Washington State harbors an incredible diversity of frog species—from the iconic Pacific Treefrog whose “ribbit” echoes through wetlands to critically endangered species clinging to survival in just a handful of locations.
Whether you’re exploring mountain meadows in the Cascades, wandering through lowland forests west of the mountains, or investigating wetlands in the Columbia Basin, you’ll encounter amphibians that have adapted to Washington’s varied landscapes.
This guide reveals how to identify each of Washington’s 10 frog species by appearance, sound, and habitat, helping you recognize these remarkable creatures during your next outdoor adventure.
Pacific Tree Frog (Pacific Chorus Frog)
The Pacific Tree Frog is the only frog in Washington with circular discs or “toe pads” on its fingertips and toes, making identification straightforward once you spot these distinctive features.
These small frogs grow up to 2 inches in length and display remarkable color variation—including green, tan, reddish, gray, brown, cream, and black—though most appear in shades of green or brown with pale or white bellies.
Key Identification Features:
- A conspicuous dark mask extends from the tip of the nose through the nostril, eye, and tympanum to the shoulder
- Y-shaped marking often exists on the head between the eyes
- Sticky toe pads for climbing
- Males have darkly pigmented throats with a translucent yellow wash and wrinkly skin
Pacific Tree Frogs can change color over periods of hours and weeks, an adaptation that helps them blend with their surroundings. These changes aren’t triggered by environmental color shifts but by changes in background brightness.
You’ll find Pacific Treefrogs throughout Washington in virtually every habitat except the driest and coldest areas. They can utilize a wide variety of habitats and persist even within urban and disturbed areas where pockets of undeveloped habitat exist. Breeding season runs from November to July in permanent or non-permanent water sources.
Pro Tip: Males produce the distinctive “rib-it” or “crek-ek” call that’s become synonymous with frogs worldwide—these are the most commonly heard frogs in Washington. In 2007, the Pacific chorus treefrog was named Washington’s state frog.
Northern Red-legged Frog
The Northern Red-legged Frog is a medium to large species that commands attention with its distinctive coloring. This robust frog reaches lengths of over 10 cm (about 4 inches) and displays various shades of brown and red. It gets its name from the deep wine-red (burgundy) undersides of its legs, thighs, and portions of the belly.
Named for its signature bright red inner and underlegs, the Northern Red-Legged Frog can be reliably distinguished from the similar-looking Oregon Spotted Frog by the presence of a yellow or pale green patch on the hip, just anterior to the hind legs. This hip patch provides a definitive identification marker when examining captured specimens.
Where to Find Them: The Northern Red-legged Frog is fairly common west of the crest of the Cascade Range, inhabiting moist forests near cool ponds, lakes, and slow streams, especially where aquatic vegetation provides cover
During the non-breeding season, these frogs wander extensively. They may be found several hundred yards or more away from permanent water, making them one of the more terrestrial frogs in Washington when not breeding.
This species is active for most of the year from late February through October, with breeding occurring in late winter through early spring. Their call consists of a series of five to seven quiet, low-pitched notes—uh-uh-uh-uh-uh. Males often call from underwater, making the sound barely audible even at close range.
Key Insight: These frogs are most commonly found in and around fish-free bodies of fresh, still water, especially those in more open areas exposed to sunlight. The presence of fish predators significantly affects their habitat selection.
Oregon Spotted Frog
The Oregon Spotted Frog holds the unfortunate distinction of being Washington’s most endangered amphibian. This medium to large aquatic frog (adults are 2 to 4 inches in length) has olive brown to brick red topsides and black spots with ragged edges and light centers.
The undersides of the legs and margin of the abdomen are orange-red to red, though this coloration is absent in newly metamorphosed frogs and small juveniles.
Critical Identification Features:
- Eyes oriented upward at roughly a 45-degree angle
- Relatively short legs with nearly fully webbed toes
- Ragged-edged black spots with light centers
- Breeding males develop large forelimbs and thumb bases with a dark nuptial pad on each thumb
Oregon spotted frogs are classified as an endangered species in Washington, and the law protects them at all life stages including adults, juveniles, tadpoles, and eggs. The Oregon spotted frog was listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act on August 29, 2014.
