Hiking Families Celebrate Summer’s Last Hurrah

Although Washington’s peak hiking season lasts well into fall, kids and caregivers across the state are saying farewell to summer as they prepare to return to school. Check out these trip reports from hiking families for ideas for your own #SummersLastHurrah hikes — or for weekend adventures this fall.

Lake Valhalla, Mount McCausland

Looking out on the beach view at Lake Valhalla. Photo by ninjaracerchick. 

Ninjaninjaracerchick and family hiked up to Lake Valhalla and took a refreshing dip before climbing Mount McCausland. “Blueberries were a wonderful distraction and kept us energized,” they said, so look out for trailside treats! Keep an eye out for the bees' nest they warn of — as well as horse flies by the lake.

Steamboat Rock 

 The view at Steamboat Rock. Photo courtesy of Gia P. 

“Steamboat Rock was an adventure for the kids with great views at the top,” said Gia P, who camped near the trail with their 11 and 12 year old. They saw wild turkeys and rattlesnakes near the trail. There were a few scrambles, so watch your footing and hand placement.

WTA tip: If you encounter a rattlesnake, freeze, listen and slowly retreat. Learn more about how to hike in rattlesnake country before you go.

Island Lake — Rainbow Lake, Talapus and Olallie Lakes, Kaleetan Lake & Pratt Lake Basin

Evie takes a break to read at the Kaleetan campsite. Photo by David S.  

If you’re curious about backpacking with your kids, check out David S.’s trip report about their annual trip with daughter Evie, age 9. The pair encountered varying levels of traffic by day, boisterous owls by night and even a WTA Backcountry Response Team heading home after a week of trail work. They also share helpful insights on gear and pack weight.

Westport State Park

A sunset walk on the beach at Westport State Park. Photo courtesy of ToddlerTrekking.

Hike-a-Thoners ToddlerTrekking and fam beat the heat with a breezy visit to Westport State Park on Washington’s southwest coast. They watched the sunset and even caught a glimpse of some awesome tidepool animals.

WTA tip: Keep your pup on leash on the beach! You’ll help protect marine life and set a great example for other hikers.

Enchanted Valley

A 9-year-old backpacker crosses a bridge into the valley. Photo courtesy of Parker2012.

“Pictures just can’t capture how magical this trail is,” said Parker2012, who got the full rainforest experience on this backpacking trip with their 9-year-old and two friends. The group braved the humidity for 4 days and 3 nights and were rewarded by old-growth forest and a stunning river valley. If you’re heading out, keep an eye out for hornets near O’Neil campground!

Hamlin Park

Trip reporter Kate Spiller's kids climb the stairs at Hamlin Park. Photo by Kate Spiller. 

Kate Spiller and kids enjoyed a close-to-home adventure in Shoreline’s Hamlin Park with some unexpected highlights. “Kids enjoyed some blackberry picking (and eating) and geocaching, and I loved listening to the ravens overhead,” they shared. 

WTA tip: Learn more about geocaching — including where you can and can’t cache in Washington.

Chain Lakes Loop

Hiking at Chain Lakes Loop. Photo by Pnwtrailsandtails. 

Pnwtrailsandtails shared some super helpful tips from their hike at Chain Lakes Loop with four family members and two dogs:

• Plan your hike so you can get the biggest climbs done when your kid(s) have the most energy. 
• “Pack your patience for large groups.” (They stepped aside for a group of 30 to pass.) 
• Hydration is key — so bring more water than you think you’ll need. 
• When you reach the top, look back down at the parking lot where you started for a hearty sense of accomplishment.
  
  
  

Chelan Butte 

Enjoying the valley view at Chelan Butte. Photo by Kjmorty.

Kjmorty and family hit the (very) dusty trail at Chelan Butte. The trail is unshaded and keeps climbing, so make sure to wear sunscreen and bring lots of water if you go. They hiked a mile then turned back after getting a view of the dam. 

WTA tip: Hiking just part of a trail is always a great option when adventuring with kiddos!

Want more recommendations by and for families with kids? Sign up to get WTA’s free Families Go Hiking newsletter! Once a month, you’ll get seasonal hike suggestions, family trip reports and tips for keeping kiddos engaged on your next outdoor adventure.