Family Friendly, Easy Hikes and Trips from Seattle
Traveling with little ones? We’ve got a fun list of various, nature-based things to do if your home base is Seattle.
We’ve organized these by proximity to Seattle, and all of these are family friendly, easy hikes and adventures that are flat or with minimal elevation gain (less than 500 feet total, unless specifically noted), comfortable terrain, and short (between 1-5 miles round trip).
Wiggly kiddos, especially those of toddler & pre-school age, don’t need long, panoramic summit hikes to have fun. Our list highlights adventures that all ages can enjoy, with hikes and nature walks that are short and sweet, with plenty to explore along the way to the destination. Or, for most kids, all the fun is in the journey to get to the destination anyway!
Seattle
- Seattle has so many fun parks and playgrounds for kids of all ages. These are our favorites that have great nature access:
- Discovery Park
- These are very popular trails that take you through wooded forest and give you water views! Parking is free, and we recommend an early start to beat the crowds. Birdwatchers also enjoy this area- sometimes you can spot bald eagles!
- Discovery Loop Trail
- 2.8 miles round trip, 140 feet elevation
- The easiest way to access the trailhead is from the Visitors Center
- Extend your hike by getting on North Beach Trail to visit the West Point Lighthouse
- Golden Gardens Park
- This park is known for its beach access – there are firepits and picnic shelters along the beach. There are beach volleyball nets, an off-leash dog park, and a few short hikes along the coastline and through some wooded areas
- Carkeek Park
- Carkeek Park is an absolute gem. There is a salmon run, a salmon themed children’s playground, multiple short wooded trails, and beach access (after climbing down a set of tall stairs). Some trails have more elevation than others, but all are quite short and family friendly. Lots of perfect picnic spots!
Within an hour of Seattle
Deception Pass State Park
Discover Pass required
- Hoypus Point
- This is a bit of a longer trek, clocking 6.4 miles round trip, 600 feet of elevation gain, but you can certainly turn this into an out-and-back as there are so many fun side quests along the way- stopping at the beach, or underneath many of the giant trees and ferns to look for caterpillar friends
- North Beach Trail
- This is a classic jaunt in this area- it is 1.8 miles round trip and minimal elevation gain. Walk along the beach as far as you’d like before turning around. Giant driftwood logs serve as good spots to rest and have a snack
Cougar Mountain Regional Park
- This is a local park full of shady, wooded trails with rolling streams. There aren’t any “epic summit views” but is still perfect for a nature stroll amongst the trees
- Coal Creek Falls is a classic local hike – you can access it from either Red Town Trailhead or Sky Country Trailhead. From Red Town Trailhead, it is 2.5 miles roundtrip and 415 feet of elevation gain
- North Fork Falls is in this area and can be accessed also from Red Town Trailhead. Park at Red Town TH, cross the road to get on Coal Creek Trail. The falls are about ¼ mile down the trail, and your hike can be extended as far out as you’d like to hike before turning around.
Tiger Mountain State Park
- Park at Issaquah Community Center and walk the paved path along Rainier Trail to see a local Troll!
- Park at Highpoint Trailhead (you will need a Discovery Pass) for access to Bus Trail, Big Tree Trail, Swamp Trail and Tradition Lake – all of which are short, easy hikes where you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous green moss and ferns. Connect as many hikes as you’d like to create your own adventure. Like Cougar Mountain, these lowland hikes at the base of Tiger Mountain do not give you “epic summit views,” but are still magical and beautiful in their own woodsy way.
Snoqualmie
- As you drive along I-90 East, past Issaquah, you will start to see more mountain views. One of the first stops is the small city of Snoqualmie.
- Snoqualmie Falls is a very popular destination for good reason.
- There is plenty of parking at the designated lots across from the Snoqualmie Lodge. Walk across a bridge to access the adjacent Salish Lodge and the upper falls viewpoint.
