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

Published on December 1, 2025 by littlefeethikingLeave a comment

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.

little feet hiking books have some great information on hiking in the winter. Read on for mom-tested tips on where to hike with kids in the winter, as well as ideas on how to hike safely with kids. Remember that you don’t have to travel far from home or spend a ton of time hiking to make it worthwhile. Even a short hike during the winter can be restorative and meaningful!

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:

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. Consult WTA’s snow depth map when looking for snow conditions on a trail. Stay out of the forest when high winds are forecasted (rain plus wind can equal trees falling on roads and/or trails).
Dress in layers and avoid cotton. The combination of cold temperatures and rain can easily put you (and especially kids) in hypothermia territory.
Learn more about winter hiking from the Washington Trails Association (WTA).
Plan for winter driving.
Bring a change of clothes, extra socks and gloves, lots of snacks, something warm to drink, and something warm/dry to sit on.
Maintain reasonable expectations and have fun!

Now that you’ve learned a bit on how to hike in the winter, how do you know where to hike with your family? Thankfully, I’ve compiled my favorite winter hikes by book. Check them out below!

Hike 4 in little feet hiking: Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge

Winter may feel a bit sleepy, but the jogging stroller friendly trail at Steigerwald takes you through an area busy with lots of wildlife. On any given winter day, you could encounter deer, birds of prey, ducks, geese, insects, and more. There are also Mt. Hood and Columbia River views. You can hike as little as 2 miles round trip to get a great nature experience, but there are also miles to add on once you connect to the Columbia River Dike Trail. This trail is a family favorite – just be prepared for the possibility of lots of wind while hiking here.

Hike 9 in little feet hiking: Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge – Oaks to Wetlands Trail

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 mile out-and-back trail to see and hear the noisy and beautiful swans that flew south (to our area) for the winter. Along the trail, you may even come across deer, birds of prey, ducks, and more. Bring a pair of binoculars and be sure to stop to read any interpretive signs. Consider a drive on the nearby Auto Tour Route to see even closer-up views of winter waterfowl and birds of prey. There is a fee to park.

Hike 16 in little feet hiking: Bells Mountain Trail from Cold Creek Day Use Area

This hike in the Yacolt Burn State Forest is only 27 miles from downtown Vancouver, yet it feels like it is deep in the wilderness. I love this trail in the winter because there is such a deep forest feel that is even more special in the rain. There is so much green from the trees that you totally forget that the skies are gray, and the sound of the rushing creek is quite soothing. The trailhead is down a gravel road, and there is no cell service, so you’ll need to plan to be a little off the grid. A WA Discover Pass is required to park.

Hike 8 in little feet hiking two: La Center Bottoms

La Center Bottoms is an excellent place for birdwatching, especially for migratory swans and pintail ducks. The trail can be a little muddy, especially when the gravel/dirt trail turns to dirt after the first half mile. You can continue on a dirt trail for another half mile for a 2 mile total round-trip hike. Favorite parts of this trail include multiple bird blinds and fun statues near the trailhead.

Hike 10 in little feet hiking two: Tarbell Trail from Rock Creek Campground

Our family loves this trail as it is rarely busy, there are always cool things to see, and we sometimes see horses! The trail starts out by crossing the creek on a long bridge, hiking through pretty forest (with some impressive nurse logs), and then taking you through a young forest that feels like a wild holiday tree farm. It has been neat to watch the trees grow on this trail over the last 10 years. There are also a lot of large cut stumps that allow for learning about dendrochronology (the study of tree rings). A WA Discover Pass is required to park.

Hike 19 in little feet hiking two: Lacamas Lower Falls

In the winter, there is a lot of water flowing through Lacamas Park and over Lower Falls, which makes it really cool to hike to the falls this time of year. Between the pretty forest, the downed logs that are perfect for climbing, the wide stroller-friendly trail, and the bridge over the rushing creek, it’s a fantastic place to hike with kids. My favorite part of the trail, though, is the rocks. Did you know they are millions of years old? Learn more about that in my book.

Hike 1 in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood: Little Zigzag Falls

The short hike to Little Zigzag Falls is great any time of the year, but my family really enjoys it when there is just a touch of snow on the ground. The trailhead sits just above 3,000 feet in elevation, so the trail has snow much of the winter. I’m not a huge fan of driving in snow or ice, but the access to this particular trailhead is less challenging than other higher-elevation Mt. Hood hikes. Be sure to read up on winter driving, and follow chain rules. As always, come prepared with your essentials and anything else you might need for a cold, icy/snowy adventure. Thankfully, there is a traffic camera on Highway 26 right by the trailhead. Find the traffic camera for Highway 26 at USFS Rd 35 here.

