Families Go Hiking Guided Hikes

Introduce your kids to the wonders of Washington's great outdoors!

WTA family hike on the Twin Falls Trail.

What could be more enjoyable than spending time outdoors with your kids, sharing with them the wonders of nature? Washington Trails Association's Families Go Hiking program helps get you and your kids out on the trail together with guided hikes for families. Hiking is a fantastic way to combine quality family time with exercise and exploration of the natural world.

WTA is excited to host this series of interactive, educational guided hikes for families with children. Each hike includes fun trail activities that youth and adults alike will enjoy. Explore and experience the natural world, with kids setting the pace.

All hikes begin at 10am at the trailhead. Please note that our hikes are designed for families that are new to hiking. Space is limited, your RSVP required. 

Red Town and Coal Creek Loop Trail 

Cougar Mountain- A look to the past

Coal Creek Falls, by Andrew Engelson.

When: Saturday, May 24, 10am
Location: Off I-90 near Issaquah
Maps: Green Trails No. 203S Cougar Mountain
Details: 3 miles round trip, minimal elevation gain 

Why go: Join WTA as we explore and learn more about the Seattle area local heritage.  This hike will take you and your family on an adventure back in time as you walk through a historic coal mining area. Together we’ll follow the trails through the forest looking for evidence of the past. You will want to keep your eyes open for replica coal cars, old mine shafts and photos of how the area looked in the 1870’s.

Sorry this hike is full.

Fantastic Forest Fun at Fragrance Lake

Photo by Deborah Davis.

When: Saturday, June 14, 10am
Location: Near Bellingham
Maps: Larrabee State Park brochure
Info: Washington State Parks/ Larabee State Park (360) 902-8842
Details: 4 miles round trip, 900 ft elevation gain

Note: While it varies by child this hike is probably best suited for ages 6 and up.  It will be a moderately difficult hike for kids due to the slow but steady elevation gain.

Why go: Have you ever wanted to get up close and personal with the gentle giants of the Pacific Northwest? Take a hike with WTA and get familiar with the trees that make this region so magnificent.  We will investigate the forest and identify some common native species while making our way up to peaceful Fragrance Lake.  Children will enjoy exploring the shoreline trail and climbing over nurse logs. It’s almost guaranteed that by the end of the hike you and your kids will feel reconnected to the forest and have hugged at least one tree.

Sorry this hike is full - to be added to the wait list please email Kindra@wta.org.

A Hike to the Ledges at Rattlesnake Lake

Family Guided Hike at TrailsFest

The view from the top of the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, by Trekkers C & H.

When: Saturday, July 19
Location: Rattlesnake Lake Recreation area near North Bend
Maps: Green Trails Rattlesnake Mountain/Upper Snoqualmie Valley Map Info: This hike is part of TrailsFest, a free one-day outdoors festival for all ages hosted by Washington Trails Association. www.trailsfest.org
Details: 4 miles round trip, 1,160 ft elevation gain

Hamilton Mountain Trail to Hardy Falls

The Wonders of Water

When: Saturday, September 13
Location: Beacon Rock State Park, Columbia River Gorge
Maps: Beacon Rock State Park map
Info: Washington State Parks/ Beacon Rock State Park
Details: 3 miles round trip, 600 ft elevation gain 

Why go: Bring your raincoat just in case you get a little wet as you take in the sites and sounds and refreshing mist from the alcove of the Pool of the Winds. During this hike your family will welcome fall colors starting to make an appearance while we follow the trail up to Rodney and Hardy Falls. Hikers will experience the spectacular views of the Columbia river gorge on the way and enjoy the fluid movements of Hardy Creek as it cascades down over the cliff face.     

Lord Hill Regional Park

Where the Wild Things Are

Fox Glove at Lord Hill Regional Park. By Eelpi.

When: Saturday, October 4
Location: Off Highway 2
Maps: Lord Hill Regional Park map; USGS Maltby   
Info: Snohomish County Parks and Recreation Information (425) 388-6600
Details: 4 miles round trip, 400ft elevation gain 

Why go: Fall is a great time to get outdoors and search for wildlife as the temperatures and seasons start to change. Hikers will be busy looking for evidence of beaver activity along the wetland ponds and springs. We will listen and watch for songbirds as the flit around the park. Kids will also be on the lookout for chipmunks and other animals scampering throughout the forest as they prepare for the cooler weather to come.

Pre-registration for each hike begins about four weeks prior to the date of that hike. Check back here to register online, or register by phone at (206) 625-1367.

For more information about WTA's Families Go Hiking program, contact Krista Dooley at krista@wta.org or (206) 625-1367.

FAQ’s for Families Go Hiking: Guided Hikes

Q.  Is food and water provided?

A.  No, please be prepared with snacks, lunch and plenty of water for you and your family. We will take short breaks along the way to refuel the little ones and take a lunch break.

Q:  Can we bring the family dog?

A:  Sorry, due to the number of families attending the hikes we ask that you leave your dog at home for the guided hikes. 

Q.  Do I need a Forest Service Pass?

A.  Yes, if the hike you are interested in joining is in a National Forest you will need a Northwest Forest Pass. The hike description will tell you if a pass is required. You may purchase a Northwest Forest Pass in our Store, at ranger stations or at many sporting goods retailers in Washington.

A.  Be prepared with extra layers for you and your family as well as bring rain gear.  In the northwest the weather can change quickly so please be prepared.  If the weather forecast looks bad, we will contact you 24 hours in advance if the hike changes.

Q.  What should we bring?

A.  Please bring lunch, water, snacks, rain gear and all the essentials you normally carry on a day hike. Having an extra pair of dry socks and shoes in the car is also nice to have on hand after the hike in case the little ones get wet during their hiking adventure.