- From the upper falls viewpoint, you can take a trail to access the lower falls viewpoint – I highly recommend this! You’ll be hiking downwards to the lower falls, so remember you’ll have to hike back up for the return! This is 1.4 miles roundtrip and 450 feet of elevation
- Pro tip: head to Downtown Snoqualmie for some of our favorite post-adventure snacks! Our go-to spots: Snoqualmie Ice Cream, Snoqualmie Falls Brewery
North Bend
- North Bend is considered by many, the gateway to the big hikes with big views. Unfortunately, a lot of these hikes – even the popular Little Si, Mount Si and Rattlesnake Ledge, are at least 1,500 feet of elevation gain and are therefore considered Moderate difficulty. Older, motivated children may be able to tackle these classics, but they still may be too difficult for younger kids to attempt on their own (without being carried).
- So, everything family friendly here refers to hikes along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
- Tanner Landing Park
- There is a small gravel parking area, a few picnic benches, and river access. You can walk along the river for a half mile one way with views of Little Si all along. We love going here to escape the heat and plop a lawn chair in the shallow areas of the slow moving river.
- Oxbow Loop
- This is a 1.8 mile loop trail with less than 100 feet of elevation gain. There is a pit toilet at the trailhead and the loop passes Oxbow Lake. You’ll need a Discover Pass to park here.
- Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail
- Park at the trailhead that shares the same name – there is a pit toilet here and lots of parking, but arrive early because this is a popular spot for all uses! You’ll need the Northwest Forest Pass. There are multiple picnic tables in the parking lot area, and further to the left from the parking lot.
- This trailhead serves both the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail and the Pratt River Trail – the junction for these is after you cross a beautiful bridge. We like to turn left from the bridge to go along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail, which I think is a bit more gentle and less rocky.
- Tanner Landing Park
We love this area because you can make it as long as you want – technically these trails go on for miles, but you can turn around at any point. Mountain peaks are above you, the emerald green river is below you, and beautiful moss and fern surround you. It is a local favorite.
Gold Creek Pond
- This has a wide, paved trail encircling the entire lake, making it an easy pick for those with strollers or that need wheelchair accessible paths.
- There are lots of picnic benches and shady spots to relax with a classic mountain & lake view
- Fun fact: in the winter, this is also an awesome place for a beginner snowshoe as well!
Franklin Falls
This is an easy 2 mile roundtrip hike with a fun destination – a roaring waterfall! You’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass to park here. In the winter, this is a popular snowshoe destination because the waterfall freezes into a giant icicle.
Lake Kacheelus
Hike the 4 mile round trip Palouse to Cascades Trail along this beautiful lake. You’ll need a Discover Pass
Day Trips
These require between 90 minutes to two hours of driving one-way, which makes for a full day away from Seattle.
North Cascades & Mount Baker area
- Take a scenic drive along the Mountain Loop Highway – open seasonally after the snow melts in early Summer. Several cute mountain towns dot the winding road through the mountains where you can stop for treats and coffee. Views of the surrounding mountain ranges are everywhere, and multiple spots to pull the car over at a lookout point or to have a picnic lunch at an established campground
- Skagit River Loop Trail
- This is a 1.8 mile roundtrip hike with less than 200 feet of elevation gain. It is conveniently right next to the North Cascades Visitor Center, which has all the amenities (bathrooms, food for purchase) when open during business hours.
- Another easy trek closeby is to follow along the Sterling Munro Boardwalk, an entirely accessible path to a viewpoint of the Pickets mountain range.
- Old Sauk ADA Loop
- This is a 1 mile round trip, wide, entirely gravel path that is completely accessible and follows a shady riverbank. You’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass to park here.
- Picture Lake
- This is in the Mount Baker area and is quite a photogenic sight to see. This isn’t necessarily a hike, but a wonderful place to stop along a scenic drive and wander about this short, 0.5 mile paved loop. There are certainly more hikes nearby, but most are at least of moderate difficulty.
