Went hiking to Ranger Hole on the Duckabush River in Olympic National Forest today with a buddy of mine, his 11-year-old son, and my 2 children ages 3 and 2.  Great hike for kids, but the trail is steeper toward the end than I remembered.   Also, be wary of the cliffs by the river: younger kids are very curious (and fearless)!  We found a way to scamper down to put our feet in the river.  Great weather today, even with all of the smoke in the atmosphere. 

The trail goes through a beautiful older second growth forest with lots of ferns and moss, then it goes steeply downhill near the end. The deep pool in the river was gorgeous. I saw quite a few small fish in it. This is a good hike to do the same day as the Murhut Falls Trail further up the road for two short day hikes.

Loved the hike. Eat huckleberries and sat by the river for a long time. Will for sure go back.

This is a fun trail that is enjoyable for kids and dogs.  The first part of the trail is an easy stroll through the woods with tall evergreen trees and thick sword ferns.  It's fun to think that the rangers who lived at the cabin at the trail head in the 1940s walked these same trails to fish in the river nearby.  

The cabin at the trailhead is available for rent BTW. No dogs allowed but they have reasonable nightly rates. 

Once you get out the shady area, there is a bit of an incline in the trail.  You will go over a downed log on your way.  Towards the end of the trail there is a steep drop on what looks like limestone.  This is a slippery area and people have fallen here.  Please consider scooting down on your bum instead of walking side step.  If you have hiking poles bring them.  Once you get to the water it's a stunning view of the pool and waterfall.

The water looks very inviting.  However, please beware.  Someone years ago tried to go swimming, got swept up in the current and drowned.  Their dog and car were found later but the body was never recovered from what I understand.  Please stick to dipping your toes in the water at the most.  Do not go swimming.  Stay safe.  Cool water emergencies in the hot summer months are all too commonplace.  

This is a fun trail.  It's a great spot to have a picnic lunch and enjoy the afternoon.  Carry in and carry out your garbage and recyclables.  Be safe!

Great toddler hike if you find yourself on the east side of the Peninsula. The trail is well maintained and almost completely flat, aside from a steep 1/4 mile section right at the end to get down to the river level. The forest is lush and cool on a hot sunny day. The high rocky bank at Ranger Hole is pretty exposed, but a very scenic spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful iridescent blue water. It’s possible to get down to the river for a dip, but the water is not particularly accessible for young kids - we had to keep an eagle eye on our 3yo.

We had the trail to ourselves arriving around 9:30 on a Wednesday. By the time we hiked out we passed multiple families on their way in for a picnic lunch by the river.