Some trees, such as the Douglas-firs, are nearly 40 feet in diameter, more than 300 feet tall, and over 1,000 years old. These trees are able to get so tall because they're located on a small island, protecting them from fires.
Beautiful hikes don't have to be long, so grab the kids and get ready for some amazing views. Always remember to pack a warm jacket, good hiking boots, and more water than you think you'll need - Weather in the mountains changes hourly, so please be prepared.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Price: $30 per vehicle or America the Beautiful Pass
Dog friendly: No
Difficulty: Easy
This trail is great for the whole family or beginner hikers, with amazing views of Mount Rainier and Alpine Lake.
Right away you'll be walking through a meadow of wildflowers. If you'd like a quick, short hike, you can hike to Bench lake which is about .75 miles - but only .5 miles further is Snow Lake, which was my favorite part of the hike. From here, you'll be able to see (weather permitting) 7 different mountain peaks.
The best times to visit this trail are July through September. Be sure to bring bug spray - this trail can be full of mosquitoes but don't let it deter you; the views were worth the bugs. You can also camp here, and it has a restroom!
Click here to get more information on hiking passes offered in Washington
Nisqually Vista Trail
Distance: 1 mile
Price: $30 per vehicle or America the Beautiful Pass
Dog friendly: No
Difficulty: Easy
This short trail takes about 30 minutes to complete with amazing views of Nisqually Glacier. I love this trail because you can bring anyone, even kids in strollers, and you'll get a breathtaking view for a short hike.
With this short hike through wildflowers, you'll be sure to love the views of Mount Rainier and Nisqually Glacier at the end. If you go in the summer, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife such as marmots and black-tailed deer.
The best times to visit this trail are June through October but it's open year-round.
Narada Falls
Distance: less than 1/2 mile
Price: $30 per vehicle or America the Beautiful Pass
Dog friendly: No
Difficulty: Easy
If you're not looking for a long hike, here is a great spot to park and look at the falls from the top, or you can walk to a nearby bridge to see the falls from another angle. From here, you can also see the lower viewpoint, which is where many people will hike down to view the falls from the bottom.
To get to the lower viewpoint, walk across the bridge until you see the trailhead. You will also see a large building that has a sitting area and restrooms available to the public.
If you do choose to hike down to the lower viewpoint, remember the trail is steep and usually wet from the mist of the falls, have hiking boots or closed-toe shoes for safety.
Gold Creek Pond
Distance: 1 mile
Price: $30 per vehicle or America the Beautiful Pass
Dog friendly: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
Not only is Gold Creek Pond great for new hikers and kids, it's also paved so you can easily bring a stroller or wheelchair to view the mountain along Snoqualmie Pass.
You're able to walk through wildflowers to a boardwalk that will take you across the pond - this is where you'll have the best view of the mountain. You're also able to walk down a paved trail to the crystal clear water where kids can play.
Another great thing about this hike is there are several picnic tables making it easy for the entire family to enjoy lunch after the hike.
Murhut Falls
Distance: 1.5 miles
Price: Free
Dog friendly: Yes
Difficulty: Moderate
Located outside of Brinnon, this trail is extremely popular for hiking and snowshoeing with a 130ft waterfall at the end.
The beginning of the trail is very easy with a steep climb at the very end of the hike. Once you get to the waterfall, you'll end up in a small ravine with steep drop-offs on one edge - if you have kids with you, be careful in this area.
This trail is open year-round; if you're looking to hike, the best time to visit is between March and October - otherwise, pack your crampons or snowshoes!
Alta Vista Trail
Distance: 2 miles
Price: $30 per vehicle or America the Beautiful Pass
Dog friendly: No
Difficulty: Moderate
This popular hike takes about an hour to complete with kids; it's paved, so bring your strollers and enjoy the views of Mount Rainier. In the summer, you'll see an endless meadow of wildflowers and memorable views of the mountain; if you can, get out before the sunrise so you can watch the sun come over the mountain, you won't regret it.
There are two parking lots, an upper and lower lot, which are large but fill up very quickly - if you're going on the weekends, be sure to get there before 9am to guarantee yourself a spot.
The best time to hike this trail is July through late August, especially if you want to see wildflowers. Also, bring your jackets and make sure to wear closed-toed shoes, parts of the trail may have snow in early July.
Myrtle Falls
Distance: 1/2 mile
Price: $30 per vehicle or America the Beautiful Pass
Dog friendly: No
Difficulty: Easy
This short hike is nothing short of spectacular - you can enjoy the view of Myrtle Falls, and weather permits, be sure to walk down the steep staircase of 20 steps to get a breathtaking view of the falls with Mount Rainier in the background.
Before you go, be sure to check road conditions, some roads to Paradise are closed in early fall and late spring due to snow.
Grove of Patriarchs
Distance: 1.5 miles
Price: Discover Pass or $11.50/daily
Dog friendly: No
Difficulty: Easy
If you're looking for some of the tallest trees in the Cascades, look no further. As you hike to the small island, you'll hear the sound of rushing water as you hike along the Ohanapecosh River. There will be a little suspension bridge to cross, taking you to the small island filled with trees making for amazing pictures with the family.
Laura
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