Hike 4 in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood: Wildwood Recreation Area Trails

I love hiking at Wildwood Recreation Area on a rainy day! This awesome BLM recreation area has several miles of flat, kid-friendly trails (most of which are paved or boardwalk) and is located on the west slope of Mt. Hood. This spot is at about 1,200 feet, which means that it should stay snow-free most of the winter. When visiting, be sure to check out the relief map, the river beach, the naturalist exhibits on the boardwalk, and the awesome nurse logs along the paths. FYI, some of the boardwalks can be slippery when wet! There is a fee to park.

Hike 6 in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood: Old Salmon River Trail

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. This hike is accessible most of the year, as long as snow levels aren’t too low.

Hike 2 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge: Columbia River Dike Trail

The Columbia River Dike Trail is a popular trail, but you will find fewer crowds in the winter. Winter is a fantastic time to hike, especially on cold, sunny days. Kids always seem to enjoy checking out the interpretive signs, hanging out in the dugout canoe replicas, climbing on low-hanging trees, and birdwatching. You might even see horses along the trail. Look for a view of Mt. Hood to the east on sunny days, and be prepared for windier conditions along the river.

Hike 4 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge: Latourell Falls

We love this hike because you can hike right up to two waterfalls on a somewhat challenging 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. There are 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. The trail can get muddy, so use caution near cliff edges. This is one of the few hikes on the Oregon side of the Western Gorge that has not been affected by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Fire-stricken areas are prone to dangerous mudslides during times of heavy rain, ice, and snow. That said, you still need to pay attention to recent weather events, as they can still destabilize any of the slopes in the Gorge.

Hike 38 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge: Rowena Plateau

This hike is one of the best in the eastern Gorge for late winter wildflowers. This nature preserve has amazing Gorge views and reliably has purple and white grass widows blooming in late February. In general, the area sees more sunshine in winter due to the rain shadow effect, making its a great destination for the winter blues. Just remember to check the latest forecasts, as the Gorge is prone to ice storms and low-elevation snow during the winter. Please respect this Nature Conservancy property by keeping your pets at home, staying on the trail, not picking the flowers, and using the boot brush at the beginning of the hike. As always when hiking in this part of the Gorge, keep an eye out for poison oak and ticks.

Hike 1 in little feet hiking: Portland Metro: Central Forest Park Loop

Most people know about amazing Forest Park, but it is hard to know where in the park to hike with kids. This fun loop takes you through a less-crowded section of Forest Park. On your hike, you’ll encounter pretty forest and lots of muddy track traps to help you track any wild animals that may have traversed the trail earlier. Read more about animal track and track traps in my book.

Hike 32 in little feet hiking: Portland Metro: Hopkins Demonstration Forest

Hopkins Demonstration Forest is a lovely 140-acre privately owned forest near Beavercreek that is open to the public for hiking. There is a variety of trails here that take you past a pond, a creek, a log house, a fire lookout, and more. There are also interpretive features that teach out about the various habitats onsite. I like this property in the winter because there is so much green by way of fir needles, ferns, and other evergreen plants. There isn’t great cell service here, so make sure you know the way before leaving town.

Hike 44 in little feet hiking: Portland Metro: Cooper Mountain Nature Park

This Metro park is a fantastic place to hike in winter. You’ll often encounter deer amongst the oak savannah and ponderosa pines, and there are interpretive signs along the trail. On a sunny day, you can even spy a view of Mt. Hood. You can hike up to 3.2 miles, and there are some hills to get your blood pumping. Leave some time at the end of your hike to play on the nature playground. No dogs are allowed at this park.

I hope you have a wonderful winter season out on the trails. Be safe and have fun! Be sure to follow little feet hiking on Facebook and Instagram for trip reports.

Getting Kids Outside as School Starts Back Up

Published on August 25, 2025August 29, 2025 by littlefeethikingLeave a comment

September hits and so does school, homework, soccer practice, after-school activities, social engagements, etc. That is an abrupt change to spending our days swimming, camping, hiking, riding bikes, and going to outdoor festivals. It has always been hard for me to make this change, especially because fall is so lovely in the Pacific NW. The rain doesn’t really hit hard until sometime in the middle of November, which means we have several months of ideal weather. So, why spend it all inside?

Getting outside with our kids once school starts up is certainly a challenge. It is important, though. Studies show that getting outside helps our kids’ mental and physical health. It can also help kids while they are at school by reducing stress, improving focus, and more. Add in some screen-free family connection, and there are endless benefits.

The nice thing about getting outside with kids is that it doesn’t need to be Instagram-worthy (and I would argue that we need to normalize local, low-key outdoor activities with our kids)! Any amount of time or location outdoors WILL be beneficial. You’ve got 15 minutes? Get outside! You can certainly fit that in most days.

