Last updated July of 2020
Here are five great hikes for kids within a short drive from the South Sound.
Add them to your summer bucket list if you’re looking for outdoor adventures!
Throughout this post, you’ll find links to the Washington Trails Association. It’s a simply wonderful resource. You can read recent reviews on any hike you’re considering, and get detailed information on what to expect upon arrival.
The following 5 hikes are all locales my family has enjoyed in the summer months. Note that these are all true hikes, stretching for at least a mile or more in length, without nearby bathrooms. You’ll want to bring along the Ten Essentials for Hiking.
Denny Creek Slide, North Bend
Denny Creek Slide is an easy, flat hike through pretty woods. Shortly after leaving the trailhead, smooth rocks form a natural water slide kids can play in during warm months. Note that this is an extremely popular hike that is best to do on a weekday, or go early to find a parking space. Rocks are also hard (‘um….like rocks?) and slippery, so that part should be left to older children. There are a few places where the creek is slow and calm enough to let little ones splash, but it is shockingly cold, and you’ll obviously need to keep an eye on the little rascals! There are several small waterfalls just beyond Denny Creek, or go all the way to Franklin Falls
You will need a NW Forest Service Pass. Note that this hike and trailhead are VERY busy on weekends.
Greenwater Lakes, Greenwater/Mt. Rainier
The hike to Greenwater Lakes is surrounded with beautiful scenery the whole way. It’s mostly flat, and there are several good turn around spots. You can even take the dog! You can also hike further in to Echo Lake, but Greenwater Lake makes a fine turn around for a shorter outing for shorter legs. Do bring your bug spray for all wooded hikes this time of year, especially the ones that go by water! You will need a NW Forest Pass.
Skookum Flats & Falls, Mt. Rainier
Hike a pretty, wooded trail along a river to Skookum Flats. There are lots of giant stumps and rocks to explore, and it ends at the base of a waterfall. Note that actually going to the base of the waterfall requires a steep, uphill climb which is not suitable for young children. The waterfall is most dramatic in spring and early summer and goes down to a trickle in late summer. The river water is swift moving and cold year round. You’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass to hike here.
The bridge at Grove of the Patriarchs
Grove of the Patriarchs, Mt. Rainier
You have to pay to enter the Stevens Canyon Entrance of Mt.Rainier National Park to make this trek, but it is totally worth it! The Grove of the Patriarchs hike is short, flat, and you get to walk across a rope bridge to a magical island of giant, old growth trees. Note that some of the trip reports reference Silver Falls, which shares a parking lot with Grove of the Patriarchs. You can add that on to this hike, but it will be much longer. You can easily just go the grove and back again. You need a national park pass here.
Sheep Lake, Mt. Rainier
Parts of the hike to Sheep Lake are uphill, but it’s an easy, gradual climb, and you get rewarded with a great lake at the end that’s perfect for kids who like to splash and play. This would also make a nice, first backpacking trip. Note that you will need your bug spray. I was nearly eaten alive on this one! You’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass.
For more ideas, I’ve linked to my favorite hiking guides below (my affiliate links). The new edition of the Best Hikes With Kids Book is awesome! There is also a new edition of the Mountaineers Day Hiking Mt. Rainier guide. They also have hiking guides to other areas, and they’re all great.
If these sound like too much for your tiny tots, you may want to check our Ten South Sound Nature Walks Perfect for Young Hikers, which are all short and very close to suburbia!
Got a favorite family hike I should add? I’d love you to hear it in the comments!
What’s the difference between a northwest forest pass and a discover pass? I already have the discover pass, does that cover places that require the NW forest pass?
Unfortunately, no. The Discover WA Pass is a state pass, so it covers state parks and WDFW and DNR lands. You can get a pass just for Northwest Forests, or there are passes that cover both National forests and National parks. Unfortunately, there is no one pass that covers state lands and national lands. I know it’s confusing! And can get expensive! You can get a day pass to use Northwest Forest Service areas if you don’t want an annual pass (I think it’s about 30.00). There is a pretty good explainer of the different passes and what they cover here.http://www.wta.org/go-outside/passes/passes-and-permit-info
Swan Creek is a very nearby hike with a cool bridge. Lots of beautiful scenery, water to splash in… a real hidden gem!
Here’s what WTA says:
http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/files/library/swancreeksign8hx11croppedupdatedfeb2014.jpg
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
There are several ways to access the trails in Swan Creek Park:
Driving south on I-5, take exit 135 in Tacoma. Driving north, the exit is 134. Once off the freeway, drive to Portland Avenue and continue south for about 1.5 miles. Then turn left into the Salishan neighborhood on East 44th Street.
Follow East 44th Street for 0.3 miles and turn right on East T Street just before Lister Elementary School and proceed to the gate at the end of the street. Or, to reach a more developed trailhead, follow East 44th Street past Lister Elementary School and proceed to the end of the street. Turn left (north) and drive two blocks. Turn right on East 42nd Street into the large parking area that includes an outhouse and picnic area.
For the Pioneer Way parking and trailhead at the north end of the park, take exit 135 to East 28th Street, which will become State Route 167 (River Road). Veer right on Pioneer Way and continue to the trailhead, on your right before Waller Road.
Parking Pass/Entry FeeNone
This was actually one of the first hikes we wrote about, but that post is very old now! We think this is a great option and love how wild it feels right in the city. As with most hikes, I do recommend you make sure you haven’t left any valuables at the trailhead as you are very quickly out of sight of your car. Thanks, Heather! Really appreciate the comment!