2026 Calendar Overview

The purpose of this page is to provide more in depth information and resources as featured on the 2026 Seattle Naturalists' Calendar. Here we showcase the best times for wildlife watching, stargazing, and foraging across Western Washington, with a particular emphasis on locations accessible from Seattle. The calendar was created to serve as a comprehensive calendar resource for nature enthusiasts seeking diverse outdoor experiences.

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January

Foraging: Winter is a time for rest and regrowth for all living things. This time of year you may find mushrooms like yellowfoots, black trumpets, hedgehogs, and oysters as well as plants like hawthorn berries and rosehips. The Puget Sound Mycological Society and Washington Native Plant Society are wonderful community resources for learning about fungi and plants.

Washington Native Plant Society. Info: https://www.wnps.org/
Puget Sound Mycological Society. Info: https://www.psms.org/

Planet Parade (Visible Jan. & Feb.): Six planets align in the night sky! Visible with binoculars or a small telescope. The new year brings the Quadrantids meteor shower and a full supermoon. The Seattle Astronomical Society is a good local resources to learn about our night sky.

Moon Phases and Events. U.S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications service. https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/MoonPhases
Seattle Astronomical Society. Events: https://www.seattleastro.org/

Resident Orca Viewing: Peak season. Listen for them on the hydrophones (OrcaSound) or head down to a beach with binoculars to look for them.

OrcaSound. Listen now on the hydrophone: https://www.orcasound.net/

Check for solar flares (NOAA), on a clear night and you just might see an aurora sighting in Seattle!

Space Weather Prediction Center. NOAA. Aurora Prediction Info: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-viewline-tonight-and-tomorrow-night-experimental

February

Tidepooling: Low tides carry over from last month into February. The Seattle Aquarium website has a collection of field guides and beach etiquette.

Tide Prediction Data. NOAA., Elliott Bay, Seattle, WA. https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9447130&legacy=1
Seattle Beach Naturalists. Seattle Aquarium. Info: https://www.seattleaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/programs/beach-naturalist/

Great Blue Heron Viewing: February is a good time to see herons repair nests, court mates, and prepare to lay eggs.

Heron Habitat Helpers. Seattle, WA. Info: https://heronhelpers.org/

Peak Planet Parade: Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are all visible in the night sky—best enjoyed with binoculars or a telescope.

Moon Phases and Events. U.S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications service. https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/MoonPhases
Seattle Astronomical Society. Events: https://www.seattleastro.org/

Aurora borealis. Continue to check for high probabilities of seeing an aurora.

Space Weather Prediction Center. NOAA. Aurora Prediction Info: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-viewline-tonight-and-tomorrow-night-experimental

Enchantment Permit Lottery: The annual permit system opens this month. Visit Recreation.gov to apply.

Recreation.gov. Permits: https://www.recreation.gov/

Orca Viewing: Our Southern Resident orcas continue their seasonal movements. Scan the horizon from shoreline viewpoints like Alki or Discovery Park in Seattle.

OrcaSound. Listen now on the hydrophone: https://www.orcasound.net/

Plants: Keep an eye out for early buds, like Oso Berry (Oemleria cerasiformis), one of the first native plants to bloom each year, marking spring is right around the corner.

Washington Native Plant Society. Info: https://www.wnps.org/

March

Mt. Rainier Permit Lottery: The lottery opens for Mt. Rainier permits and other popular locations this month.

Recreation.gov. Permits: https://www.recreation.gov/

Cherry Blossoms: The last two weeks of March are typically the best times to see the trees in full bloom. The University of Washington has a magnificent display, transforming the Liberal Arts Quad into a pink canopy.

Cherry Blossoms. Washington State University. Info: https://www.washington.edu/cherryblossoms/

Astronomy Highlights: March brings the Vernal (Spring) Equinox on March 20th, marking equal daylight and night and the official start of astronomical spring. Earlier in the month, a total lunar eclipse occurs on March 3rd—worth the early wake-up if skies cooperate.

Moon Phases and Events. U.S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications service. https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/MoonPhases
Seattle Astronomical Society. Events: https://www.seattleastro.org/

Gray Whale Migration: Gray whales make their northbound migration during spring, with their arrival in local waters serving as a reliable sign of the season’s change in the Pacific Northwest. The prime viewing period is from March to May, when the whales pause their offshore journey to feed in the nutrient-rich waters of the Puget Sound.

