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Some content has been adapted from Joan’s publication Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington & The Cascades
Table of Contents
Seward Park with Kids
Seward Park features a paved trail encircling a moderate 2 1/2 mile peninsula on the southern portion of Lake Washington. Walkers have the option to push strollers or carry toddlers in backpacks while walking their dog. Those alongside the path are treated to scenic views stretching the entirety of the point, including glimpses of Mount Rainier floating above the Cascade mountain range on clear days. Picnic shelters offer protection from wind and weather.
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Time: Two hours
Terrain: Moderate with paved routes
A large wooded peninsula, known as the Bailey Peninsula, jutting into south Lake Washington, has been protected since early in the century. Designed by the Olmsteds, Seward Park today remains one of the larger forest parks within city boundaries, providing views of Mount Rainier, Mercer Island, and the Seattle skyline. You can hike alongside and around the shoreline of the peninsula or up and over it.
Getting there:
From Interstate 5 take Exit #163 and head south on South Columbian Way. Take a right onto Beacon Ave. S., and then take a left onto S. Orcas St. At the bottom of the hill, take a right into the park. You can also drive the entire length of Lake Washington Boulevard until it ends at Seward Park.
The Walk:
Trails now branch throughout the almost 300-acre park, running alongside the shoreline, up to grassy fields meant for relaxing, and to an old fish facility that is presently shuttered. Some routes are steep and guide to elevated vistas. Bicycles are banned on wooded paths, but accepted on paved roads. Generations of swimmers have enjoyed entering the shallow sandy beach. Boat races and water ski displays attract summertime crowds at the waterfront, as do baseball games, and band performances above. A women’s triathlon benefiting breast cancer exploration has been held at Seward Park in recent years.
Proceed along either the trail ascending from the Torii or beside it on the roadway. Both routes will guide you to a sheltered rest area with scenic views overlooking Andrews Bay, named for W.R. Andrews, an early pioneer and member of the Park Board. Just beyond at the top of the hill farther ahead is an amphitheater featuring an outdoor stage for summer musical performances)..
Lincoln Park with Kids
Distance: 1 3/4 miles
Time: 2 hours
Types of Terrain: Varied – wide paved paths and narrow steep trails
Restrooms at street level and by the beach.
Lincoln Park situates on Puget Sound, so its western views are of Puget Sound and the Olympics. It offers steep wooded routes, and level paved trails, but to achieve the shoreline promenade with the gentlest descent, travel to the southern part of the park and uncover the path near the ferry dock to arrive at the paved waterfront path. The saltwater beach is accessible to families with toddlers, and there are shelters for picnics. Families will find the 1 3/4 mile trail north to Colman Pool, filled in summer with warm salt water, a good destination.
Getting there:
From Highway 5 take exit #163A onto the West Seattle freeway, staying left toward West Seattle. Follow the signs for Fauntleroy Ave. SW and the ferry terminal. At the end of the freeway, continue straight on Fauntleroy as it curves left. The road bears left across Alaska St. and California Ave. Travel around 2 miles. The park is on the right near SW Webster. You may opt to park in the initial lot near the front (the north lot) or the final one near the back close to the ferry dock.
The walk:
To navigate the approximately five miles of paths in this park, you can start at the north parking area on Fauntleroy Way opposite Southwest Webster Street, and head directly west toward the windblown trail bordering the bluff overlooking the Sound. You will come to the intersection of the broad bluff trail, with the choice of northern or southern vistas. It makes no difference which direction you opt for; you can descend to the water in either direction, but the steepest decline is in the center. (Logically, this is the one to take heading down.) Along the edge of the bluff are seats where you may rest and appreciate views of the Olympic Mountains, boats and ships, and the islands in the Sound through the red-barked madrone trees on the slope. Crows along the routes and gulls below compete loudly for attention.
Eventually, visitors will want to descend down to the beach level and Colman Pool, the bathhouse and the curious underground restrooms. The pool is only open during the summer months; a small fee is charged for entrance. Picnic tables can be found throughout the park, especially those close to the pool which tend to be quite popular. Since no food is available to purchase on site, bringing a snack or packed meal is recommended.
Follow along the wide paved route along Stony Beach at the waterline. On a windy day the surf churns and foams beside you, and on a warm quiet one, children play in the waves. From the south end of the park, you can see the Fauntleroy ferry dock just around the corner.
