Family Hikes in the Mountains to Sound Greenway
WTA staff and Mountains to Sounds Greenway Trust staff have partnered to share their top 8 family hike suggestions in the Greenway, which stretches from Ellensburg to Puget Sound. Keep your family active this spring and check out these great hikes suggestions.
The Mountains to Sound Greenway encompasses over 1.5 Million acres of connected natural lands and vibrant urban areas surrounding I-90 between Puget Sound and Central Washington. The Greenway conserves a shared heritage of working farms and forests, parks, sustainable communities and abundant outdoor educational and recreational opportunities.
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Westberg Trail
Location: Ellensburg
Round Trip: 4.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1800 ft
Best Season: spring - fall
- A look over Ellensburg from the Westberg trail. Photo by johnwporter.
This trail is a bird watchers haven - grouse, flickers, meadowlarks and red-tailed hawks are only a fraction of the wildlife you'll catch on your walk. With a steep uphill descent, this trail may be best for those with older kids.
>> Read more about hiking the Westberg Trail
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Red Top Lookout
Location: Teanaway
Round Trip: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 350 ft
Best Season: spring - fall
- Red Top Lookout. Photo by David Hagen.
This short but steep hike will take you through old forest and even older rocks to a working fire lookout. Kids will love the visit with the lookout volunteer if they are present. Even if the lookout is closed the views from the base are worth the climb.
>> Read more about hiking Red Top Lookout
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Cooper River
Location: Teanaway
Round Trip: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Best Season: spring - fall
- Cooper River. Photo by Bob and Barb.
Fall is a great time to hike this riverside trail. Take your binoculars to spot birds and other wildlife along the way. Kids will enjoy keeping an eye out for anglers along waters edge too.
>> Read more about hiking Cooper River
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Asahel Curtis Nature Trail
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Round Trip: 0.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 180 ft
Best Season: year round
- The first bridge on the Asahel Curtis nature trail loop. Photo by Nick Wood
This short walk in the woods is a great way for kids to stretch their legs and explore the old growth trees. Take a moment to admire the large boulders in Humpback Creek as you cross the newly installed bridge.
>> Read more about hiking Asahel Curtis Nature Trail
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Gold Creek Pond
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Round Trip: 1.0 mile
Elevation Gain: minimal
Best Season: year round
- Gold Creek Pond. Photo by hikingchungs.
This paved 1-mile loop is perfect for those with strollers and small children. After meandering around the crystal clear waters you will end up at a picnic area with plenty of tables to enjoy your lunch with a view.
>> Read more about hiking Gold Creek Pond
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Big Tree Ridge
Location: Issaquah Alps
Round Trip: 3.0 miles
Elevation Gain: minimal
Best Season: year round
- Big Ridge Tree. Photo by Maddy.
The Big Tree Trail is an accessible, high-quality trail with moderate grades; excellent for new hikers. Enjoy views of the snowy Cascades year-round when it is clear. In winter, Squak & Tiger Mountains loom out of mists and low-hanging clouds, giving the hike a mystical atmosphere.
>> Read more about hiking Big Tree Ridge
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Evans Creek Preserve
Location: Sammamish
Round Trip: 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 325 ft
Best Season: year round
- Evans Creek Preserve. Photo by Taum Sauk.
From wetlands, to meadows, to forested hillsides, this preserve makes for a great ecologic tour for little ones.
>> Read more about hiking Evans Creek Preserve
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Echo Mountain
Location: Renton
Round Trip: 4.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Best Season: year round
- Water lilies at Lake Desire. Photo by Alpine Art.
The moss-topped rock slabs at the summit of Echo Mountain make for a wonderful location for a late-morning trail brunch, or an evening meal