Elderkin - Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington

KIDS
WESTERN
WASHINGTON

MOUNTAINEERS BOOKS is the publishing division of The Mountaineers, an organization founded in 1906 and dedicated to the exploration, preservation, and enjoyment of outdoor and wilderness areas.

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Copyright 2018 by Susan Elderkin

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form, or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in China

Distributed in the United Kingdom by Cordee, www.cordee.co.uk

First edition: 2018

Copyeditor: Kristi Hein

Cover Design: Jen Grable

Design and layout: Jennifer Shontz, www.redshoedesign.com

Cartographer: Martha Bostwick

Cover photograph: Crossing the Icicle Gorge bridge

Frontispiece: Overlooking Dewey Lakes on the Naches Peak Loop

All photos by author unless credited otherwise

The background maps for this book were produced using the online map viewer CalTopo. For more information, visit caltopo.com.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data is on file

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ISBN (paperback): 978-1-68051-014-0

ISBN (ebook): 978-1-68051-015-7

Theres a little something for every kind of hiker within these pages, and a best of list is a good way to get you started. Each list is ordered by the hikes number in this book, so the best of the best is not necessarily listed first. By no means are these exhaustive lists of each categoryI could double or triple some of them. These are simply really good choices. In the main descriptions, check the symbols at the beginning of each hike to identify more hikes that feature big trees and wildlife or opportunities for water play and backpacking.

BEST HIKES TO PITCH A TENT

Ptarmigan RidgeMazama Lake (): This family-friendly alpine delight is the most easily reached of Mount Bakers Chain Lakes. You may explore beyond for additional sparkling lakes.

Barclay Lake (): You dont have to work too hard to get to these big lakeside campsites, and the swimming is great.

Sourdough RidgeShadow Lake Loop (): Many years ago, Sunrise Camp was a drive-in campground. Now its a short jaunt from the Sunrise Visitor Center at Mount Rainier National Park and a perfect place to try backpacking for the first time.

Ozette Triangle: Cape AlavaSand Point (): Backpack to one of the most heralded beaches on the Olympic Coast. You wont be alone, but a variety of camping locations do spread out the visitors.

Third Beach (): A short hike to a mile-long beach provides endless sandy ocean fun. Second Beach is no slouch either, but Third Beach allows for exploring the headlands at Taylor Point.

BEST HIKES TO HUG REALLY BIG TREES

Boulder River (): This slice of wilderness preserves one of the few low-elevation old-growth forests left in the Cascades. Plus you get to see a very lovely waterfall.

Asahel Curtis Nature Trail (): One of the few groves of old-growth forest left in the Snoqualmie Pass corridor makes you contemplate what might have been.

Federation Forest (): These are some BIG trees! And whats more, the state park has helpfully labeled many of them so you can actually learn to identify each species.

Hoh Rain Forest Nature Trails (): The copious amount of rain this forest receives each year feeds the growth of these old-growth giants.

Quinault Rain Forest Trails (): The Quinault Rain Forest boasts some of the largest old-growth specimens in the country, and you can see their enormous cousins on hikes just upslope from the lake.

With its wide, paved, and level trail, toddlers can successfully circumambulate Gold Creek Pond all by themselves.

BEST HIKES FOR STROLLERS AND LITTLE LEGS

Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve (): Its smooth sailing on boardwalk and level trail all the way to a bluff, where toddlers will need a hand on the stairs to the beach.

West Hylebos Wetlands (): This gem tucked away in the heart of Federal Way showcases wildlife, boardwalks, and two historic cabins.

Gold Creek Pond (): This level stroll atop Snoqualmie Pass is one of my favorite toddler hikes. Theres water, flowers, mountain views, and a level, barrier-free stroll around the pond.

Nisqually Vista (): Recently repaved, this is the easiest hike at Mount Rainiers Paradise, and suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and just walkers.