Tip: the flies are notably irritating at the waterfront, so either use bug spray or cover up with long pants and long sleeves.
Return to your car or bus along a different path.
Discovery Park with Kids
Distance: Loop Trip Two and 3/4 miles
Time: Two hours
Terrain: Variable
Restrooms: At the Environmental Center & Tourist Environmental Center
Covering 534 acres with beaches, meadows, ravines, and woodlands, Discovery Park is located between Elliott and Shilshole Bays in Seattle. Its pathways and roads, some dating back to the 19th century when the area was Fort Lawton, create a maze to explore. The park took its name from British explorer George Vancouver`s ship HMS “Discovery,” which passed this point in 1792. When Vancouver first saw the madronas along the bluff, he thought they were magnolias and thus called it Magnolia Bluff.
Paved roads and trails allow bicycles while paths are reserved for hikers alone. The park shelters an assortment of natural and cultural assets such as abandoned military bases. Visitors can search for second-growth woodlands, grassy meadows, and a historic district housing old officers` homes and barracks. Daybreak Star, an Indian cultural center, scenic viewpoints along the bluff with far-reaching Sound views, and miles of undeveloped saltwater shoreline beach lit by a historical former U.S. Coast Guard lighthouse.
Getting There:
To arrive there from I-5, take exit #169 or #167 and follow Elliott Avenue, which transitions into 15th Avenue West. At Dravus Street turn left or west. Follow it and turn right on 20th Avenue West which becomes Gilman Avenue West, then West Fort Street transitioning into West Government Way, guiding you into Discovery Park at 36th West and West Government Way. The Environmental Education Center, where you can acquire a map, is on the left. Park there or continue to the southern parking area off West Emerson Street. If you wish to hike the 2.8-mile loop trail, follow the paved roads past a military graveyard and opt for the northern parking lot. Public transportation from downtown at Fourth and Stewart is accessible via Metro bus #33 or #24.
The Walk:
From the Visitor’s Center and North Parking lot begin on a 2.8-mile paved route south of the grassy recreational area, briefly ascending on a paved road before turning left onto a gravel path labeled “Loop Trail.” Descend to a grassy clearing, watching for bald eagles. Proceed across a roadway, then take the track up left bordering armed forces housing.
The trail arrives at the first perspective of Puget Sound following, opening up to sweeping sights of the Olympic Mountains and freight ships. Care is important to remain inside the wooden barriers. Sand and clay banks are continually eroding and sliding into the Sound. Below on the beach, you will find substantial deposits of clay, which have moved from above.
You cannot drive a vehicle, but you can hike down a paved road through the woods to the former Coast Guard lighthouse and beaches. Visiting hours for the oldest lighthouse in Seattle are 1-4 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The West Point Metro Sewage Treatment Plant also occupies this landscaped sand spit.
From the lighthouse, the North Beach trail travels through an artificially landscaped area bordering the earthen berm, which shields the wastewater treatment facility from view. Look for extensive plantings of indigenous trees, shrubs, wildflowers and a surprisingly located freshwater pond situated between the beach and the obscured wastewater treatment plant.
Descend another steep downhill path with scenic views like those from a small airplane out to Mount Rainier and Elliott Bay. At the base of Magnolia Bluff find both rocky and sandy beaches affording miles of beachcombing opportunities. Research at excavated sites has shown that for centuries Native Americans used this area to dry fish and gather shellfish. You can also explore the South Beach area by following a marked trail to its beaches and tide pools.
This is the westernmost point in Seattle, so on a clear day, you should have the ability to see Alki Point, Vashon Island, container cargo ships, ferries and, floating above them, the Olympic Mountains. Climb the steep trail back up to join the Loop trail near the Dunes.
Returning to the highest point of the bluff, picnic tables and sweeping views of the waterways, ferries, and downtown Seattle could be found. Rounding a corner, a grassy meadow came into sight with the historic officers’ homes and fort church on the horizon. Stay along the bluff section of the path, unless interested in viewing the fascinating old homes, and walk south until reaching the park`s end. The Loop Trail turns eastward or to the left, and with a slight climb, the paved road passing through the old officers’ homes will be reached. Cross it to find the concrete post again marking the Loop Trail.
