Be sure to have snacks and water for you and your pup - you can find my entire Hiking Checklist here
Heybrook Lookout
Distance: 2.5 miles
Price: Free
Difficulty: Moderate
Heybrook Lookout is a great hike for kids and beginner hikers, but it does get a little steep towards the lookout. It's also open year-round so you can add this to any of your low-key weekends.
The hike begins with an easy pathway through a fern and moss-covered forest with trees taller than you've ever seen. As you get to the lookout, the trail gets very steep, but it's definitely worth it. You will see Mount Persis and Mount Baring, but make sure to climb the narrow staircase of 89 steps to the top of the lookout to get incredible views of the mountain peaks.
Parking is very limited, and there's not much of a lot; it's really more of a shoulder off the highway that can hold roughly 10 vehicles.
Snoqualmie Falls
Distance: less than 1/2 mile
Price: $5 for parking
Difficulty: Easy
Snoqualmie Falls is a large 270ft waterfall that's only 75ft shorter than Niagara Falls, and is a great place to bring the family or visitors that can't make those 6-mile hikes. It's also only an hour away from JBLM!
If you head towards the visitors center, there is a guided route that takes you to a lookout - this is perfect if you're not looking for a hike. You also have the option to hike the 1.5-mile trail (it's more of a walk) that will take you to the bottom of the falls.
The best time to visit is between May-July; the falls will be in full force from the winter snowmelt.
Lake 22
Distance: 7 miles
Price: Northwest Forest Pass or a Day Pass
Difficulty: Difficult
Located east of Granite Falls, Lake 22 takes you through the overgrown forest ending with an amazing view of Mount Pilchuck.
About a mile into the hike, you will pass a large waterfall - once you reach the waterfall, the trail gets very steep with several sharp rocks and a few creek crossings. Continue along the trail until you find yourself walking right up to the lake - I recommend taking the short loop around the lake as well.
The hike is rocky most of the way, so I suggest wearing hiking boots; we also crossed several creek beds, so waterproof boots will be best. I would not recommend taking kids on this trail, not only because of the distance but because of the safety of the rocks you will be hiking up and down near the lake.
Four Cedars Outer Loop
Distance: 2 miles
Price: Discover Pass or $11.50/daily
Difficulty: Easy
This hike is located in Tolmie State Park outside of Olympia, just 2 minutes from base. It takes under an hour to complete and is a great place for trail running or a short hike with young kids. This trail will take you along the water, you can veer off to the sandy beach, and you can let your dogs run and cool off in the water.
There are also several sheltered and unsheltered picnic spots, so bring snacks and enjoy the day. Many people fish here, but you’ll need a recreational license for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks.
The best times to visit this trail are between March-October, otherwise you'll be dealing with a lot of rain. Don't forget to purchase your Discover Pass ($35) or daily pass ($11.50) before you go.
Discover which Washington Hiking Pass is best for you and your family here
Twin Falls
Distance: 2.5
Price: Discover Pass or $11.50/daily
Difficulty: Moderate
This popular trail is located outside North Bend, about an hour from base, and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The early portion of this hike passes through an area thick with ferns and huckleberries - keep your eyes open for moose; this is a great trail to see them, especially in the morning.
Roughly one mile from the trailhead, you'll reach a creek crossing - head down the wooden staircase, and you'll have a great view of the waterfall. A short walk further down the original trail will lead you to the base of the falls.
There isn't much standing room at either spot; get there early so you don't have to deal with the wait. Make sure you get your passes before you go, click here to purchase one.
Ranger Hole
Distance: 1.5 miles
Price: Northwest Forest Pass or $5/daily
Difficulty: Moderate
Ranger Hole is another one of my favorites and is only 90 minutes from JBLM. The entire hike is less than 2 miles and has impressive views. You could finish this hike in 45 minutes if you wanted, although it took me about 2 hours because there are so many places to stop and see!
The best times to visit are between March and September. Dogs are welcome, but if you want to get to the water, I suggest leaving them at home since you'll have to climb down a steep embankment to get to the it.
Summit Lake
Distance: 6 miles
Price: Northwest Forest Pass or $5/daily
Difficulty: Moderate
Only 30 minutes from base, this was a fun trail to do, but it is very busy so make sure to get to the trailhead before 9am. Roughly 1 mile into the hike, you will come across Twin Lake, a beautiful view! You could turn around here, but I suggest continuing to Summit Lake to catch an amazing view of Mount Rainier.
The best time to visit is between May-October. Dogs are welcome, but keep them on a leash because there's plenty of large wildlife around this area. Don't forget to get your pass before you go, purchase the Northwest Forest Pass or the daily pass here.
Little Mashel Falls Trail
Distance: 5 miles
Price: Free
Difficulty: Moderate
This trail is fun and only 45 minutes from base, but I wouldn't recommend it for kids. You can see 3 different waterfalls commonly referred to as Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls. If you're short on time, I suggest viewing the Upper Falls.
The trail begins with crushed rock until you reach a sign on your left, dropping you down into the trail. Make sure to have a map or navigate with the All Trails app.
The Falls are open year-round, but the best times to visit are between March and October - I suggest early spring, that's when the waterfalls are in full force.
This hike takes about 2 hours to complete and offers plenty of parking, just be sure to be finished before 4pm because they will close the gate and tow vehicles that haven't left yet.
Laura
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