Playground Hikes within 50 miles of the Portland and Vancouver Metro Areas

Published on by littlefeethiking

Have you ever hiked with a kid who just didn’t want to hike? It happens. In my five hiking guides, I give you a lot of general and hike-specific ideas to motivate your kids to keep hiking. However, after 10 years of hiking with kids of all ages, the most tried-and-true motivator that I’ve found (other than ice cream) is PLAYGROUNDS!

I have gone through all five of my books, and I’ve identified 22 hikes, within 50 miles of Portland (Oregon) and Vancouver (Washington), that have playgrounds along the trail, at the trailhead, or within a few miles of the trailhead. Better yet, my 10 year old (the original littlefoot) sat down with me to rank the top 10 playgrounds in her opinion (she has visited all of them).

Below, you will find these top 10. Stay tuned for another post with the remaining 12!

TOP 10 PLAYGROUNDS (AND THEIR HIKES) ACCORDING TO LITTLEFOOT

MAC Trail

Photo: City of Portland

Marshall Park

  • Find the hike description in little feet hiking: Portland Metro
  • 1.5 miles round trip through lovely woods
  • Playground at the beginning of the hike
  • Shallow creek in summer
  • Not a lot of parking, so go on a weekday
  • 5 miles from downtown Portland and 14 miles from downtown Vancouver
Photo: City of Portland

Canemah Bluff

  • Find the hike description in little feet hiking: Portland Metro
  • 1.7 miles round trip on historical trails
  • 2 play structures and flush toilets at the beginning of the hike
  • Lovely views of the Willamette River
  • Watch out for poison oak on the trail
  • 5 miles from downtown Portland and 14 miles from downtown Vancouver

Vancouver Lake North Trail

  • Find the hike description in little feet hiking: Portland Metro and little feet hiking
  • 2.5 to 4.5 miles round trip
  • Mostly stroller-friendly
  • Playground and flush toilets are located inside of Vancouver Lake Regional Park, just off the trail
  • Visit on a sunny day for a view of Mt. Hood
  • Watch out for lake advisories
  • 15 miles from downtown Portland and 6 miles from downtown Vancouver
Photo: Vancouver Family Magazine

Fairgrounds Connector Trail

  • Find the hike description in little feet hiking
  • 1.6 miles round trip through pretty forest and meadows
  • Large playground and flush toilets are located at the trailhead
  • 18 miles from downtown Portland and 9 miles from downtown Vancouver
Photo: Clark County

Round Lake Trail

  • Find the hike description in little feet hiking
  • 1.2 to 1.5 miles round trip through pretty forest and around a lovely lake
  • Playground and flush toilets are located at the trailhead
  • Watch out for lake advisories
  • 22 miles from downtown Portland and 15 miles from downtown Vancouver
Photo: Clark County

Dry Creek Falls

Photo: City of Cascade Locks

Jackson Bottom Wetlands

  • Find the hike description in little feet hiking: Portland Metro
  • 1 to 4 miles round trip through a wildlife refuge
  • Make time to check out the visitors center and bring binoculars if you have them
  • Hidden Creek Park West, located 4 miles from the trailhead, has multiple playgrounds and flush toilets
  • Visit on a sunny day for a view of Mt. Hood
  • 17 miles from downtown Portland and 24 miles from downtown Vancouver
Photo: City of Hillsboro

Washougal Waterfront Trail

  • Find the hike description in little feet hiking Columbia River Gorge
  • 1 mile round trip
  • Paved and stroller-friendly
  • Meet a Sasquatch named Eegah at a nature playground along the trail
  • Enjoy lovely views of the Gorge and Mt. Hood
  • 22 miles from downtown Portland and 16 miles from downtown Vancouver

Lewisville Park

  • Find the hike description in little feet hiking two
  • 2.8 mile loop
  • There are multiple beaches along the river side of the trail
  • Gets very busy on summer weekends
  • Gravel trail and stroller-friendly
  • 29 miles from downtown Portland and 18 miles from downtown Vancouver

Which playground, I mean hike, will you choose first??

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