Category: Columbia River Gorge hikes

How and Where to Hike in Spring around Portland, Vancouver, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge

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Hiking at Lucia Falls during the camas bloom

Spring is such a mixed bag around here. In a given year, we can have snow, ice, rain, hail, and sunshine. Spring in the PNW means wildflowers are popping up everywhere, the waterways are full, and temperatures are (should be??) warming up.

Looking for migratory birds at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

It can be hard to know where to hike in the spring since the weather is constantly changing and snow levels are still quite low. Urban trails, as well as the local national wildlife refuges are usually a good bet with their low elevation and migratory bird excitement. Hikes in the Gorge, as well as most hikes below 2,000 feet are a good bet in spring.

Admiring Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge

While I can’t fully prepare you for spring hiking, below are a few tips on how to hike with your kids in spring:

  • Plan for quickly changing weather. Check the weather the morning of your hike, but make sure you have extra layers for rain, wind, or hail.
  • Dress in layers and avoid cotton. The combination of cool spring temperatures and rain can still put you in hypothermia territory.
  • If you are going up into the area’s national forests, check conditions on trailhead pages (included in book descriptions), as well as here for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and here for the Mt. Hood National Forest
  • Assume you will encounter mud and bring a change of clothes for kiddos!
  • Make sure you do a tick check after your hike and watch out for poison oak, especially when hiking through oak woodlands and east of the Cascades. Learn about how to hike in tick country.
  • Keep an eye out for rainbows.
  • Maintain reasonable expectations and have fun!
  • Check out these great spring hiking tips from the Washington Trails Association.
  • Consider an after-dinner hike as sunset gets later.
Checking out the Willamette River at Canemah Bluff

Now that you know how to hike in spring, how do you know where to hike with your family? No worries, I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled my favorite spring hikes by book. Check them out below.

For springtime kid-friendly hikes in the Portland area, visit this page.

For springtime kid-friendly hikes in the Mt. St. Helens, Southwest Washington, Vancouver, and Clark County areas, visit this page.

For springtime kid-friendly hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, visit this page.

For springtime kid-friendly hikes in the Mt. Hood area, stay tuned for a future post.

Vancouver, Mt. St. Helens, and Southwest Washington Must-do Spring Hikes

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Curious where to hike with your kids this spring in the Vancouver, Clark County, and Southwest Washington Areas? Look no further because I’ve written two kids hiking guides covering 55 hikes in the area. While some of these hikes will be covered in snow for a few more months, there are so many other hikes that are accessible and lovely in spring.

I’ve picked the must-do spring hikes from my books little feet hiking and little feet hiking two. You can get all the details you need for a safe and fun family hike by picking up a copy and hitting the trail.

Book 1: little feet hiking

One of the trails at Vancouver Lake Regional Park

Vancouver Lake North Trail

  • Near downtown Vancouver
  • 2.5 to 4.5 miles
  • Stroller-friendly
  • Visit in spring to see migratory birds and early budding black cottonwood trees
  • Catch a glimpse of Mt. Hood on a clear day
  • Leave time for some playground play
  • little feet hiking educates about the neat cottonwood trees you’ll see on this trail
Blooming trillium in the Salmon-Morgan Creek Natural Area

Salmon-Morgan Creek Natural Area

  • Brush Prairie
  • 1.25 to 1.75 miles
  • In spring, look for trillium flowers, wood sorrel, fern fiddleheads, bleeding heart flowers, and other native plants
  • Check out a native plant field guide from the Fort Vancouver Regional Library System
  • We love this place for the big trees and nurse logs; learn more about both of these in little feet hiking
Birdwatching at Steigerwald; see the peak of Mt. Hood in the distance

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

  • Washougal
  • 2 to 4 miles; stroller-friendly
  • I’ve been leading kids on hikes at this refuge for 10 years; it is an amazing place to introduce kids to birdwatching and conservation
  • Visit in spring to watch for migratory birds
  • Seasonal trails open up in May and there isn’t much shade on this hike
  • Learn about migratory birds like ospreys in little feet hiking
Salmon jumping the falls in May 2021