Here are a few ideas for getting kids outside once the school year kids off:

Take advantage of early release days
Take after-dinner walks or bike rides until the time changes in November
Keep it local (check out Strolling and Wheeling Around Vancouver, WA for Clark County trails and little feet hiking: Portland Metro for Portland-area trails)
Take dinner outside, even after the rains come (find a park with a picnic shelter)
Visit a playground (see here and here for our favorite playgrounds)
Plan a family adventure field trip – check out this blog post for ideas on fall hiking destinations
Take homework, art, board games, or books outside
Start a nature journal (you can even do this while looking out the window or in a backyard)
Go stargazing – take advantage of earlier nights and clear skies
Go birdwatching
Visit a fall festival or pumpkin patch
Watch spawning salmon
Camping trip – many Oregon and Washington state parks have year-round camping
Do a neighborhood nature scavenger hunt

Whatever you do, have fun with your kids outside!

Where to Backpack with Kids around SW Washington and NW Oregon

Published on August 1, 2025August 2, 2025 by littlefeethikingLeave a comment

Backpacking with my daughter is a favorite past-time of mine, and I know other families enjoy it too. I also know that it can be hard to know where to go backpacking with kids. Below are some trails in SW Washington and around Mt. Hood in my books that I know work for backpacking with kids.

Book: little feet hiking

Thomas Lake / Blue Lake – there are designated campsites in the Thomas Lake area about 0.6 mile in; there are designated campsites around Blue lake at 3.3 miles in; avoid this trail in early summer due to mosquitoes

June Lake – there are campsites at the lake around 1.25 mile in; no overnight parking is allowed at the trailhead, but there are some old roads and pull-outs near the access road (this will add a little extra mileage)

Book: little feet hiking 2

Placid Lake – there are campsites at Placid Lake 1 mile in and Chenamus Lake at 2 miles in; avoid this trail in early summer due to mosquitoes

Lewis River Trail – campsites at 2 and 2.3 miles from the trailhead

Book: little feet hiking: Mt. Hood

Salmon River Trail – there are campsites along the river at around 1.5 and 2 miles in

Burnt Lake – there are several campsites at the lake at 3.3 miles and 1400 feet gain in

Mirror Lake – there are multiple campsites at the lake at 2.2 miles in and 650 feet gain in

Hidden Lake -there is one campsite near the lake at 2 miles in and 700 feet gain into the hike

Lower Twin Lake – there are multiple sites at Lower Twin Lake 2 miles in (although you may need to hike along the additional 0.75 mile lake loop to find a site); there are more sites at Upper Twin Lake 0.7 mile from Lower Twin Lake

Catalpa Lake – after coming to the lake, hike to the right and find the campsite 0.75 mile from the trailhead

Buck Lake – there are multiple sites at the lake 0.5 mile from the trailhead

Meditation Point – there are several sites and a vault toilet at this walk-in campground 0.8-1.5 miles from the trailhead, depending on where you start your hike (0.8 mile from NF-5890 and 1.5 miles from the West Shore Day Use Area); learn more here

Boulder and Little Boulder Lakes – there are multiple campsites at both lakes, 0.3 miles from the trailhead to Boulder Lake and 1.2 miles from the trailhead at Little Boulder Lake; Little Boulder Lake is less busy than Boulder Lake

Badger Creek – there are at least 4 campsites within the first 3 miles of the hike

Oval Lake – there are several campsites by the lake, 2 miles from the trailhead

If you need some ideas on how to get started, check out these links too:

Kid-friendly Beargrass Hikes

Published on June 11, 2025June 11, 2025 by littlefeethikingLeave a comment

Since I moved to the PNW almost 20 years ago, I have loved beargrass. My kiddo has always loved it too. I’m not sure why – the flowers are kind of stinky if you get your nose up in there! Is it because they look like white truffala trees? Or maybe it’s because when you look at beargrass flowers up close, you see that the flower is actually lots of little flowers that come together to make one big flower. It may just be one of those things that might not be too exciting until you catch a superbloom. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience quite a few big beargrass blooms, and I think THIS YEAR is primed to be an excellent year for enjoying these beautiful flowers.

Every few years, there is an epic beargrass bloom in the higher elevations in June and July. It’s totally unpredictable. I have always heard that each plant will bloom every seven years, but research shows that the plant will bloom whenever spring rainfall is adequate. Beargrass (latin name: Xerophyllum tenax) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant that is native to the Western Unites States. Beargrass is actually not a grass at all, but instead it belongs to the bunchflower or Melanthiaceae family. Beargrass can grow up to 5 feet tall with a long stalk and small white flowers in a cluster at the top. I’ve always been told that the plant is called beargrass because bears eat it but that is not true. Interestingly, members of the Lewis and Clark expedition in the 1800s referred to beargrass by this name due to its similarity to a plant that they called beargrass. Bears have been known to use the plant to make their dens and deer and elk are known to eat beargrass. Historically, local indigenous groups have used beargrass leaves to weave watertight baskets and beargrass roots to make poultices for wound treatment. Beargrass is also harvested commercially for use in floral arrangements.