Continue following the Loop Trail. After the South Meadow come to the South Parking Lot, where a posted map will show you have traveled over half the distance. The choice of routes and roads becomes perplexing. Remain at a higher elevation and veer eastward. Just below is the Environmental Education Center containing park info, displays and children’s activities.
Indicators guiding to the Daybreak Star Native American Cultural Center will entice you to view its gathering of Native American exhibits. You can also walk the Wolf Tree Nature Trail, a half-mile self-guiding marked path featuring wetland marsh and the oldest trees and indigenous plants in the park, not logged since the 1860s. Twenty-two stations identify such objects as burls, witches’ brooms and moss forests.
Continue left until the entry road is reached. The Loop Trail can be stayed on or the road followed back to the vehicle or bus stop)..
Carkeek Park with Kids
Distance: One mile round trip
Time: One half hour
Terrain: Moderate
Lavatory Facilities: at the Visitor Center on the upper level
The park has winding woodland trails to explore, as well as an Education Center and Environmental Center for older children. Piper’s and Venema Creeks are sites where chum salmon spawn during spawning season, and there is also a saltwater beach.
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As trains pass by the Park on a daily basis, children will want to climb the staircase next to the beach to look down on them and listen to their loud, puffing sounds.
The North Meadow at the end of the North Bluff trail is an expansive grassy playfield area; imaginative play equipment, and picnic spots. Children enjoy this park during all seasons.
Getting There:
Travelling on Interstate 5, take exit #173 heading west on Northgate Way, crossing Aurora Avenue and continuing west crossing Greenwood Avenue North. Angle left or west onto Holman Road NW. Proceed three blocks and turn right on 3rd Avenue NW. Travel five blocks to NW 110th Place, turn left and follow signs to Carkeek Park, driving down a winding road into the park. Pass the environmental center, and take the road leading back uphill to a parking area overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Metro bus #28 will also provide transportation to this destination.
The Walk:
At the park`s entrance, you can stop at the Education Center and Environmental Learning Center to view any upcoming festivals, classes, and events. A native plant garden, backyard wildlife sanctuary, rainwater collection and storage system, and solar panels are other features to explore.
Follow the Salmon to the Sound trail all the way to saltwater, and expect to see returning chum salmon spawning from mid-October to Thanksgiving Day. The Suquamish Tribe gifted chum salmon fry to be raised and released here by local children so mature fish, once imprinted with Venema Creek, would come back to Carkeek Park.
Venture into the woodland park adjacent to the wetlands and marshes along the trail. Look for flourishing native flora and birds. During winter, numerous trees stand surrounded by pools of water. Elevated routes follow wooded pathways extending to the sea shore. On the southern portion of the lower grassy area, an ascending path offers views over the Sound and the North Beach residential district. Daily trains traveling along the waterfront are fun to observe and hear from this vantage point.
Or from the wastewater treatment plant across the creek, and walk east along the creek on a trail past the restored pioneer orchard and climb up to the southeast edge of the park at NW 100th and 6th NW. Ancient apple trees still bear fruit during season.
Additional signed trails both north and south of the ravine have been built and gravelled; metal bridges over Venema Creek make travel over muddy wetland safe, clean and easily accessible.
To get over the railroad tracks to the beach, climb a metal stair construction similar to a child’s constructed Erector Set, up and over the railroad tracks. From above, the North Bluff trail climbs to a North Meadow. Other amenities of this park include playing fields, fire pit, and picnic areas accessible from above
International District/Chinatown with Kids
Massive outdoor pool and hot tub. Excellent hotel for children Time: Two hours
Terrain: Moderate with one major hill
Restrooms: for patrons of the restaurants, stores and museum.
Over a quarter million Asian Americans from more than 30 diverse ethnic groups live throughout the state, yet inside just a few blocks of Seattle you can see and enjoy most of them and experience the essence of Asia.
Getting there:
From the north: Take Interstate 5 to exit 164A (James Street). Follow 6th Avenue straight ahead, across Yesler to South Washington Street. Parking is available on the street or in lots on Washington or Main.
Or, travel south on Fifth Ave. to S. Jackson Street.