Lucia Falls Regional Park

  • Yacolt
  • 1.25 miles
  • Stroller-friendly
  • Visit in spring to look for early native plants, camas lilies, and salmon jumping the falls in April and May
  • To protect this unique habitat, be sure to avoid any contact with the water
  • Learn about salmon and the East Fork Lewis River in little feet hiking
Blooming camas in the Lacamas Lily Field

Round Lake and Lacamas Lily Field

  • Camas
  • 1.25 to 1.5 miles
  • Visit in spring to visit the camas lily fields
  • Scan Round Lake for water birds
  • Leave time to visit the playground along the trail
  • Learn about camas and environmental stewardship in little feet hiking
Toddler plopped in the middle of the trail heading into the refuge; see the plankhouse in the distance

Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge

  • Ridgefield
  • 1 to 3.8 miles
  • Visit in spring to see the arrival of migratory birds; seasonal trails open in May
  • Keep an eye and an ear out for passing trains
  • Visit one of my favorite trees, known for being a lunch spot for local birds of prey (see the guide for more information)
  • Learn about bird migration in little feet hiking
Wild irises along the Tarbell Trail

Tarbell Trail from Tarbell Picnic Area

  • Yacolt Burn State Forest
  • 1.6+ miles
  • This is one my favorite local hikes: there are amazing wildflowers April through June, and you can see three volcanoes on clear days
  • Learn about the local volcanoes in little feet hiking
View of Mt. St Helens from the trail

Hummocks Trail

  • West side of Mt. St. Helens
  • 2.4 miles
  • This lower elevation hike is the best kid-friendly hike to see into the crater of Mt. St. Helens
  • Add on a trip to nearby Coldwater Learning Center and Coldwater Lake
  • Wildflowers can start popping up in May
  • Learn about hummocks in little feet hiking

Book 2: little feet hiking two

Checking out one of the wetlands along the Kiwa Trail

Kiwa Trail

  • Ridgefield
  • 1.5 miles
  • Seasonal trail that opens May 1st
  • One of the best places around to see nesting swallows
  • Over the last few years, sandhill cranes have nested in the area and delayed opening
  • Learn about tree swallows and check the trail’s status in little feet hiking two
Trail view of the Oregon side of the Gorge

Doetsch Ranch Loop

  • Near North Bonneville
  • 1.2 miles
  • This area is part of the Washington State Birding Trail and is a great place for birdwatching
  • Enjoy views of Beacon Rock, Hamilton Mountain, and the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge
  • Learn about Beacon Rock and the Missoula Floods in little feet hiking two
Springtime view of Mt. St. Helens from the boardwalk trail

Silver Lake

  • Castle Rock
  • 1 mile barrier-free dirt and boardwalk loop
  • Excellent for bird-watching, and spotting frogs and lily pads
  • Catch a glimpse of Mt. St. Helens on a clear day
  • Add on a visit to next-door Mount St. Helens Visitor Center
  • Learn about frogs and lily pads in little feet hiking two
Double rainbow over Columbia Springs

Columbia Springs

  • Vancouver
  • 1.75 miles
  • Spring is an excellent time to visit in order to watch for birds, identify native plants, and see the fish in the ponds
  • Keep an eye on the website for interesting family events
  • Learn about the history of the onsite hatchery in little feet hiking two
‘Tightrope walking’ in La Center Bottoms

La Center Bottoms

  • La Center
  • 2.2 miles
  • Hike along wetlands, keeping an eye out for migratory and resident birds
  • Consider bringing along a bird guide and binoculars
  • The trails can flood during times of heavy rain
  • Learn about bird migration in little feet hiking two
Checking out the lake at Battle Ground Lake State Park

