skills capturing close encounters with these native Northwest creatures.

Northwest Trek is currently open Fridays through Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. until March 17. After that, the park will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of June.

For ticket prices, driving directions and more information about special events at the park, visit www.nwtrek.org. Note Pierce County residents get a discount off admission.