A Hike In Dupont-The Sequalitchew Creek Trail

We’re due for a run of sunny days (Woot!), so I figure it’s the perfect time to tell you about an easy, local hike that ends at a beach!

If you live in Dupont, you’re probably very familiar with this trail.

If you live elsewhere, it’s an easy drive and worth doing, especially if you’re looking for terrain that’s easy enough for the kiddos with a little bit longer length than a stroll-a good idea if you’re hoping to do some, “Real,” hiking this summer.

The trail head is just behind Dupont City Hall-a nice bonus of this hike is being able to park your car right by the police station/fire department. It initially goes behind some houses, but those quickly drop from view. The first part of the trail is a paved path that gives way to gravel. It’s a slope, but it’s a gentle one, and except for the possibility of tripping on loose gravel, even your littlest hiker should be able to handle the path. What IS a bit challenging about this one is the length. It’s 2.5 miles to the beach and back-a length that approaches proper hike territory if you’re walking with little ones. As is most always the case, we all thought the way back seemed shorter.

Along the way, you’ll walk alongside a pretty, fern covered gully and the hike’s namesake creek. Eventually, you’ll come to an old railroad tunnel and tracks. It’s graffiti scarred, but we didn’t see any signs of troublemakers during our daytime visit. Just beyond the tunnel is the beach. It’s a typical, Northwest gravel beach, with better than average views, including interesting marine traffic. As a bonus, you might get to see a train go by.

 

 

This is a fairly well used trail, and there were several groups of dog walkers, bikers, and joggers on our visit. The nice thing about a beach hike, though, is that you don’t have to walk more than a few yards to feel like you have the place to yourself.

The water is bone-chilling Puget Sound, but if it really gets up to 80 this week, your kiddos might want to have a wade! Our boys had a great time beachcombing, looking for crabs, and generally mucking about.

Because it is a long walk, I would treat it as a hike and pack the 10 essentials (Yes, some of these are a little over the top for a day hike a mile from civilization, but it’s a good habit to get into anyway, and if you’re hiking with kids snacks, water, and bandaids are ALWAYS a must)! I also feel obligated to note that the trail has been closed a couple of times due to bear/cougar sitings. I think if you go with a group of noisy pals you’re likely to be the scariest wildlife around! Do stop in at City Hall if you have questions about this trail. Dupont also has several other trails and points of historic interest to explore.  Here’s some more basic information on this hike.

Want more inspiration?

• I have a post on a similar, shorter walk with a pretty beach by Tacoma’s Titlow Park here.
• I have a post on favorite South Sound beach outings here,
• And I have a post on our all time favorite, South Sound playgrounds, right here!

That should give you plenty of ideas!

If you’ve done this hike/trail, I’d love to hear your reviews and tips. I’d also love to hear about Any great place you think we should feature here at Sounds Fun Mom!