9 Best Zoos In Oregon That’ll Make Your U.S. Trip More Funtastic & Memorable

23 Mar 2023

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Oregon is a geographically diverse state in the United States, known for its varied landscape. It is often referred to as a home of a dress of wildlife as about 60% of Oregon is covered with forest. If you are planning to visit a wildlife place for a short trip with your family in the USA, then the Oregon Coast is the best choice for you. It is a dwelling place of animals and it has some well-maintained zoos that will allow you to interact with this diverse landscape. And here is the ultimate list of Zoos in Oregon that can help you plan a better trip itinerary!

9 Best Zoos In Oregon

This list of ten best zoos in Oregon will help you add a little more thrill and fun to your holiday in the U.S. Take a look at these places and pick the ones where you definitely wish to visit.

1. Oregon Zoo

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The Oregon Zoo, founded in 1888 is one of the biggest zoos in Oregon. Covers nearly 64 acres of land. The Oregon Zoo, formerly known as the Portland Zoo and later it came to be known as the Washington Park Zoo, is located in Washington Park, Portland. With over 230 species and more than 1800 animals, this is one of the gems amongst the numerous Zoos and Safari Parks in Oregon. The Oregon Zoo is the largest paid and the most popular visitor attraction in the state.

Don’t Miss out on these: Ella, the African painted dog, Asian Elephants, Summer concerts, Carousel, and Zoolights.
Location: 4001 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221, USA.
Timings: Daily, 9:30AM-4PM.
Entry Fee: Free (2 and under); $12.95/child (3-11 yrs); $17.95/adult (12-64 yrs); $15.95/senior(65 and up).

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2. Great Cats World Park

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Opened on May 2005 this is a big cat zoo, located near the south of Cave Junction in Oregon. Craig Wagner is the owner and manager of this zoo. He and his staffs raise cats, feed them and train them. The main motto of this center is to alert the public about all the species of wild cats. This will eventually increase the conservation and awareness. The Park breeds Amur Leopard and the White Tiger.

Don’t Miss out on these: The Popovitch show is the main attraction of this site.
Location: 27919 Redwood Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523, USA.
Timings: Saturday and Sunday (11AM-4PM)
Entry Fee: Free (3 and under); $11/child (4-12 yrs); $15/adult (13-64 yrs); $13/senior (65 and up).

3. West Coast Game Park

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This is one of the drive-through zoos in Oregon. Opened in 1968 by Bob Tenney. Being one of the petting zoos in oregon, it also includes the breeding program of the snow leopard. The park spread over 21 acres of land. Over 450 animals of 75 different species including Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Caracal, Elk, Reindeer, Bison, Camels, and many more animals are here to attract this place.

Don’t Miss out on these: Bella (Lion Cub), Bengal Tigers and Snow Leopards.
Location: 46914 US-101, Bandon, OR 97411, USA.
Timings: Daily, 10AM-5PM.
Entry Fees: Free (2 and under); $9/toddlers (2-6 yrs); $12/children (7-12 yrs); $19/adult(13-59); $17/senior (60 and up).

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4. Cascades Raptor Center

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This center is famous for its wide collection of native raptor species. Opened in 1987 this is a nature center and wildlife hospital for birds. Cascades Raptor Center features 50 birds of 30 different species. Around 300 injured birds were treated in this center in 2014. The center also provides an educational program for small and large groups.

Don’t Miss out on these: Owl Species and their various educational programme is their main site of attraction.
Location: 32275 Fox Hollow Rd, Eugene, OR 97405, USA.
Timings: 10AM-4PM, Monday and Thursday Closed.
Entry Fees: Free (Members); $5/youth (2-12 yrs); $7(Students/Seniors); $8 (Adults).

5. Sea Lion Caves

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America’s largest sea cave it is a well-linked system of sea caves that opens its chamber to the Pacific Ocean in the state of Oregon. Situated at about 18 km north of Florence. The midpoint of the cave is located in the Oregon Coast. It has 3 different entrants. Captain William Cox, a local seaman discovered it in 1880. This private cave can be accessed with admission. The access leads through a gift soft building. Steller Sea Lion is the main attracting animal of this cave.

