The heat is here and people will be flocking to our local waterways. In addition to being crowded, our waterways aren’t the safest places during the rapid snowmelt that comes with our first few heat waves of the year. The water can be cold and fast-moving, and many places do not have lifeguards available. So how do you keep your kids active during a heat wave? The awesome thing about our area is that we have so many amazing forests that can keep us cool on the hottest days. Did you know that shady forests can keep us cool through what is known as the process of evapotranspiration?? While forests can help keep you cool, you will still need to take it easy and keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion or stroke. Hitting the trail in the morning and bringing along extra water and sun protection is helpful too.

Below are some suggestions of hikes that should be shady, less-crowded, and keep you away from the big bodies of water. If you are going near any body of water, it is good to brush up on your water safety skills and assess the risks for your entire family before enjoying any water. Even small creeks can present issues for certain kids. Be safe, and access water on the following hikes at your own risk.

From my first guide little feet hiking:

-Salmon-Morgan Creeks Natural Area (there is a small creek on this hike)

-WSU Cougar Trails (there is a small creek on this hike)

-Whipple Creek (there is a small creek on this hike)

-Volcano View Trail (need Ape Cave Parking reservation)

-Whistle Punk Trail

-Saddle Dam (there is a small creek on this hike)

-Goat Marsh Lake (the lake isn’t for swimming and you may encounter mosquitoes)

-Summit Springs (you cross a few creeks early on in the hike)

-Bells Mountain Trail from Cold Creek Day Use Area

From my second guide little feet hiking two:

-Columbia Springs

-Fort Cascades Historic Site (stay on the trail to avoid the Columbia River)

-Lewis River Trail (the trail comes close to the river at times; the river may be shallow enough in spots for water play)

-Cedar Flats Natural Area

-Moulton Falls Trail from Hantwick Road (there is a small creek near the trailhead)

-Pacific Crest from Trout Creek (the creek may be low enough for some creek play)

From my third guide little feet hiking: Mt. Hood:

-Barlow Wayside (there is a small creek here)

-Lost Creek (there is a creek, but it shouldn’t be so rushing that it carries you away)

-any of the three Lost Lake hikes in my book (the lake has swimming areas and boat rentals)

-Catalpa Lake (bring mosquito repellant)

-Still Creek Trail (there is a large creek at the turnaround point)

-Pioneer Bridle Trail

-Hidden Lake

-Little Zigzag Falls (the trail runs along a creek)

From my fourth guide little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge:

-Larch Mountain Environmental Education Site (there is a small creek here)

-Larch Mountain Summit

-Nellie Corser Wildlife Area (there is creek access here, but it shouldn’t be so rushing that it carries you away)

-Dry Creek Falls (there is creek access here, but it shouldn’t be so rushing that it carries you away)

-Emerald Falls (there is creek access here, but it shouldn’t be so rushing that it carries you away)

-Skamania Lodge Trails

-Fort Cascades (stay on the trail to avoid the Columbia River)

From my fifth guide little feet hiking: Portland Metro:

– Central Forest Park Loop

-Reed Lake (there is a little creek that runs through the west half of the trail system)

-Whipple Creek

-Scouters Mountain

-Tickle Creek (there is a small creek that runs along the trail)

-Mt. Talbert

-Tryon Creek

-Hopkins Demonstration Forest (there is small creek access here)

-Springbrook Park

-Hyland Woods Natural Area

-Tualatin Hills Nature Park

STAY COOL AND SAFE OUT THERE!