OrcaSound. Listen now on the hydrophone: https://www.orcasound.net/

Heron Viewing: March is likely the best month for observing nesting and mating activity.

Heron Habitat Helpers. Seattle, WA. Info: https://heronhelpers.org/

April

April 22nd is Earth Day, a great opportunity to participate in local beach cleanups, trail maintenance, or community environmental events.

EverOut/Seattle. Earth Day Guide: https://everout.com/seattle/earthday/

Permit Lotteries: Enchantment unclaimed permits are released, Olympic National Park permits open, and Mt. Rainier general permits become available.

Astronomy Highlights: The new moon offers dark skies perfect for stargazing. Catch the Lyrids Meteor Shower under clear skies.

Moon Phases and Events. U.S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications service. https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/MoonPhases
Seattle Astronomical Society. Events: https://www.seattleastro.org/

Low Tides: Excellent low tides occur mid-April, perfect for tidepooling adventures along Puget Sound beaches.

Tide Prediction Data. NOAA., Elliott Bay, Seattle, WA. https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9447130&legacy=1
Seattle Beach Naturalists. Seattle Aquarium. Info: https://www.seattleaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/programs/beach-naturalist/

Foraging Season: Fiddlehead ferns and morel mushrooms start appearing!

Washington Native Plant Society. Info: https://www.wnps.org/
Puget Sound Mycological Society. Info: https://www.psms.org/

Average Last Frost: Time to start planting! Mid-April marks the average date for the last frost.

Heron Viewing: Chicks start to hatch!

Heron Habitat Helpers. Seattle, WA. Info: https://heronhelpers.org/

Gray Whale Migration: The viewing period continues through April.

OrcaSound. Listen now on the hydrophone: https://www.orcasound.net/

Tulip Festivals: April is peak tulip season. Rows upon rows of vibrant blooms create a colorful spectacle.

May

Seasonal Wild Finds: With the weather warming up, more is in bloom: fiddlehead ferns, morel mushrooms, wild strawberries, spring mushrooms and more.

Washington Native Plant Society. Info: https://www.wnps.org/
Puget Sound Mycological Society. Info: https://www.psms.org/

Astronomy Highlights: The Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower is from remnants of Halley’s Comet streaking through the night sky. Mid-month, a super new moon occurs and end of the month is a rare second full moon (blue moon).

Moon Phases and Events. U.S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications service. https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/MoonPhases
Seattle Astronomical Society. Events: https://www.seattleastro.org/

Low Tides: Exceptional low tides throughout May make for ideal tidepooling, with the lowest at the end of May. Head to your favorite beach to explore the intertidal zone.

Tide Prediction Data. NOAA., Elliott Bay, Seattle, WA. https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9447130&legacy=1
Seattle Beach Naturalists. Seattle Aquarium. Info: https://www.seattleaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/programs/beach-naturalist/

Heron Viewing: Visit the herons to watch them fish and feed chicks. Chicks are getting big enough to see in the nests!

Heron Habitat Helpers. Seattle, WA. Info: https://heronhelpers.org/

Whale Migration: Viewing period continues. The best viewing time for humpback whales, minke whales, Southern Resident orcas, and Bigg’s/Transient orcas starts this month and continues through October in the Salish Sea.

OrcaSound. Listen now on the hydrophone: https://www.orcasound.net/

June

Sixgill Shark Day: June 6th celebrates these ancient deep-water sharks found in Puget Sound.

Sixgill Shark Day. Highline College, MaST Center Aquarium. Info: https://mast.highline.edu/sixgill-shark/

Bioluminescence: June through August are some of the best months to see this phenomenon. Look for calm, dark, warm nights and splash around the Puget Sound to see the magical glow caused by bioluminescent plankton.

Summer Solstice: June 21st marks the longest day of the year, with nearly 16 hours of glorious daylight.

Fremont Solstice Parade. Seattle, WA. Info: https://fremontfair.com/solstice-parade/

Foraging: Starting to ripen are cherries, thimbleberries, serviceberries, and salmonberries. Lots of mushrooms and plants to learn about with your local fungi and plant groups.