Don’t Miss out on these: Steller Sea Lion
Location: 91560 US-101, Florence, OR 97439, USA
Timings: Daily, 9AM-4PM
Entry Fees: Free (4 and under); $8/children (5-12 yrs); $14/adults (13-59); $13/senior (60 and up).

6. Oregon Coast Aquarium

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This aquarium is known as the home of Keiko. Opened in 1992 this aquarium covers about 23 acres of space. For its collection, the aquarium mainly focuses on the coastal region of Oregon. Comprises of sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions. Also features native wildlife and has the largest Seabird Aviary in North America.

Don’t Miss out on these: Keiko, Giant Pacific Octopus, Oswald, Koya, Judge and many more!
Location: 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365, USA.
Timings: Daily, 10AM-5PM.
Entry Fees: Free (2 and under); $14.95/children (3-12 yrs); $19.95/young adults (13-17 yrs); $22.95/adults (18-64 yrs); $19.95/senior (64 and up).

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7. Wildlife Safari, Winston

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Frank Hurt created this park back in October 1972. It is known as the World Wildlife Safari. Sprawled over 600 acres the zoos showcases more than 600 animals from 80 different species. They also breed cheetahs. The Wildlife Safari includes a petting zoo, restrooms, a restaurant, a playground, and a gift shop.

Don’t Miss out on these: Capybara, Lion Excursion and the Wells Fargo Australian Walkabout.
Location: 1790 Safari Rd, Winston, OR 97496, USA
Timings: Daily, 10AM-4PM.
Entry Fees: Free (2 and under); $15 for daily add-on (adult and child); $19.95 for an adult drive through.

8. Seaside Aquarium

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Privately owned aquarium situated in Seaside, Oregon. Founded in 1937 this is one of the oldest aquariums on the west coast of Oregon. It is home for 100 different species of marine animals includes moray eels, octopuses and 20 armed sea stars and many more marine animals. The Aquarium established its first program to breed harbor seals in captivity.

Don’t Miss out on these: Tsunami Fish, Harbor Seals.
Location: 200 N Prom, Seaside, OR 97138, USA.
Timings: Daily, 9AM-5PM.
Entry Fees: Free (5 and under); $8.50 (Adults); $7.25 (Seniors).

9. Rusk Ranch Nature Center

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This nature center helps children to interact more with nature. Situated in the valleys of Illinois, it is home to a Butterfly Pavilion and a Hummingbird Garden. Different youth programs are also held to encourage children here. So, if you’re looking for something more experiential for your family, this is the place to be.

Don’t Miss out on these: Birds and different species of butterflies along with Workshops, Youth Programs and Internship are the main attraction.
Location: 27746 Redwood Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523, USA
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These are some of the best zoos located in Oregon that can really make your trip more experiential. Make sure that you visit here with your kids to have a fun day out during your next trip to USA with TravelTriangle. Happy traveling!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Zoos In Oregon

Can I get guided trips to these zoos in Oregon?

Well, the guides where applicable are available at the zoo, mostly it’s about walking through these parks and exploring on your own. However, you can download information from the zoo website or any tourism website to know more about the zoo. If you are visiting Oregan with kids , then you should definitely take them to zoos.

Where can I see the sea animals best in Oregon?

You can either opt for Oregon Coast Aquarium which has got around 23 acres of the area covered with different sea mammals. There are a vast variety of fishes found in these aquariums.

What is the best place to site cheetahs?

You can opt for World wildlife safari at Winston. This place is sure to help you site cheetahs. You must visit here during April and May, as it is the best time to site cheetahs.

What is the best time to visit these zoos?

The best time to visit these zoos is during spring when animals come out from there hibernation to soak themselves in the sun.

What are other activities that we can do at zoos in Oregon?

Apart from watching natural habitats, you can also enjoy things like toy trains, educational programs and usually people come here with families to spend their day.

Can we adopt these zoo animals?

Yes, you can talk to the admin department of the zoo and see how you can support the inhibition of one of the zoo animals.

Can we make special arrangements to celebrate birthdays at these zoos?

Well, that could be possible but also depend on the permissions at the respective zoo.