Battle Ground Lake State Park

  • Battle Ground
  • 1 mile loop, but can add on additional miles on outer trails
  • Enjoy watching birds, including bald eagles and cormorants
  • Add on a spring camping trip in the adjacent campground
  • The trails can be muddy during times of heavy rain
  • Learn about the volcanic origins of the lake in little feet hiking two
Approaching the bridge that crosses Rock Creek

Tarbell Trail from Rock Creek Campground

  • Yacolt Burn State Forest
  • 2+ miles
  • This trail offers a bit more solitude, although you may encounter mountain bikers and horses
  • Visit for the creek, flowers, birdsong, and empty trails; be sure to bring sun protection on clear days
  • Learn how to practice dendrochronology on the trail in little feet hiking two
Springtime view from the trail

Catherine Creek Trail

  • 1.4 to 2.6 miles
  • This trail is very popular in spring due to amazing wildflowers and spring sunshine
  • Make sure you do a tick check after your hike
  • You can add on a shorter accessible 0.25 to 1.25 mile round-trip hike
  • Learn about why this side of the Gorge is so much sunnier in little feet hiking two
View from one of several river beaches

Lewis River Trail

  • Gifford Pinchot National Forest
  • 4.6 miles
  • This trail is known for its large Western red cedar trees and proximity to the beautiful Lewis River
  • Hike in May to see fairy slipper orchids
  • Learn about Western red cedars trees in little feet hiking two

There are many more excellent springtime hikes in the area. For Portland area spring hikes with kids, check out this post. For Columbia River Gorge area spring hikes with kids, check out this post.

Columbia River Gorge Must-do Spring Hikes

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The Columbia River Gorge is amazing in spring, but it can be hard to know where to safely hike with kids or where to go to see the best wildflowers. I’ve been hiking in the Gorge for over 15 years, and my daughter has been hiking there since she was a toddler. So many Gorge hikes are too steep or cliffy for kids…thankfully, I’ve done the research and scouting for you! While most of the 50 hikes in my kids Gorge hiking book, little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge, can be hiked in spring, some are better than others. I’ve picked the must-do spring hikes from my book, and listed them below. For the best information, including almost all the details you need for a safe and fun family hike, pick up a copy on Amazon before hitting the trail.

Pro-tip: When hiking in the Gorge, especially near or east of Cascade Locks/North Bonneville, make sure you do a tick check after your hike and watch out for poison oak. Rattlesnakes can be seen along some Eastern Gorge hikes, so advise kiddos not to climb on or stick their hands into rock piles.

WESTERN GORGE

Cape Horn

  • 0.8 to 3 round-trip miles
  • Many hike routes in the Cape Horn area are dangerous for kids due to cliffs; check out my guide for lesser-known and less-cliffy variations
  • Visit in May for the epic delphinium bloom
  • Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons (learn more in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge)
  • Kids will need help staying to away from overlook and cliff edges

Wahclella Falls

  • This is one of the best waterfall hikes around
  • 2.4 round-trip miles
  • Avoid this trail during heavy rain due to fire damage and cliffs
  • After your hike, stop by Bonneville Fish Hatchery (learn more about this hike’s connection to the hatchery in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge)
  • Kids will need help staying to away from cliff edges

Sandy River Delta

  • 2.5 round-trip miles
  • Excellent for birdwatching in springtime
  • Practice being still and watching for migratory spring birds in the Maya Lin Bird Blind (learn more in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge)
  • Avoid the hike if you aren’t a fan of dogs

Latourell Falls

  • 2.2 round-trip miles
  • This is one of a handful of kid-friendly Gorge waterfall hikes unaffected by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire
  • The trail is very colorful in April – look for trillium, bleeding heart, corydalis, salmonberry, and wood sorrel
  • The rock formations on this hike are amazing!