When arriving from the south: Take Interstate 5 to the T-Mobile Park exit (Exit#164B). Turn left onto 5th Avenue and proceed to Jackson Street. Then turn right onto Jackson; turn left onto either 7th Avenue or Maynard and park along the street or in a lot.
The Walk:
Begin your walk at its highest point at the top of South Washington at the Nippon Kan Theater and Kobe Terrace Park. Constructed in1909, the Nippon Kan Theatre was a cultural center for Japanese immigrants. Restored in 1978, the theater is now privately held and used for activities such as judo and kendo competitions, floral arrangements, art shows, kabuki, and community gatherings. It is on the National Historic Register.
When Interstate 5 was constructed it divided the Yesler Terrace community and left the small triangle to the west, which became Yesler Park. Renamed Kobe Terrace Park in the 1970s as part of Seattle’s Sister Cities program, the park features plaques in both Japanese and English discussing the goodwill between Seattle and its sister city of Kobe. Kobe donated the prominent 200-year-old Yukimidoro “Snow Viewing Lantern” stone lantern and surrounding cherry trees. On a clear day, this high point provides walkers with stunning views of Mount Rainier and an aerial perspective of the International District. Notice across the superb tower atop Beacon Hill, originally built as the Marine Hospital and later the Pacific Medical Hospital. It was recently purchased by Amazon.com.
Travel down through the one-acre Danny Woo International District Community Gardens on pathways and steps. Depending on the period, elderly residents cultivating their small terraced gardens containing traditional Asian fruits and veggies may be seen. You can also walk around the park and down the hill on Maynard – both routes provide views over the southern end of the city.
Veer right onto Main Street at the bottom of the garden and walk past the Panama Hotel at 605 South Main on your left. Private belongings of some of the Japanese who were dispatched to internment camps are stored in the basement, still awaiting owners to reclaim them.
Turn left onto 6th Avenue. The locked entrance leads to a past public bathhouse in the hotel’s basement level. Keep going downhill on 6th Ave. On the southern wall of the N–P Hotel (Northern Pacific Hotel) at 306 6th Ave. S. is an old vertically painted sign advertising spaces for 50 cents and more. If the entrance is unlocked, walk into the lobby to see the permanent exhibition of photos of historic Japantown. Across the street, the restored wooden building is the Main Street School Annex. Constructed in 1873, it was the second public school in Seattle and played a major part in the Asian community, serving as the education center for second–generation Asian Americans.
Turn left at the corner of Jackson and 6th Ave. Nearby on the corner is an imported art dealer occupying the former Higo Variety Store. Cross Jackson. Note the historic mural of “The Eight Immortals,” at the entry of the United Savings and Loan Bank, the nation’s first Asian–American owned savings association, painted by Fay Chong.
Travel by foot along Jackson Road to Maynard Road towards the Bush Hotel, now known as the Bush–Asia Center. This building has since been renovated into low–income residential dwellings. An open marketplace commonly forms on the corner of Jackson Road and Maynard Road selling fresh Asian fruits and vegetables directly from crates on the sidewalk catering to eager local shoppers.
Turn right onto Maynard Ave. S. (heading south). Across the street, the 14–foot bronze sculpture, “Heaven, Man and Earth” by Seattle sculptor George Tsutakawa portrays the totemic forces as stylized characters designed like cairns piled in Tibetan fields.
Continue along Maynard to the corner of S. King St. to arrive at Hing Hay Park. Often utilized as a staging area for events, this park functions as a communal focal point. Look for the dragon design by John Woo on the back wall of the Bush–Asia Center and the red-tiled-roof Grand Pavilion donated by Taipei. Also look for a memorial to the ten Chinese Americans who perished in World War II.
Walk down King St. and turn left onto 6th Avenue for another community icon, Uwajimaya that fills the east side of the block at 6th Avenue S. and King and Weller. It is a vast market with Asian food and merchandise, a kind of Japanese supermarket.
Proceed to the corner of South Weller and travel east on South Weller to Maynard. Turn left on Maynard and right onto King at the adjacent corner. Take notice of the expansive building across the roadway. Goon Dip constructed the Milwaukee Hotel in 1909, which was then the largest in Chinatown, to house visitors to the 1909 Alaska-Yukon–Pacific Exposition.
