In episode #168 of The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, we answer this question from a listener.
If you’re planning a visit to Washington’s national parks—Olympic, Mount Rainier, or North Cascades—you might be wondering: Do I need to bring or buy bear spray?
It’s a common question from travelers, especially those flying in and unable to pack bear spray canisters in their luggage.
The short answer? No, you don’t need bear spray in Washington’s national parks.
Here’s why.
Washington is home to black bears, not grizzlies. Yes, there have been sightings of grizzly bears in North Cascades National Park, but the chance of encountering one in the areas most visitors spend time is extremely small.
Black bears are generally shy and non-aggressive toward humans. While it’s always smart to follow basic wildlife safety practices—like making noise on the trail and storing food properly—encounters that require bear spray are extremely rare in this part of the country. In fact, there hasn’t been a fatal black bear attack in a Washington national park in over 50 years.
Unlike Glacier or Yellowstone National Parks—where grizzly encounters are more likely and bear spray is strongly advised—Washington’s parks don’t require the same level of preparation.
The Washington national parks do not ban bear spray like the California national parks, yet they do not encourage it either due to safety concerns about inappropriate use. The parks emphasizes that visitors first rely on awareness and bear-safe behavior rather than defensive tools.
One less item to pack
So, if you’re flying into Seattle and heading out to explore Mount Rainier, Olympic, or North Cascades, you can leave the bear spray off your packing list. You also won’t find it for sale in park visitor centers or gift shops.
That said, if you still feel more comfortable carrying bear spray—or if your plans include visiting other parks with grizzly populations later in your trip—you can pick up a canister at outdoor retailers outside the parks. Just be sure to learn how to use it safely.
It’s a different story in park’s with grizzly bears
And for those curious about bear safety in other parks: we shared in our podcast episode some of our experiences in Alaska, where precautions are quite different.
For instance, on a hike in Glacier Bay National Park, a nervous ranger handed us bear spray before leading us into dense forest near brown bear habitat. In contrast, during our time in Denali, a more relaxed ranger told us not to worry about carrying spray at all. In Alaska, the tone around bears varies depending on the park and activity.
Trust the local rangers
Ultimately, the best advice always comes from the rangers and staff who work in the park you’re visiting. They know the bear activity patterns, the terrain, and the risks. When in doubt, ask a ranger and follow their lead.
So, if Washington’s national parks are on your itinerary, rest easy: you don’t need to stress about bear spray. Just bring your hiking boots, a sense of adventure, and your camera—you’ll be just fine.
Staying safe around bears
Learn more about staying safe around bears from the National Park Services’ website.
(The cover image for this post is of Mount Rainier as seen from the Skyline Loop Trail)
