America’s 20th-largest metropolis contains a surprising amount of nature. From herons to seals and even urban beavers, critters inhabit both land and sea in the Emerald City. Standouts include ancient sixgill sharks, which circle right under downtown piers, and giant Pacific octopuses—one of nature’s most intelligent animals. Cruisers are most likely to see bald eagles (scan the high trees) and the rare, endangered orcas of Puget Sound. These killer whales eat only salmon, not other mammals.