CENTRAL GORGE

Pool of the Winds and Little Beacon Rock

  • 3 miles round-trip to visit both
  • Look for spring wildflowers all throughout spring; larkspur and chocolate lilies are especially lovely
  • Listen and look for American Pikas on this trail (learn more in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge)

Emerald Falls

  • 1.2 round-trip miles
  • This is a more obscure hike that isn’t written about in too many places
  • The hike to Emerald Falls is less crowded than other kid-friendly Gorge waterfall hikes
  • Keep an eye out for water ouzels

Starvation Creek State Park

  • 0.6 – 4 round-trip miles
  • Paved and stroller-friendly way to access up to three waterfalls
  • Can be noisy due to proximity to the interstate
  • Waterfalls should be full with spring run-off

EASTERN GORGE

Lower Labyrinth Falls

  • 2.2 miles round-trip
  • You won’t find this hike description anywhere other than little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge
  • Touch a waterfall and check out amazing spring wildflowers (learn about some trail-specific wildflowers in my book)
  • Stay on the trail to avoid poison oak

Coyote Wall

  • 3.6 to 4.6 round-trip miles
  • Coyote Wall is not the most kid-friendly due to cliffs, but in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge, I’ve detailed the most spectacular kid-friendly loop on the wall
  • Learn about the threatened western meadowlark that calls Coyote Wall home
  • There is no shade on this hike, so plan accordingly

Crawford Oaks

  • 4.5 round-trip miles
  • This is a harder hike due to elevation gain and lack of shade, but you can hike less and still experience awesome views and flowers
  • Visit in spring to see amazing wildflowers like lupine, larkspur, and balsamroot
  • Learn about the history of the area by visiting the nearby interpretive ranch

Memaloose Hills

  • 2.8 to 3.6 round-trip miles
  • This hike is very popular on weekends, consider a weekday or late afternoon weekend hike
  • Spot two volcanoes from the top of the hills
  • Be sure to stay on the trail and not damage the wildflowers

Klickitat River Trail from Fisher Hill Bridge

  • 2.6+ round-trip miles
  • So many interesting things on this trail: river, wildflower, fish hatchery machinery, and tribal fishing
  • Learn about the history of tribal fishing on the Klickitat in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge
  • Keep an eye out for bald eagles

Rowena Plateau

  • 2.3 round-trip miles
  • This hike is known for its epic wildflower bloom, so visit on a weekday or weekend afternoons if possible
  • Learn about conservation in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge and teach your kids
  • Stay on the trail and please do not pick the flowers

Catherine Creek Interpretive Trail

  • 0.25 to 1.25 round-trip miles
  • Paved and stroller-friendly walk through wildflower meadows
  • Can add on a longer, less-accessible 2 to 2.8 mile round-trip hike (see Hike #37 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge)

Hope you found this helpful! Now go out and enjoy make some springtime family memories!

P.S. If you’re looking for the best springtime kid-friendly hikes around Portland, check out this post! Also, check out this post for springtime kid-friendly hikes in the Vancouver/SW Washington area.

Learning place-based human history through “little feet hiking” books

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Are you a homeschooling family or a family who loves learning about history? Do you like hiking with your kids around Portland (Oregon), Mt. Hood, or the Columbia River Gorge? Read on…

My books offer many opportunities for place-based learning, especially around human and natural history. I’ve gone through my five hiking guides and created a public spreadsheet to help guide you on where and how you can incorporate place-based learning to explore human history through local kid-friendly hikes!

This file is a work in progress and I will follow it up (at some point) with a file on local natural history. Feel free to comment on this post if you have additional information you’d like for me to add to the spreadsheet.

Please share anyone who may be interested!

6 Family-Friendly Summer Hikes

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Originally posted on PDXParent.com on July 1st, 2022

Credit: Cody Nichols, Alltrails.com

Summer in the Pacific Northwest means it’s time for adventure! We have just a few months to soak in all the warmth and sun — what better place to do that than on the trail? Longer days and great weather means it’s easier to travel a little bit further from home, too. While the weather is milder in summer, there are some unique considerations for summer hiking with kids:

Check out these family-favorite hikes for experiencing summer in our area:

Mary Young and Cedar Island – Portland Area

Credit: Kim Koga, Alltrails.com

Mary S. Young Park is an excellent choice for a summer hike.  The shady forest offers respite on hot summer days, and the seasonal bridge over to Cedar Island allows hikers to reach a neat island on the Willamette River. On the island the beach is a mix of rocks and sand, and there is a fishing platform available, too. This park is popular with dog-owners and you may encounter some dogs off leash. It is only about a 0.5 mile hike from the main parking area to Cedar Island, but you can add on trails to make an almost 4 mile hike. Parts of the trail are ADA-accessible and the park can be reached by bus. 