Proceed to the Wing Luke Museum located at 719 South King Street. Named after the first Chinese American elected to the Seattle City Council, this site preserves Asian American cultures across the complete spectrum. Rather than displaying conventional Asian art and history, the museum illustrates the experience, culture, and lives of early Asian immigrants to the Pacific Northwest and their contributions to the region. Its permanent exhibition titled “One Song, Many Voices” includes donations of diaries, photographs, and artifacts from local residents to shed light on their lives.
Retrace your steps to the corner of South King Street and cross King Street.
Continuing walking south on 7th Ave. to Lane St. to reach the International Children’s Park on the corner. Families take great delight in the imaginative bronze dragon designed by Gerard Tsutakawa, a swinging Chinese bridge to cross, and an umbrella shelter inside a tranquil garden
Go back to Weller and turn right. Walk up Weller one block, past the
playground with the children’s murals, to 8th Ave. Turn left and continue north on 8th Ave. to the corner of King for the Tsue Chong Noodle Factory, also known as the Rose Brand Fortune Cookie Factory. The owners give tours only to schoolchildren, but you can walk into the shop at the next corner and buy a bag of “unfortunate flats”, or failed fortune cookies.
As you return towards your vehicle after exploring Jackson, the tempting aromas from eateries and bakeries lining the route may encourage stopping for a bite
Return to your car or bus stop.
Snoqualmie Falls with Kids
Type: Dayhike
Distance: One mile
Time: Allow one hour
Terrain: Minimal elevation gain
Getting there:
Leave Interstate 90 at exit 25 (State Route 18, Snoqualmie Parkway) and go left, crossing Snoqualmie Ridge. Continue down the long decline to the railroad tracks and traffic light. Turn left at the signed intersection, go over the bridge, and drive 0.3 mile to the parking area at Snoqualmie Falls Visitor Center.
The Hike:
Formally the trail starts near the Snoqualmie Falls Visitors Center and descends 1⁄2 mile to the power station, but most people begin at the lower parking area as described here. From I-5, take I-90 east to Exit 22 and drive to Fall City. From there go north on State Route 202, signed “North Bend.” At 2.4 miles go right on 372nd Avenue SE and continue for 0.7 miles to the road’s endpoint (elevation 120 feet).
Snoqualmie Falls holds deep significance for the local Native American tribe since it is viewed as sacred land. Visitors can take in the majestic 268-foot cascade from a roadside viewpoint and descend on foot via a steep path to the pool where the water collects. Alternatively, a one mile trail leads to the base of the falls where children can experience being up close. Puget Sound Energy harnesses the force of the rushing water for power generation yet walkways are in place to circumvent the plant and reach viewing areas. Kayakers and rafting parties put in near here utilizing the swirling currents. Around the other side, a rocky route ends at an outlook high on the face of the cataract. Families have claimed the rocky river bed, sandbars, benches of bedrock, caves and pools as their recreational domain.
Begin the tour by walking around the power station gate and proceeding down the paved South East Fish Hatchery Road to the facility building. Pass the trail from the Visitors Center and take the second trail located behind the power station. Part of this trail is entirely enclosed within fencing, resembling a cage. Children can peer through powerhouse windows to the turbines generating electricity for 16,000 homes from the waterfall. On the opposite side of the enclosure, you can follow the trail either down to the rocky riverbed or along a fenced boardwalk to a dead-end viewpoint overlooking the falls.
To continue past the viewpoint, return toward the power plant and discover a brief trail leading to the waterway. After arriving at the riverbed, travel among boulders toward the waterfall as near as comfort permits. When water levels are minimal in midsummer, children pause to splash in pools along the river`s edge. Families locate niches and boulders next to the bank for having picnics amidst the mist and spray. At the foundation of the majestic falls, people halt and gaze wordlessly upward at the plummeting, free-falling curtain of water. The sight is so compelling it is difficult to look away and the sound of the falls drowns out all discussion)..
Rattlesnake Lake & Ridge with Kids
Type: Dayhike
Difficulty: Moderate for children
Hikable: Year-round
Distance: 2 miles up ridge, 1 mile around lake
High point: 2,079 feet
Elevation gain: 1,174 feet
Map: USGS area map of North Bend and the Cedar River Watershed, Green Trails 206 Bandera
Getting there:
From I-90 east of North Bend take Exit 32 onto route 436th Avenue SE. Go left or south on 436th Avenue, SE Cedar Falls Way, and drive 2.7 miles to reach the park. Just before entering the park’s gate, turn right into the Rattlesnake Ridge trailhead parking lot. To reach the trailhead, walk on the graveled roadway that wraps around the north side of Rattlesnake Lake. The elevation is 920 feet.
