Issaquah Alps Wildlife Cam Project

Launched in February 2024, the Issaquah Alps Wildlife Cam Project offers a unique window into the hidden lives of local wildlife. Through a network of 22 remote cameras, we've captured remarkable glimpses of the animals that share our forests, trails, and natural spaces. From elusive cougars and black bears to bobcats, coyotes, deer, and other forest residents, the footage reveals fascinating animal behaviors, movements, and interactions that often go unseen.

In partnership with the City of Issaquah, the Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC) uses these discoveries to build awareness, inspire curiosity, and encourage responsible coexistence with wildlife. Our cameras do more than capture memorable moments—they help us better appreciate the diversity of wildlife living in our own backyards and remind us of the importance of protecting the habitats they depend on.

Through weekly Wildlife Wednesday videos, animal trivia, educational resources, and expert interviews—including a WDFW conversation about cougars—we share local wildlife discoveries and promote responsible coexistence.

Every camera capture is an opportunity to learn, connect with nature, and inspire wildlife conservation.

This project was made possible through the generous support of the Foundation for Intelligent Life on Earth and community donors.

Our wildlife camera network is a community effort powered by dedicated volunteers and project staff. Volunteers regularly head into the Issaquah Alps to install cameras, check equipment, and retrieve footage. Once collected, the footage is uploaded by our project coordinator, while our intern helps organize, review, and compile the data into useful research and engaging video content.

Together, this ongoing effort helps us document local wildlife activity, build a better understanding of the animals sharing our landscape, and bring these discoveries back to the community.

Watch the video to see the people and process behind our wildlife camera network!

Wildlife Education and Expert Interviews

Our wildlife cameras offer more than glimpses of local animals—they create opportunities to learn about the wildlife sharing our forests. Through trail-camera footage and expert insights, we hope to inspire curiosity, increase wildlife awareness, and encourage responsible coexistence in the Issaquah Alps.

Explore our PNW Bear Hibernation video to discover how bears prepare for winter through intense seasonal feeding.

Learn from Rich Beausoleil, WDFW bear and cougar specialist, about local wildlife and coexistence.

Wildlife education comes to life through engaging presentations, trail-camera footage, and hands-on learning. The Wildlife Cam Project brings local wildlife stories to classrooms, youth groups, and community events.

Through public Wildlife Coexistence events, classroom presentations, and our partnership with Gibson Ek High School, we help people explore local wildlife, understand animal behavior, and learn how to share our landscapes responsibly.

From fascinating footage to conversations about cougars and bears, our goal is to inspire curiosity, connect people with nature, and encourage the next generation of conservation stewards.

Bring the Wild to Your Group!

Interested in hosting a wildlife presentation or partnering with us on an educational event? We'd love to hear from you!

Email contact@issaquahalps.org to learn more.