Whipple Creek Regional Park – Vancouver Area

Credit: Jessica Becker

Take a break from the warm days of summer by hiking through the cool and shady forests that make up Whipple Creek Regional Park. There are 4.3 miles of trails, but you can combine different trails to suit your needs. This park is popular with horses, so read up on horse etiquette before hitting the trail. 

Pool of the Winds – Columbia River Gorge, Washington Side

Credit: Meg Asby

This hike takes you to a beautiful waterfall by way of lovely forest and passing views of Hamilton Mountain, Bonneville Dam, and the Columbia River Gorge. If you look at the falls in the right light, you may even see a rainbow! The Pool of the Winds Hike is only about 2 miles round-trip and requires a steady climb from the trailhead. Make sure to pick up a Washington Discover Pass before heading to the trailhead.

Sherrard Point – Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Side

Credit: Aaron B., Alltrails.com

Once the snow has melted (usually sometime in June), you can summit an ancient and extinct volcano without much work at all! By climbing up a 0.3 mile one-way paved path and several sets of stairs, you can reach the top of Sherrard Point, the summit of Larch Mountain. On a sunny day, you can see five volcanoes from this fenced-in summit viewpoint. You’ll need to keep a hand on younger kiddos since the viewpoint has extreme drop-offs and it is unclear how sturdy the railings are. For a longer hike, you can head north from the parking area on Larch Mountain Trail #441. The forest is quite spooky through here and you’ll encounter some amazing trees as you hike along. The trail is only downhill from the parking area, so remember that you’ll need to come back up the hills when you turn around.

June Lake – Mt. St. Helens Area

Credit: Jessica Becker

The trail to June Lake really has it all: a waterfall splashing into a pretty lake, views of Mt. St. Helens, rough-skinned newts, a lava field, wildflowers, and a paved road all the way to the trailhead. There isn’t even a pass required. This moderate hike is around 2.8 miles round-trip and has some elevation gain, as well as a rocky trail. Keep in mind that the trailhead has no toilet or cell service. Consider combining the hike with a visit to Lava Canyon or the Trail of Two Forests. There are toilets at both of these locations. 

Zigzag Canyon and Little Zigzag Canyon – Mt. Hood Area

Credit: Jessica Becker

The Timberline Trail heading west from Timberline Lodge offers such an epic kid-friendly mountain experience. The snow melts in July and is soon followed by amazing wildflowers. From the trail, you will have views of high desert to the east, Mt. Jefferson and mountain lakes to the south, and Portland to the west. Consider combining this hike with a camping trip in one of Mt. Hood’s many campgrounds. The trail is 2.4 miles round-trip to Little Zigzag Canyon and 4.4 miles round-trip to Zigzag Canyon. This hike is for more experienced kid hikers and parents should use caution near drop-offs, especially at Zigzag Canyon. 

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is finally open!

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The new entrance to the refuge.

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is open after a 2 year closure! I love the new trail…the first mile takes you along the dike, so you get an amazing vantage point looking down. After the first mile, you can get deeper into the refuge and now hike over 4 miles! Today we saw a white pelican, a bittern, herons roosting, an osprey with babies, purple martens, a red tail hawk, an egret, and more. So excited to visit regularly and update my hike descriptions.

View of Larch Mountain (Oregon) from the Mountain View Trail

Parking was challenging on opening day, so try visiting on a weekday in the coming weeks. There is a lot of excitement about the new trails, which all have new names. Also, remember that the trails aren’t complete yet, so it will look like a bit of a construction zone in some places. Check out the new trail map and head on over!

