Snowy Hikes with Kids
Trails change their nature in winter. A family favorite during the summer may have an avalanche chute, or may simply become too difficult for your kids to enjoy once the snow falls. But just because the trails have changed doesn't mean you have to wait for spring to head outside with your kids.
Below are twelve snowy trails kids will love. You may need snowshoes for some, while trekking poles (or a walking stick) will do just fine for others, but each of them offers you and your family a way to get outside during the winter and enjoy Washington's landscape.
South Cascades
Paradise
Location: Mount Rainier
Mileage: 3 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Note: In winter, Mount Rainier National Park requires all cars to carry chains if they're heading past Longmire.
For infants, toddlers and parents, snowshoeing near Paradise is lots of fun for everyone! Photo by Bob and Barb.
A visit to Paradise at Rainier can make for a perfect day of snowshoeing. There are a handful of official trails leading from the parking lot, but most kids (particularly those new to snowshoeing) are content to play and hike in the snow nearby, meaning you can stick close to the car in case you need dry clothes or a refuel.
> Plan your trip using WTA's Hiking Guide
Maintenance Shed Road
Location: White Pass
Mileage: 7 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
High Point: 4,700 feet
Photo by AllOfUs.
See big views of the South Cascades from a moderate trail off Highway 12. The trail here is a Forest Service Road that becomes snow-covered in winter. Take advantage of the wide, flat grade and hike as far as you like before taking a rest and heading back to your car.
> Plan your trip using WTA's Hiking Guide
Central Washington
Clara and Marion Lakes
Location: Wenatchee
Mileage: 3.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
High Point: 5,475 feet
Enjoying new snow at Clara and Marion Lakes. Photo by CiscoKitty.
The trail around Clara and Marion Lakes is short with a moderate grade; the perfect fit for families with children of all ages. Those with infants can carry them the whole way, while kids with their trail legs can challenge themselves by using snowshoes.
> Plan your trip using WTA's Hiking Guide
Northrup Canyon
Location: Grand Coulee
Mileage: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 384 feet
High Point: 2,134 feet
Northrup Canyon is great place to enjoy a little snow without needing snowshoes. Photo by InsaneCouleeExpeditions.
You may not see a lot of snow here, but even a light dusting makes the walls of the canyon pop, putting the surrounding landscape in stark relief. Play I Spy with your youngster — can they spot the eagles that nest here in the winter?
> Plan your trip using WTA's Hiking Guide
Olympics
Staircase Rapids
Location: Hood Canal
Mileage: 4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Highest Point: 950 feet
The Staircase Rapids trail is great for little ones just getting their hiking legs. Photo by jalaugh.
This is a lovely riverside hike most little hikers can do all by themselves. The trail is picturesque in all weather, so don't forget your camera. Trip reporters have said that having a helping hand is key in slippery spots, but most kids should be OK on this one by themselves.
> Plan your trip using WTA's Hiking Guide
Hurricane Hill
Location: Port Angeles area
Mileage: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 650 feet
Highest Point: 5,757 feet
Note: The road to Hurricane Hill can be icy — traction tires or chains can be very useful, and sometimes are required.
Kids and adults alike will love what they see at Hurricane Hill. Photo by gclenaghan.
The views from Hurricane Ridge are some of the best to be had in Washington State. If your family is just getting into snowshoeing, take lunch at the large meadow 1.5 miles in. If you're ready for a little more of a challenge, continue past this and do some climbing to to summit — either way, you'll get incredible winter vistas.
> Plan your trip using WTA's Hiking Guide
North Cascades
White Salmon Creek Snowshoe
Location: Mount Baker Area
Mileage: 10 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Highest Point: 2,400 feet
Whether you want to hike ten miles or just a couple, White Salmon Creek provides a great getaway for families. Photo by geezerhiker.
The White Salmon Creek Snowshoe offers something for everyone. With a wide track and gentle grade, this is a great choice for a group with varying abilities.
> Plan your trip using WTA's Hiking Guide
Baker River
Location: Mount Baker Area
Mileage: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Highest Point: 900 feet
Photo by Bob and Barb.
Walking along the Baker River is perfect for those who want to experience snow but don't have snowshoes. Because of its relative low elevation, this trail may boast a few inches in midwinter, but with a pair of long pants and good boots, even novice hikers can tackle this one.
> Plan your trip using WTA's Hiking Guide
Central Cascades
Gold Creek Pond
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Mileage: 1 mile, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 10 feet
High Point: 3,000 feet
Gold Creek Pond is beautiful in any weather. Photo by Daviddental.
For a little outing with a lot of beauty, Gold Creek Pond is hard to beat. On a clear day, views north into the Cascades are breathtaking, and the loop is almost completely flat. Be sure to have your Sno-Park Pass, and get there early — this is a very popular location. A nearby (slightly longer) alternative is Keechelus Lake.
> Plan your trip using WTA's Hiking Guide
Lanham Lake Snowshoe
Location: Stevens Pass
Mileage: 3.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
High Point: 4,100 feet
Lanham Lake. Photo by Aaron Peabody.
The trail up to Lanham Lake is a straightforward climb through trees, but you'll be rewarded with a delightful little lake and a burst of sunshine on a clear day.
> Plan your trip using WTA's Hiking Guide
Eastern Washington
Mount Spokane - Kit Carson Loop
Location: Spokane Area
Mileage: 13 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Highest Point: 5,220 feet
The warming hut at Mount Spokane is a great destination for a family outing. Photo by Todd.
There are an abundance of trails at Mount Spokane, but the Kit Carson Loop Road takes visitors to a beautifully appointed warming hut, complete with log bench built by WTA's own Randy Greyerbiehl! It's a great destination for a short jaunt, or perhaps a longer day hike.
> Plan your trip using WTA's Hiking Guide
Antoine Peak Conservation Area
Location: Spokane Area
Mileage: 9 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 732 feet
Highest Point: 3,366 feet
Even dogs love the snow at Antoine Peak. Photo by Kari_S.
One of the best things about an intricate network of service roads is that when the snow falls, they become beautiful, wide trails, great for snowshoeing. Head here after a snowfall and you and your family might just get "first tracks".