Only one historically known population and two recently discovered populations are known to remain in Washington, with the species estimated to have been lost from 78% of its former range. This frog has lost 76 to 90 percent of its former range and has been extirpated (locally extinct) from California.
Common Mistake: Don’t confuse Oregon Spotted Frogs with Columbia Spotted Frogs. The two species have subtle color variations but are morphologically indistinct—they were distinguished as separate species by genetic analysis—and may be separated by geographic locality. Oregon Spotted Frogs occur west of the Cascades in limited locations, while Columbia Spotted Frogs live east of the Cascade crest.
Cascades Frog
The Cascades Frog measures 2.5 to 3 inches long and displays olive to brown coloration, usually with black spots on its back and legs. What sets this species apart from other brown spotted frogs is its distinct honey-yellow coloration on the undersurfaces of adults’ legs.
The presence of dorsolateral folds—ridges running along both sides of the back—distinguishes Cascades Frogs and all other native true frogs from toads and treefrogs in Washington. However, distinguishing between the various spotted frog species requires attention to range, habitat, and subtle physical differences.
Cascades frogs are found primarily at higher elevations, most above 2,000 feet in Washington, with suitable breeding sites. This frog prefers higher elevations above 2,000 feet in open coniferous forests, usually along running mountain streams. It’s not unusual to find them away from water bodies, though most individuals stay near standing or flowing water.
Breeding and Habitat: Breeding habitats include a variety of still water bodies that generally persist for at least two months after snow melt, including wetlands, ponds, lakes, flooded meadows, small alpine ponds and still water edges of small creeks
Breeding behavior starts as soon as ice has melted and waters at the oviposition sites have reached approximately 46 degrees Fahrenheit. The advertisement call is a series of weak, slow, low croaks or chuckles—you must be in close vicinity to the breeding site to hear the males, who call during the day with intensity increasing on sunny days.
Pro Tip: Some Cascades frogs have a small amount of red pigmentation on the underside of the body but not to the extent seen in the northern red-legged frog, Oregon spotted frog and Columbia spotted frogs. This helps differentiate them from these similar species.
Columbia Spotted Frog
The Columbia Spotted Frog occupies an interesting geographic niche in Washington—it’s the eastern counterpart to the Oregon Spotted Frog.
In Washington, this species occurs east of the Cascade Mountain crest in the East Cascades, Okanogan, Canadian Rocky Mountains, Columbia Basin, and Blue Mountain Ecoregions, and spills over the Cascade crest to the west slope in the north Cascades near Harts and Rainy Passes.
These medium-sized frogs display considerable color variation. They vary in color from gray, brown, olive, to green with small spots that aren’t filled all over their bodies, and the undersides of their legs and belly are red to pink.
This is a big, dark frog with upturned eyes and black spots with ragged edges, shorter legs relative to its body, and full webbing on the toes.
Habitat Preferences:
- Prefer slow moving, quiet water with lots of plants including wetlands and water sources in damp forests
- Prefer higher elevations between 2,000 and 4,500 feet, very near ponds and streams
- Breeding season runs from February to July in slow, shallow warm water in permanent water sources
The call is a series of six to nine low-pitched clucks similar to the sound made when the tongue is clicked against the roof of the mouth—you must typically be within 16 feet to hear this faint call. This quiet vocalization makes them harder to locate by sound compared to more vocal species.
Key Insight: Originally thought to hibernate all winter in mud under water, evidence now shows they actually move around under the ice in winter. They will migrate to find new water sources in dry seasons when their water sources dry up.
American Bullfrog
The American Bullfrog stands as an imposing presence in Washington’s aquatic habitats—and a problematic one. This is the biggest frog in the state, capable of reaching over 7 inches long. These robust frogs reach lengths of over 20 cm and occur in various shades of green and brown.