Big thanks to Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards, Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other partners for making this happen! Check out this great write-up here.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND CLICKABLE LINKS for “little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge”

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Recommended Websites and Organizations:

Website links for the Columbia River Gorge:

Website links for organizations with interests in the area::

Website links for hiking and naturalist topics:

Recommended Books and Accessories:

Book recommendations for the Columbia River Gorge:

Recommend hiking, first aid, and survival books:

Recommended plant books:

Recommended wildlife books:

Recommended nature connection books:

Recommended accessories:

  • Compass
  • Measuring tape (for measuring tracks)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Magnifying Glass

5 Fantastic Winter Hikes Near Portland

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Originally posted on PDXParent.com on February 7th, 2022

We all spend a lot of time indoors during our wet Pacific Northwest winters. However, with the right gear and knowledge, you can make winter one of your favorite hiking seasons. Trails are less crowded, migratory birds are in the area, and waterfalls are full. That said, weather can be unpredictable, trails can be muddier, and there may be road hazards.

For winter hiking with kids, it can be good to stay lower in elevation, closer to cell service, and away from fire-damaged areas. It’s also a great idea to:

Latourell Falls Loop

Image courtesy Jessica Becker

Walk right up to two waterfalls on this 2.4 mile loop hike. This hike is a Gorge treasure and is appropriate for kids who can navigate steep trails that are slippery when wet and are narrow with drop-offs. This hike also has great Gorge views as well as fun trees to climb on and walk through. Be prepared for the cold sensations of waterfall spray as you make your way around the loop.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge — Oaks to Wetlands Trail

Image courtesy Jessica Becker

Winter is the best time to visit the refuge because of all the migratory birds! You don’t have to walk very far on this easy 2 miles out-and-back trail to see and hear the noisy and beautiful swans that flew south for the winter. Along the trail, you may even come across deer, birds of prey, ducks, and more. Bring a pair of binoculars and stop to read any interpretive signs. A section of the trail is closed on Thursdays and there is a fee to park. Consider a drive on the nearby Auto Tour Route to see even closer-up views of winter waterfowl and birds of prey. 

Oxbow Regional Park – Ancient Forest Loop 

Image courtesy Jessica Becker

Winter means fewer visitors at popular Oxbow Regional Park, which means animals are more likely to be out and about. The gentle 1.5 mile Ancient Forest Loop is a great place to track animals year round, but winter is an especially good time to practice your fox walking and owl eyes skills. Use caution near the swift river and save time for some playground play. 

Old Salmon River Trail

Image courtesy Jessica Becker

If you’ve ever wanted to hike through a fairy forest, the Old Salmon River Trail in Welches is the place to visit. You can hike up to 3.8 miles out-and-back along the river through a mossy old-growth forest. There are multiple parking areas and every section of this trail is beautiful. Plan on playing by the riverbank and climbing on and hugging massive trees. Keep an eye on kids around drop-offs and the swift river. 

Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Cooper Mountain Loop, courtesy Sarah Hummel via AllTrails

This Metro-run park is a fantastic place to hike in winter. You can combine small loops to hike up to 3.2 miles of oak savannah and ponderosa pines. The trail has some elevation gain, depending on the loops you choose. Keep an eye out for deer, birds of prey, and views of Mt. Hood. There are interpretive signs along the trail, as well as ‘listening trumpets’, which are designed to amplify the sounds of nature. No dogs are allowed and there is an awesome nature playground at the trailhead. 

Less-crowded Kid-friendly Hikes in OR and WA

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Originally published at PDXParent.com on June 12th, 2021

Merrill Lake (62 miles from Portland) – 1 mile loop – Mt. St. Helens Area

This hike on the south side of Mt. St. Helens takes you on a short one-mile loop through an outstanding stand of old-growth forest with some amazingly informative interpretive signs. The lake was created by a lava flow stopping the flow of the river, which always seems to ignite kids’ curiosity. The lake is great for swimming, fishing and small watercraft (no gas motors allowed) and there is a walk-in campground onsite. A Washington Discover Pass is required to park (this pass can be bought online and is not available onsite). You can find Merrill Lake at 46.094156, -122.319784 and learn more about it here.