The Hike:
A wide trail runs around scenic Rattlesnake Lake past a picnic area on the west side to the south end. On a hot day instead of climbing to the Ridge, the kids may prefer to stay here for wading and swimming, or it may instead be a reward you can offer after they return.
Rattlesnake Ridge has long been cherished for decades as the easternmost peak of the Issaquah Alps range, boasting spectacular 270-degree views encompassing Mt. Si, Chester Morse and Rattlesnake lakes, and the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley below. Young children enjoy bringing their dogs here and guessing the origin of the area`s name. Inform them that early settlers believed the rustling sound of blowing grass resembled a rattlesnake`s rattling, though no snakes inhabit the region.
Another reward for after the hike is the Cedar River Watershed Visitors Center, where a town called Cedar Falls once stood and which contains natural history and art exhibits youngsters will love. In the Rain Drum Courtyard you can listen to drums played by amplified raindrops.
Begin upward in old second-growth forest on a smooth uphill track. Children will see occasional enormous boulders studded and encrusted with ferns and moss, along with old cedar stumps left over from logging days. At around 1 mile the kids can expect the first view straight down to Rattlesnake Lake. At 2 miles they will emerge from the forest onto the rock ledges and views of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley. Hang onto the hands of children here because the drop is severe. Sit down, get out the map and lunch and enjoy the spectacle of Mount Si, Mount Washington, Chester Morse Lake, Rattlesnake Lake and the Middle Fork Snoqualmie around and beneath you).
Twin Falls with Kids
Type: Dayhike
Difficulty: Easy for children
Hikable : April to November
One way: To reach the top of the falls is 13⁄4 miles from Iron Horse State Park trailhead; 31⁄4 miles High point: 900 feet
Elevation gain and loss: 300 feet
Green Trails map: No. 206 Bandera
Getting there:
Driving from Interstate 5, take East Interstate 90 to Exit 34 (Edgewick Road) and turn right onto 468th Avenue SE. Continue 0.6 miles, turn left onto SE 159th Street, and find a parking lot another 0.6 miles at the road`s end (elevation 600 feet).
The Hike:
This hiking trail in Washington State was rebuilt in late 1989 as compensation for a new hydroelectric project, the Weeks Falls Power Plant, farther up the river. Walking through magnificent old-growth forest leads to perspectives of two waterfalls on the South Fork Snoqualmie River. Children will enjoy every aspect of this hike: the moss-covered nurse logs, the enormous cedar and fir trees, the panoramic view at waterfall level from a viewing platform, and the bridge crossing over and between two waterfalls. The wonder of falling water shaping into spray, dropping, dropping, and then becoming river again holds timeless fascination for children of all ages.
Commencing at the bottom portion of the trail, stroll a gravel and even path past moss-covered secondary-growth alder and maple. As following the waterway, larger and older evergreens offer canopy. In a brief mile the route switchbacks 300 feet up a rocky deposit for an initial perspective of the fan-shaped 90-foot lower cascades, with a three-path junction. For the finest view, turn right 20 feet. This makes a good halting point, or pause at the river’s edge for a picnic. To continue on, opt for the middle trail, guiding down to the river. Once there, turn right off the route beside an absolutely enormous old fir, perhaps 700 years old, and linger on the river’s bank:
From the river, the trail climbs again. The kids will love the side trip down a flight of 103 steps to a viewing platform opposite the falls. Families stand transfixed at the spectacular sight of the sculpted cliff covered by cascading white water.
Continuing further along the trail up a ridge covered with ferns, sometimes near the noise of the highway, past enormous moss-covered gray blocks of basalt. Reaching a bridge over the top of the falls 13⁄4 miles from the lower parking area. The bridge is sturdy enough for even the most cautious; from here, pause to gaze at the powerful two-stage upper falls. Jagged gray boulders lined with maidenhair ferns channel the water first to the right, then to the left. For other impressive views, cross the bridge and walk 1⁄4 mile to another enormous old tree where a family can eat and reflect on the power of water)..
