9 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Washington That Are 1 Mile And Under
By Jessica Wick|Updated on March 30, 2022(Originally published March 25, 2022)
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Jessica Wick
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
A love of nature and hiking often starts young, which is wonderful. And luckily, we’ve got plenty of trails here in Washington that are great for little legs (and short attention spans). We found these 9 of the best hikes in Washington perfect for families. So you don’t have to search for “kid-friendly hiking trails near me,” because this list has you covered.
1. Hidden Lake Trail, Lake Wenatchee State Park
Lake Wenatchee State Park, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
This mile-long loop is a nice, easy hike with a path that's wide enough for you and your little ones to walk side by side. You'll wind your way through a ponderosa pine forest until you reach the lake. It's one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Washington. So read more about Hidden Lake Trail, then give it a try.
2. Pretzel Tree Trail, Squak Mountain State Park
Pretzel Tree Interpretive Trailhead, 13201 Squak Mountain Rd SE, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA
Located near Issaquah, this 0.4 mile loop is the perfect place to take young explorers. Interpretive signs tell the story of a field mouse in search of the "Pretzel Tree" and share tidbits about forest ecology along with way. This trail is fun and one of the best easy hikes in Washington perfect for kiddos. Learn more about Pretzel Tree Trail, then grab the whole family and go hike it.
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3. Trail of the Cedars, North Cascades National Park
This easygoing nature walk features a suspension bridge over the Skagit River and an old forest grove. If you go on a hot summer day, you'll find plenty of cool shade here. As one of most scenic hikes in Washington, you will want to bring your camera when you hike the Trail of the Cedars.
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4. Grove of the Patriarchs, Mt. Rainier National Park
Not only is this hike short and sweet, it's also absolutely beautiful. Young nature lovers will enjoy the huge old growth Cedar and Douglas Fir trees, and you'll all enjoy the fact that most of the path is paved with bridges and boardwalks. It's one of the best hikes in Washington, so check out the Grove of the Patriarchs on your next family hike.
Located near the small town of Concrete, this 0.5 mile trail is relaxing an scenic, perfect for people of all ages and abilities. So grab the whole family and get hiking on the Shadow of the Sentinels Trail.
Take the kids to the northwestern-most point in the continental United States. This trail is 1.2 miles in length, but the views are so spectacular, you won't even notice the extra 0.2. Learn more about the Cape Flattery Trail and then visit what is one of the most kid-friendly hikes in Washington.
7. Nisqually Vista Trail, Mt. Rainier National Park
Treat your little explorers to meadows full of wildflowers (in late spring and early summer) and views of our most majestic mountain. This 0.9 mile trail is stunning. It's truly one of the most scenic hikes in Washington, so read more about Nisqually Vista Trail and then go visit it.
8. Sares Head Trail, Sharpe Park
Sharpe Park, 14644-, 14676 Rosario Rd, Anacortes, WA 98221, USA
Sharpe Park is located near Rosario Beach, which sits north of Deception Pass State Park. This mile-long trail is full of moss and other greenery, not to mention the great beach views. Learn more about Sares Head, then plan your next visit there.
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9. Murhut Falls Trail, Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park, 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA
This trail, which you'll find near Brinnon and the Duckabush Recreation Area, leads to a beautiful waterfall. It is considered kid-friendly, but since there are a couple of steep inclines and a ledge, you may be more comfortable bringing older children. Check out more information on Murhut Fall Trail, then grab your older kiddos and give it a hike.
Hiking is a great way to see Washington’s diverse natural beauty while getting some exercise. These are some of the best hikes in Washington, so be sure to check them out. If you’re just starting out, check out one of these trails for mere mortals.
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best hikes in Washington
Jessica Bohl|March 30, 2022
If I live in Spokane, are there any hiking trails near me?
Washington overflows with hiking trails. Many of the most popular are located in Western Washington. But there are also some really great opportunities for amazing hikes in Eastern Washington. For people living in Spokane, there are some fantastic trails nearby. For instance, in the Riverside State Park, Painted Rocks Nature Trail is a 3.3 mile trail that offers stunning views of Ponderosa Pines and the Little Spokane River. Learn more about Painted Rocks Nature Trail, then get out and go hike it!