Tarbell Trail from Tarbell Trailhead (39 miles from Portland) – 1.5+ out-and-back miles – Yacolt Burn State Forest in Southwest Washington

This hike in the Yacolt Burn State Forest, just outside of Vancouver (WA), is rarely crowded and is accessible almost all year due to its lower elevation. There are no scary drop-offs but there are some hills and rocky tread, making this trail suitable for most young hikers. Mountain bikers do use these trails, so keep an ear out for squeaky brakes! The trail has views of three volcanoes: Mt. St. Helens, Silver Star Mountain, and the tip of Mt. Rainier, and there is a lovely wildflower bloom in spring and summer. The first ¾ of a mile is the best for views and flowers, but the trail is kid-friendly for miles beyond this.

A Washington Discover Pass is required to park (this pass can be bought online and is not available onsite). You can find the trailhead at 45.79301, -122.30207 (also see this handy map of the area) and learn more about Tarbell Trail and Yacolt Burn State Forest here.

Barlow Road/Pioneer Woman’s Grave Trail (60 miles from Portland) – 1 to 2.2 miles out-and-back – Mt. Hood Area

This hike near the Highway 35/Highway 26 interchange on Mt. Hood takes you on a hike along the old Barlow Road wagon route. Hiking along the Pioneer Woman’s Grave Trail will have you walking in the footsteps of the pioneers traveling along the Oregon Trail. You will navigate blowdown, cross a creek and climb through rhododendrons and huckleberry bushes to an excellent Mt. Hood view. This shady trail makes a great choice for a hot summer day. After your hike, visit the Pioneer Woman’s Grave Memorial next to the trailhead and also visit the old wagon ruts across the road from the memorial, which marks the gravesite of an unknown Oregon Trail traveler that was discovered in the 1920s during the construction of the Old Mt. Hood Highway. The hike can be 1 to 2.2 miles round-trip, depending on if you want to hike up to Barlow Pass (where there is a portable toilet and historical signs). There are major drop-offs at the Mt. Hood view as well as some sections of rocky trail. Park in a road pull-out near these coordinates 45.281781, -121.699685, and find the trail on the east side of the road. Learn more about the Pioneer Woman’s Grave Memorial here.

Hamilton Island Trail (48 miles from Portland) – 2.3 or 3.4 mile loop – Columbia River Gorge

This hike in North Bonneville, WA takes you through meadows, up and down hills, and along the mighty Columbia River. You get up-close views of the devastation of the Eagle Creek fire and there are paths down to the riverbank, where you can play on the rocky shore and watch for birds. The trail can get quite muddy in rainy weather and there is a lot of blackberry on some sections of the trail. There is no shade on this hike, so come prepared with sun protection as well as wind protection. There are two places to park with no fee; the less-crowded lot tends to be by the ball fields in North Bonneville and located at 45.633768, -121.978971. You can hike either a 2.3- or 3.4-mile loop when parking at the trailhead by the ball fields. After your hikes, consider stopping at the North Bonneville playground to visit with a family of Bigfoot Statues. Learn more about this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property here.

Pacific Crest Trail North from Lolo Pass (55 miles from Portland) – 4 miles out-and-back – Mt. Hood Area

This out-and-back hike takes you north on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) past epic views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, along rocky cliffs, and through old forest with big trees. You also hike adjacent to the Bull Run Watershed, which is closed to the public due to its role in providing drinking water for much of the Portland area. When hiking through the scree fields, keep an ear out for the warning calls of pikas. This hike is for experienced kid-hikers who can safely navigate narrow trails on cliffs. The trailhead can be found on the north side of Lolo Pass at the following coordinates: 45.42692, -121.79645 and you can learn more about the trailhead here. This hike should be accessible early summer through late fall.