Point No Point County Park with Kids
Type: Dayhike
Distance: 1 1/2 miles
Difficulty: Easy for children
Elevation: Sea level
Elevation gain: 50 feet
Hikable: Year-round
Map: Kitsap County Park map
Getting there:
Travelers can catch a ferry transporting commuters between the cities of Edmonds and Kingston. After disembarking at the ferry terminal, motorists should drive westward on State Route 104 towards the George’s Corner district (otherwise known as Kingston Crossing) and turn right to continue on Hansville Road NE for approximately 7.4 miles. Prior to reaching the community of Hansville, turn right to head onto NE Point No Point Road for one mile until reaching the former lighthouse constructing housing. Available parking is constrained. The terrain remains at sea level.
The Hike:
A excursion incorporating a historic lighthouse tour can be combined with a beachside stroll around Point No Point and a brief wooded hike through a county park to create a loop trail. Youngsters are sure to adore the antiquated lighthouse, soft sugar-sand beachscape, expansive rocks ideal for inspecting sea life, and concise woodland route. During salmon runs, fisherfolk can be seen casting from the waters` edge near the point.
Begin by touring the old lighthouse, built more than a century ago, and open on weekend afternoons. Continue beyond it, on a brief trail lined with wild roses between a wetland and the driftwood-dotted sandy beach. A memorial blind invites a stop for ships, pleasure boats, and birds. Two public beaches are on DNR land.
The waterway is a major route for tankers and carriers, so the kids can always see some kind of craft. Those who kayak and fish like Point No Point too. Continue north on the beach for a check of the tide changes from the big irregular rock and for a view of gleaming Mount Baker on a clear day, when visible. A series of stairs leads up into the half-mile wooded trail into Point No Point County Park’s woodland sheltered by old second-growth trees, providing relief on a hot day. The trail emerges onto Hillview Lane NE. Follow it back down to the lighthouse. A nearby alternative hiking trail network is the Hansville Greenway near Buck Lake, a large warm fresh body of water.
Little Si with Kids
Type: Dayhike
Difficulty: Difficult for children
Hikable: Year-round
One way: 21⁄2 miles
High point: 2000 feet
Elevation gain: 1500 feet
Getting there:
From Highway 5, drive east on Interstate 90 towards North Bend and take Exit 31. Exactly 1 mile past the eastern limit of town, turn left on SE Mount Si Road and cross the bridge over the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. Park near the bridge. Turn left and walk 1⁄4 mile further east past homes to the signed trail access point at an elevation of 500 feet.
The Hike:
Too many newcomers with children often choose the Mount Si Trail, which ends up being so difficult that the kids may never want to hike again. Overlooked is the kid-sized Little Si, also challenging but more realistic, allowing children the thrill and fulfillment of attaining a rocky summit with a view. Along the route are a beautiful mossy forest and an old rockslide to journey through before starting up. For many years to come, children will see Mount Si from the freeway, look for the cliff separating the two Sis, and point with pride to the mountain they have climbed.
The trail starts up sharply at first, and then divides numerous times. There are a number of trails that go right. Paths leading up or right go to Mount Si, but none of the branches are signed. Choose those leading left and continue west toward Little Si. Your route will lead around the base from south to north between the two mountains.
Massive aged boulders have fallen down the precipice dividing the two peaks; the ensuing landslide is now covered by moss and shaded by firs and hemlocks. Look for a tiny cabin with a mossy thatched roof, filled with rescue equipment and labeled “Emergency Shelter and Rest Area.” Children love peeking in and will want to stay in it because it is just their size.
The trail again rises steeply up the western side of the mountain through salal and over rocky outcrops. At the summit, a dry microclimate has encouraged pine and manzanitas to grow. From the summit slabs, children can gaze out over the valley and across to Rattlesnake Mountain. The foothills below contain Rattlesnake Lake, the distant South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, downtown North Bend visible nearby, and the up-close winding Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. Now turn and observe the face of massive Mount Si behind you, near enough to feel its presence. Tell the children that when they become a little older, that summit can be their objective).
[Photographs by: gribbly,Chas Redmond,williac,HeyRocker,Wonderlane,Invisible Hour,mhohimer,f_where]
