Ten South Sound Nature Walks Perfect for Young Hikers

Do you have a beginning hiker? Here is a list of super easy hikes and nature walks a short distance from the greater Tacoma area. I’ve checked links and updated it with the latest info. I could find as of 7/8/2020.

Update-Do be sure to check the comments on this one for more great ideas! We’d love to hear yours, too!

Looking for a walk that feels more like a hike, but won’t have your little ones weeping before they’ve left the trailhead? I hear you!

My family loves to hike, but there were several years when it seemed like we had one disaster after another. If you have little ones who are too big to carry, but too short to walk very far, here are 10 outings that might do the trick!

Each trail feels like a real adventure, but they’re short, flat and won’t have you more than a few minutes from juice boxes, hand wipes, and real potties. You might want to consider trying a few of these trails as training runs before a longer adventure!

Snake Lake at Tacoma Nature Center 

There are several trails around Snake Lake. Each trail is flat with plenty for kids to explore, and if your walk is a bust you can look at the exhibits inside the Nature Center or play on the awesome Discovery Pond playground. This is a FREE outing, too (though it’s nice to leave a donation). Update: Trails and parking are open. The Nature Center is closed. Playgrounds are scheduled to open, with limits, on July 8th. Hot tip alert: There are some camps going on here this summer. Get on the wait list if you see one your kiddo might like.

Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S Tyler Street, Tacoma

Wildwood Park, Puyallup

Wide, easy trails through the woods, plus a small playground by a little stream kids love to muck around in. There are also plenty of picnic tables, so you can brown bag it and make a day of it.  Note: Several years ago the secluded shelters here were attractive spots for not-so-attractive behaviors. I haven’t heard reports of that in ages, but consider this your heads-up. Update: The park and trails are open, and there is a new, “Story walk.” I believe the playground is still closed.

Location: 23rd Avenue SE and 9th Street SE in Puyallup

Shadow Lake Bog, Renton

A super short walk that includes a half mile boardwalk into the forest. There is lots of beautiful, ancient moss to see, birds to identify and frogs to spot. A perfect afternoon adventure spot. Be sure to ask about their special programs if you check it out. Update: As of 7/8/2020, this spot is open by reservation only-what a great option if you want to get out in nature and need to be able to be as distant from others as possible. Let me know what you think if you go!

Location: 21656 184th Ave SE, Renton. Be sure to follow the directions on the Shadow Lake site as it’s a bit tricky to find.

West Hylebos Wetlands, Federal Way

A boardwalk, a bog, and bunnies! There are trees toppled on their sides, and you can take a peak at the roots, which measure about 6′ across! Lots for kids to see on this flat, easy walk that feels like you’re really out in the wild.  There are benches to take a rest, and plenty of fun photo opportunities on this well designed and beautifully maintained trail. There is also an old cabin to peer in at the trailhead, too! Update: To the best of my knowledge this trail is open, but FW has the most difficult websites in the whole South Sound imho. If you find out otherwise, let me know!

Location: 411 S 348th St, Federal Way

Swan Creek Park, Tacoma

Have a wild adventure right in Tacoma! There are several different hike possibilities here, or just go as far as the creek and let the kids float leaves and look for fish. The edible forest is also interesting to check out.  Note that parking is tight here, and you are out of sight of the car quickly, so don’t leave valuables.  This park gets a lot more use than it used to, and we feel perfectly safe here. We have heard from other readers that they prefer to do it with a group (never a bad idea)! Update: Trails are open. Parking was scheduled to open July 8th.

Location: Roosevelt & E 42nd St, Tacoma

Dumas Bay Sanctuary, Federal Way

While nearby Dash Point State Park offers a similar experience, Dumas Bay is the private, secluded version. Take a short stroll through the forest, where the trees open wide to welcome you to a sandy beach where there are usually few visitors. This wildlife sanctuary is located in a neighbored, but has its own parking lot. Open as far as I know;  let me know if you find out otherwise!

Location: 30844 44th Ave SW, Federal Way

Cushman Trail, Gig Harbor

Near Gig Harbor? The SFM grandma recommends Cushman Trail, a paved, but non-motorized trail that’s perfect for beginning bike riders. Wide paths and multiple bathrooms along the way! Update: PenMet Parks trails are all open. You are encouraged to recreate responsibility. Parts of this trail are managed by the City of Gig Harbor; I think it’s safe to assume it’s all open, but I don’t see anything on the city website.

Location: There are multiple access points along the trail, including 96th St NW, Grandview, Hollycroft and 14th Ave NW. Check out the site to see a map and choose the spot best for your crew.

Priest Point, Olympia

Near Lacey or Olympia? Check out Priest Point! This park features a great variety of trails, some with a 10% grade, some with stairs, and some with a boardwalk. The most accessible point is at Shelter #1, which has paved parking, bathrooms, and a playground. While in Olympia, you might also want to explore trails surrounding the capital building, as well as reader recommended Chehalis Western Trail. This is a long one that’s great for biking. There are several different access points, so your trek can be as long or as short as your littlest one can handle! Update: I think this is open, but I can’t find specific info. Let me know if you find out otherwise.

Location: 2600 East Bay Drive NE, Olympia

Nisqually Wildlife Refuge , DuPont

Before embarking on the flat boardwalk, check out the awesome playground and visitor center. There are Just for Kids activities including a Nature Explore Area for kids ages 2-8 and a Junior Refuge Manager workbook with fun activities for ages 4-11.  This is also a great place for bird watching!  The walk itself is actually quite long if you do the whole thing, but it’s totally up to you how far you want to go. Update: Trails are open. Refuge hours will be from Sunrise to Sunset seven days a week. Public access to the Visitor Center and Administration Building remains unavailable until further notice. Be advised there will be limited parking in designated stalls only. Portable toilets will be provided as the restroom facility is closed, this includes the drinking water fountain. Bring your own sanitizer, your own H2O and please practice social distancing during your visit.

Location: 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Dupont

Point Defiance, Tacoma

If you thought Point Defiance was just a zoo and aquarium, think again! There are several trails in the park that have the feel of a hike, ranging in length from 1-4 miles. Views include the Olympics and Cascades; check out the newly renovated Pagoda or the Botanical Gardens. The spine trails near the rhododendron garden are good ones to try. Update: Trails open for foot traffic only.

Location: 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma

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When you’re ready for a longer adventure, the Washington Trails Association is a wonderful resource for finding actual hikes, or check out our list of 5 Great South Sound Summer Hikes with Kids.

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Do you know a good walk I missed? Let us know! And don’t miss other readers’ suggetions in the comments. Walk on!