American Bullfrogs can be easily identified by their large, circular tympanums (eardrums), which are clearly visible behind each eye. They have a distinct fold (supratympanic fold) from the posterior edge of the eye, around the top of the external ear (tympanum) and ending at the shoulder, and typically exhibit green coloration on the face.
Important Note: American Bullfrogs are not native to Washington—they’re invasive. Bullfrogs were first introduced into Washington during the Great Depression (early 1930s) to provide opportunities for frog hunting and food. The invasive American Bullfrog often does not fully hibernate in the Pacific Northwest due to acclimation to colder temperatures of its native range, remaining most active throughout the warmer months.
Conservation Concern: American Bullfrogs pose a threat to native frogs due to their impressive size, which enables them to outcompete and prey on native species
No license is required to hunt bullfrogs, there are no bag limits, and the season is open year round. Washington wildlife managers encourage removal of this invasive species to protect native amphibians. The bullfrog gets its name from the baROOM mating call made by the males.
Green Frog
The Green Frog is another non-native species established in Washington, though less widespread than the American Bullfrog. These medium to large frogs display coloration ranging from bright green to greenish brown. Like Bullfrogs, they’re members of the true frog family and share some similar characteristics.
Green Frogs can be distinguished from Bullfrogs by examining their dorsal ridges. While Bullfrogs have ridges that wrap around the tympanum without extending down the back, Green Frogs have prominent ridges that start at the eye and run partway down the back, stopping before reaching the hind legs.
Where to Find Them: You’ll encounter Green Frogs near water bodies with vegetated shorelines throughout their established range in Washington, including:
- Ponds and lakes
- Streams with slow-moving sections
- Marshes and wetlands
- Areas with dense aquatic vegetation
Their call resembles a plucked banjo string—a single, distinctive note often repeated several times. Green Frogs use a “sit and wait” hunting approach, making them opportunistic feeders. They’re less of a conservation concern than Bullfrogs but still represent a non-native species in Washington’s ecosystems.
Pro Tip: Once males reach sexual maturity, their throats turn bright yellow—a reliable identification marker during breeding season that helps distinguish them from similar species.
Northern Leopard Frog
The Northern Leopard Frog occurs only in a few areas in eastern Washington—their populations have declined dramatically and they have been wiped out in much of the Pacific Northwest.
This frog has a pale complete dorsal ridge and well-defined spots all over its body. It reaches 4 inches in length and is easily recognized by the large, dark spots with pale borders on its back, sides, and legs.
The Northern Leopard Frog’s distinctive spotting pattern makes it relatively easy to identify when you encounter one. The spots have clear, light-colored borders that make them stand out against the frog’s greenish to brown background coloration. Light-colored dorsolateral ridges extend the entire length of the back.
Critical Conservation Status: Northern Leopard Frogs are listed as a state endangered species in Washington. The Northern leopard frog and Oregon spotted frog are state endangered species and cannot be hunted or trapped. Their dramatic population decline across the Pacific Northwest makes every sighting significant for conservation efforts.
Breeding season runs from March to June in the limited areas where they persist. Their call lasts several seconds and consists of a series of low-pitched snorts or grunts that have been compared to the puttering of a small motorboat—a distinctive sound if you’re fortunate enough to hear it.
Key Insight: If you spot a Northern Leopard Frog in Washington, report your observation to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. These sightings help biologists track the remaining populations and inform conservation strategies for this critically endangered species.
Wood Frog
Wood Frogs represent one of Washington’s most remarkable amphibians, though they’re rarely encountered due to their limited range and specialized habitat requirements. These medium-sized frogs measure between 1.4 and 2.8 inches in length, displaying coloration that varies from brown and tan to red or copper tones.
The most distinctive feature of Wood Frogs is their dark “robber’s mask”—a band extending across their eyes that makes identification unmistakable. This dark mask contrasts sharply with their lighter body coloration, giving them a unique appearance among Washington’s frogs.
