Turtles in Washington

Washington has freshwater habitats like Clearwater and Snake Rivers and saltwater habitats like the Pacific Ocean in the west. Turtles living in the state include the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, the Western Painted Turtle, the River Cooter, the Green Sea Turtle, and the Ouachita Map Turtle.

Turtles in Washington (WA)

Types of Turtles Found in Washington

Sea Turtles (Cheloniidae)

  • Loggerhead Sea Turtle
  • Green Sea Turtle
  • Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

  • Common Snapping Turtle

Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelyidae)

  • Leatherback Sea Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Painted Turtles

  • Western Painted Turtle

Map Turtles

  • Ouachita Map Turtle
  • False Map Turtle

Cooters

  • River Cooter

Pond Turtles

  • Western Pond Turtle

Sliders

  • Red-eared Slider

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

  • Spiny Softshell

FAQ

Are there any endangered turtles in Washington?

While the Western Pond Turtle is classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN, it is endangered within Washington.

Where to see sea turtles in Washington? 

They can be spotted off the lagoons and bays on the Washington coast.

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