Washington Native Plant Society. Info: https://www.wnps.org/
Puget Sound Mycological Society. Info: https://www.psms.org/

Heron Viewing: Chicks at the colony are exploring the branches and starting to flap their wings.

Heron Habitat Helpers. Seattle, WA. Info: https://heronhelpers.org/

Whale Watching: Humpback whales, minke whales, Southern Resident, and Bigg’s or Transient Orcas are common in the Sound.

OrcaSound. Listen now on the hydrophone: https://www.orcasound.net/

Low Tides: Some of the lowest tides of the year! Don’t miss them!

Tide Prediction Data. NOAA., Elliott Bay, Seattle, WA. https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9447130&legacy=1

Seattle Beach Naturalists. Seattle Aquarium. Info: https://www.seattleaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/programs/beach-naturalist/

July

Heron Viewing: Juvenile herons hone their flying and landing skills.

Heron Habitat Helpers. Seattle, WA. Info: https://heronhelpers.org/

Whale Watching: Peak viewing season continues for whales in the Salish Sea.

OrcaSound. Listen now on the hydrophone: https://www.orcasound.net/

Salmon Viewing: Sockeye is more prevalent at the salmon ladders.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Salmon Viewing Locations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/salmon-viewing

Bat Watching: Bats are active near the Seattle Public Theater Bath House at Green Lake Park. Watch them hunt insects at dusk!

Bats Northwest. Seattle, WA. Info: https://www.batsnorthwest.org/

Foraging: Blackberries, cherries, thimbleberries, serviceberries, and more are ready for picking.

Washington Native Plant Society. Info: https://www.wnps.org/

Bioluminescence: The magic continues! Look for calm, warm nights and watch the water light up with every splash.

Harbor Seal Pupping Season: Harbor seal pups are learning to swim and fish. If you spot one, remember to keep your distance and observe quietly. Contact Seal Sitters for concerns and sightings.

Astronomy Highlights: The new moon on July 7th provides dark skies which may be ideal for stargazing.

Moon Phases and Events. U.S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications service. https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/MoonPhases

Seattle Astronomical Society. Events: https://www.seattleastro.org/

August

Epic August 12th: This day is packed with nature’s magic! Starting with a partial solar eclipse in the morning, a new moon, low tides for tidepooling during the day, potential for bioluminescence, and the peak of the Perseids meteor shower at night.

Ice Caves: Check out Big Four Ice Cave Trails in Snohomish County and follow safety guidelines.

Dahlia Gardens: Visit the Volunteer Park Dahlia Garden for peak viewing until October.

Foraging: It is berry and fruit season! Himalayan blackberries, blueberries, figs, apples, pears and more. Also, boletes and lobster mushrooms!

Washington Native Plant Society. Info: https://www.wnps.org/
Puget Sound Mycological Society. Info: https://www.psms.org/

Bat Watching: Bats are active near the Seattle Public Theater Bath House at Green Lake Park during twilight.

Bats Northwest. Seattle, WA. Info: https://www.batsnorthwest.org/

Salmon Viewing: Sockeye and Chinook are more prevalent at the salmon ladders.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Salmon Viewing Locations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/salmon-viewing

Low tides, whale watching, bioluminescence, and harbor seal pupping season continue!

September

Autumnal/Fall Equinox: September 22nd marks the official start of fall, with equal hours of daylight and darkness.

Vaux’s Swifts: Vaux’s swifts roost at Wagner Elementary School.

Vaux’s Happening. Issaquah, WA. Vaux Swift Research, Cameras, Data: https://www.vauxhappening.org/

Salmon Viewing: Coho is more prevalent at the salmon ladders, with some Sockeye and Chinook.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Salmon Viewing Locations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/salmon-viewing

Foraging: Fruit and berry season starts to wind down. Mushrooms continue with chanterelles, matsutake, lobsters, and bear’s head

Washington Native Plant Society. Info: https://www.wnps.org/
Puget Sound Mycological Society. Info: https://www.psms.org/

Nisqually Watershed Festival usually occurs on the last Saturday of the month. For 37 years, this festival has been gathering community to enjoy food, science, crafts, and wildlife.

October

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: October 12th honors and celebrates the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples.

Southern Resident Orca Viewing: Peak season runs from October to February.