Remarkable Survival Adaptation: Wood Frogs possess one of nature’s most incredible survival mechanisms. During winter, they can freeze completely solid—their breathing and heartbeat stop entirely. Their bodies produce glucose that acts as natural antifreeze, preventing cell damage during freezing. When spring arrives, they thaw and resume normal activities.
As their name suggests, Wood Frogs inhabit moist woodland areas, including forested swamps, ravines, and bogs. After breeding season ends, they travel widely and may be found far from water sources, exploring the forest floor.
These are among the first amphibians to emerge after snow melts, gathering at vernal pools and small water bodies. Their call sounds remarkably like a clucking chicken or duck quacking—a surprising sound to hear in the forest. Interestingly, Wood Frog tadpoles can recognize their siblings and will seek each other out to group together—a rare social behavior among amphibians.
Pro Tip: Listen for Wood Frog choruses on the first warm, rainy nights of early spring. Their duck-like calls can lead you to ephemeral breeding pools that you might otherwise never notice.
Great Basin Spadefoot
The Great Basin Spadefoot is the only spadefoot toad in the state of Washington, though it’s actually more closely related to frogs than true toads. This small to medium sized species is tan, gray, brown, or olive green in color.
Distinctive Identification Features:
- Elliptical, vertical pupils that are snake-like
- Glandular boss (bump between the eyes)
- Keratinized “spades” on rear feet used for digging
- Warty skin texture
The “spade” on each hind foot gives this species its common name and serves a critical function. These hardened projections allow the frog to dig backwards into soil, creating burrows where it can escape heat and drought conditions. This adaptation enables them to survive in the arid regions east of the Cascades.
Great Basin Spadefoots are found east of the Cascades with a breeding season from April to June after heavy rains. They’re explosive breeders, meaning they remain underground most of the year and emerge en masse when conditions are right—typically after significant rainfall events.
Habitat and Behavior: You’ll find Great Basin Spadefoots in shrubsteppe and grassland habitats of eastern Washington. They spend most of their lives underground in self-constructed burrows, emerging primarily during breeding season and occasionally on warm, humid nights to forage for insects.
Their vertical pupils—unusual among Washington’s amphibians—help them hunt effectively during low-light conditions. This eye structure is an adaptation shared with nocturnal predators and helps maximize light gathering capability during evening foraging.
Key Insight: Great Basin Spadefoots can remain underground for months at a time during dry periods. When heavy rains finally arrive, hundreds may emerge simultaneously to breed in temporary pools, creating spectacular aggregations that last only a few days before the adults return underground.
Conclusion
The best time to search for frogs in Washington varies by species and region. Spring brings peak activity as amphibians emerge from winter dormancy and gather at breeding sites. Visit wetlands, ponds, and vernal pools after sunset on warm, rainy nights for the most reliable encounters.
Seasonal Timing by Species:
- Late February to April: Wood Frogs and Pacific Treefrogs begin calling first
- March to June: Northern Leopard Frogs and Cascades Frogs breed at higher elevations
- April to July: Great Basin Spadefoots emerge after heavy rains
- Late spring through summer: Bullfrogs, Green Frogs, and spotted frogs actively breeding
Where to Look: Western Washington (west of Cascades): Pacific Treefrogs, Northern Red-legged Frogs, and the endangered Oregon Spotted Frog in limited locations
- Eastern Washington (east of Cascades): Columbia Spotted Frogs, Great Basin Spadefoots, and scattered Northern Leopard Frog populations
- Mountain areas: Cascades Frogs above 2,000 feet elevation
Learning to identify frogs by their calls provides the most effective method for detection, since many species are more easily heard than seen. Each species has a distinctive vocalization—from the Pacific Treefrog’s iconic “ribbit” to the Cascades Frog’s quiet chuckle.
Washington’s frog species face numerous conservation challenges, including habitat loss, invasive species (particularly American Bullfrogs), climate change, and disease.
You can help by preserving wetland areas, avoiding pesticide use near water bodies, and reporting your frog sightings to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Every observation contributes to conservation efforts protecting these remarkable amphibians for future generations.