Barclay Lake
- This hike is in the Central Cascades/Stevens Pass area
- It is a 4.4 mile roundtrip family friendly hike with 500 feet of easy, rolling elevation gain. Some spots are always muddy, no matter the season, so take care! There are several campsites and “lunch spots” right by the lake
Mount Rainier area
- Buy tickets to ride the scenic gondola at Crystal Mountain for incredible views of Mount Rainier
- Suntop Lookout
- This is a 2 mile round trip hike with just under 500 feet of elevation gain. There are actually two ways to access the summit, so you’ll want to make sure you park higher up towards the trailhead so you take the shorter route! You’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass
- The following are for hikes within Mount Rainier National Park, which means you’ll need a National Parks Pass, or to pay for entry at the gate. NOTE during peak summer months (usually between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends), you’ll need to make an online reservation for “timed entry” to enter the park during a certain time frame to reduce congestion
- Mount Rainier National Park – Paradise Visitor Center
- Just steps from parking your car are gorgeous views of Mount Rainier
- Myrtle Falls – take Skyline Trail to get here
- It is paved but with a brief steep section shortly just before reaching the Falls. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mount Rainier as the backdrop to Myrtle Falls
- Can continue on to Skyline Loop – here you’ll be greeted by marmots and wildflowers galore! The full loop is a long trek, but many simply treat it as an out-and-back
- Nisqually Vista Trail – this easy 1.2 mile round trip hike is entirely paved
- Bench and Snow Lakes – this 2.5 mile trek has a bit more elevation gain (under 700 feet) compared to other hikes on this list, but for good reward
- Mount Rainier National Park – Sunrise Visitor Center
- Just like the Paradise Visitor Center, you don’t even have to leave the parking lot for epic views
- Sunrise Nature Trail – this hike leaves directly from the Visitor Center, past the picnic area. It is 1.5 miles with 300 feet of elevation gain. Views of Mount Rainier are unbelievable and right in front of you!
- Naches Peak Loop – this is one of our favorite hikes to bring family and visitors to as it’s great for all ages and with fantastic views. Park at Tipsoo Lake, where there are two pit toilets, and it is recommended to take the loop clockwise. It is 3.5 miles roundtrip and 500 feet of elevation gain.
Whidbey Island
- There are so many things to do on Whidbey Island – lots of charming shops and restaurants and ways to enjoy nature. Check out one of many lavender farms, public beaches, or forest strolls.
- Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve is a must if you’re looking to stretch the legs and enjoy some hiking. The Bluff Trail and the Pratt Loop are two of our favorites, and several trails can be combined for a longer adventure!
- Just North of Ebey’s Landing is Fort Ebey State Park, where kids can explore old bunkers and remnants of WWII
Weekend Trips
Olympic Peninsula
Salt Creek Recreation Area
- Tongue Point is a specific area north of the Campground where, when the tides are low, you can explore miles of beach and tidepools. Look for starfish, seagulls, anemone and more! Be sure to check the tide charts though as you’ll only want to be in this area either just before or right at low tide. Note- you will have to take a few staircases to reach this specific area.
Olympic National Park
- These are within the national park, so you’ll need a National Parks Pass or pay for entry at the gate
- Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center – hike the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail, directly from the Visitors Center – walk through lush and looming rainforest cover
- Lake Crescent area – enjoy a picnic right at the lake, stroll onward Moments in Time Nature Trail, or further towards Marymere Falls
- Sol Duc Road – at the end of this road, you can venture on to see Sol Duc Falls and also meander along Ancient Groves Nature Trail
- Coastal hikes – check out Rialto Beach, or Kalaloch & Ruby Beach – be sure to check the tide charts!
- Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center – views are aplenty from the parking lots, but you can continue onto paved Meadow Loop Trails and also Hurricane Hills Trail for more
Cape Flattery
- This is on tribal land, so you’ll need to purchase a permit ahead of time through the Makah Tribe. It is 1.5 miles round trip and 200 feet of elevation gain. It is the northwestern most point of the contiguous U.S. and is a wondrous place.
Mount St. Helens
- Remember when this famous volcano erupted in recent memory? There are lots of family friendly activities in this area too!
- Mount St Helens Visitor Center
- Johnston Ridge Observatory
- Hummocks Lake
- June Lake
Columbia River Gorge
- We love this sunny area in between Oregon and Washington!
- Balfour Klickitat Day Use Area has multiple short paved trails with viewpoints for birdwatching (lots of bald eagles in the area!) and views of the Columbia River
- Multnomah Falls – this is a very well known waterfall that is easily accessible – it is entirely paved or gravel so it is wheelchair and stroller friendly. It is very popular, so during summer months (usually Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends), you’ll need to reserve a “timed entry” pass online
We hope this helps provide you and your family with some fun ideas for your next Seattle area adventure!