OrcaSound. Listen now on the hydrophone: https://www.orcasound.net/

Puget Sound Mycological Society hosts their Annual Wild Mushroom. Show toward the end of the month.

Puget Sound Mycological Society. Info: https://www.psms.org/

Astronomy Highlights: The Orionids meteor shower peaks October 21st-22nd, producing up to 20 meteors per hour—remnants of Halley’s Comet.

Moon Phases and Events. U.S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications service. https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/MoonPhases
Seattle Astronomical Society. Events: https://www.seattleastro.org/

Salmon Migration and Festivals: Since 1970, Issaquah has had a salmon festival to celebrate the end of the salmon run. Dates are October 3rd and 4th this year.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Salmon Viewing Locations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/salmon-viewing
Issaquah Salmon Days Annual Festival. https://www.salmondays.org/

November

Salmon Viewing: Chum and coho salmon return to streams like Piper’s Creek and Issaquah Creek.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Salmon Viewing Locations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/salmon-viewing

Foraging: Edible species of mushrooms like chanterelles, cauliflower, and yellowfoots thrive in damp forests.

Washington Native Plant Society. Info: https://www.wnps.org/
Puget Sound Mycological Society. Info: https://www.psms.org/

Birding: Bird species like Barrow’s goldeneye, buffleheads, and surf scoters migrate from Arctic breeding grounds to the Puget Sound.

Birds Connect. Seattle, WA. Event Calendar: https://birdsconnectsea.org/calendar/

Aurora Watching: Solar activity occasionally brings aurora sightings to Seattle—finding darker skies away from city lights increases visibility.

Space Weather Prediction Center. NOAA. Aurora Prediction Info: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-viewline-tonight-and-tomorrow-night-experimental

Astronomy Highlights: The Northern Taurids meteor shower and the Leonids meteor shower both peak this month. Also to be seen in the sky, a supermoon, which will appear larger and brighter than usual.

Moon Phases and Events. U.S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications service. https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/MoonPhases
Seattle Astronomical Society. Events: https://www.seattleastro.org/

Low Tides: More exceptional tidepooling opportunities at night during the end of the month.

Tide Prediction Data. NOAA., Elliott Bay, Seattle, WA. https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9447130&legacy=1
Seattle Beach Naturalists. Seattle Aquarium. Info: https://www.seattleaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/programs/beach-naturalist/

December

Aurora Watching: Auroras may be visible depending on solar activity. Find some dark skies and hope for clear weather!

Space Weather Prediction Center. NOAA. Aurora Prediction Info: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-viewline-tonight-and-tomorrow-night-experimental

Foraging: Winter is a time for rest and regrowth for all living things. This time of year you may see yellowfoots, black trumpets, and hedgehog mushrooms, as well as hawthorn berries and rosehips.

Washington Native Plant Society. Info: https://www.wnps.org/
Puget Sound Mycological Society. Info: https://www.psms.org/

Southern Resident Orca Viewing: Peak season continues.

OrcaSound. Listen now on the hydrophone: https://www.orcasound.net/

Astronomy Highlights: The Geminids meteor shower peaks December 14th, producing up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. The Ursids meteor shower peaks December 22nd, but the supermoon that evening will flood the sky with light. Not ideal viewing conditions.

Moon Phases and Events. U.S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications service. https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/MoonPhases
Seattle Astronomical Society. Events: https://www.seattleastro.org/

Winter Solstice: December 21st marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. After this, daylight gradually increases as we head toward spring.

Low Tides: Good tidepooling opportunities continue throughout the month.

Tide Prediction Data. NOAA., Elliott Bay, Seattle, WA. https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9447130&legacy=1
Seattle Beach Naturalists. Seattle Aquarium. Info: https://www.seattleaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/programs/beach-naturalist/

Disclaimer

The information provided in this calendar regarding foraging plants, berries, and mushrooms is for educational purposes only. Foraging can be dangerous if misidentification occurs, and some wild plants and fungi can be toxic or cause allergic reactions. Always consult with a knowledgeable expert and field guides before consuming any wild edibles. Any adventure activity also comes with inherent risks, engage at your own risk. The creators of this calendar are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided. Stay safe and connect with community organizations for safe and responsible activities!