Now that you know ABOUT beargrass, where can you find it with your kids this season? Read on!

Below are my favorite hikes where you are most likely to see beargrass blooming this June and July. No promises, but these are your best bets for kid-friendly hikes with plentiful beargrass. All of the photos were taken by me in June or July some time during the last 15 years.

Most of these hikes have specific risks like drop-offs, lack of cell service, challenging access roads, or remoteness, and you won’t find many kid-specific descriptions for these hikes. Not to toot my own horn here, but my books go into the greatest detail of any kid-focused description you might find on these hikes. Before heading out on any of these hikes, please pick up a copy on Amazon, at Vintage Books, at the Fort Vancouver Regional Library or at the Multnomah County Library.

Please educate yourself on the risks, recommended extra gear, maps, and other details I include in the book descriptions. Also, check snow levels, especially in the higher elevations on Mt. Hood. No one needs to get lost or hurt looking for beargrass!

BOOK: little feet hiking

Toutle Trail from Red Rock Pass

BOOK: little feet hiking two

Bluff Mountain

Larch Mountain (WA)

Book: little feet hiking: Mt Hood

Lower Twin Lake

Newton Creek

Umbrella Falls

Vista Ridge to the Rockpile

Kid-Friendlier Hike on Silver Star Mountain

Published on June 9, 2025June 20, 2025 by littlefeethikingLeave a comment

Heading up the trail with a few volcanoes (from left to right: Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt Adams)

Have you heard of Silver Star Mountain in Southwest Washington? It’s one of the most unique places in the area, and it is known for its epic wildflower bloom and breathtaking views.

The issue for families is that the main approach from Grouse Vista Trailhead requires a one mile slog straight uphill on an old, steep, rocky road before you even getting any views. The north Silver Star trailhead takes off quite a bit of that elevation gain (and gives you views from the get-go), but the access road is historically one of the worst roads around. My family has been hiking on this mountain for 17 years, and it has been a long time since I’ve seen the road in good shape…until today! In the past, only very high clearance vehicles could make it to the trailhead, but today we saw SUVs and Subarus that made it to the trailhead just fine. The group Friends of Road 4109 has been instrumental in getting this road back in shape, and road work on the access road just started a few days ago. I think the trailhead will be even easier to access when they are done with the road work on June 30th.

All this said, the road will always be on the rougher side due to its location, exposure, and the types of vehicles that drive on it, especially after heavy rain or snow. Please use your discretion to determine how safe the road is for your vehicle and family, and be prepared to turn around/back up if necessary. If you do need to pivot, consider hiking the nearby Larch Mountain hike described in my first book little feet hiking. Keep an eye on the Friends of Road 4109 page for updates on trail conditions.

NOTE: Because of the road repairs on Gifford Pinchot Roads 41 and 4109, access to the trailhead will be closed Mondays through Fridays 7am – 5pm through the end of June.

WHAT MAKES THIS PLACE SO SPECIAL?

First off, the views are amazing – unlike anything you can find in the area. This mountain is made up of volcanic rock and can be seen from many spots in the Portland/Vancouver Metro area. You won’t actually see Silver Star’s summit on any of the recommended routes in this description, but you will be ON the mountain!

The mountain is known for its wildflower bloom, which lasts all summer long. You’ll also encounter a lot of pollinators like bees, birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Please do not let kids pick the flowers and teach them about Leave No Trace principles. The area is also amazing in the fall due to the changing fall colors. Snow starts flying sometime at the end of October or beginning of November.

Please note that there are currently no guide books or online hike descriptions that outline a Silver Star hike specifically for kids. Please use any other hike descriptions with extreme caution. I will outline some risks below, but please know that this area is remote and there are a lot of risks involved if safe decisions aren’t made. This hike description is only relevant until snow starts falling. After that, this area is inaccessible for quite some time.

THE HIKE: 1.2+ MILES ROUND-TRIP AND 500+ FEET OF GAIN WITH EXTENSION OPPORTUNITIES

From the trailhead, find a narrow trail next to a broken signboard. Follow this trail through a mix of sun and shade, and trees and flowers. There are steep drop-offs, but there is quite a bit of brush between the trail and the edge. The trail is a bit crumbly in spots, and extra caution should be exercised. After 0.3 mile, the trail connects up with the old road you saw at the trailhead. Sometimes people drive on this old road (even though they aren’t supposed to), so keep an eye and ear out. Hike uphill on the wide, rocky road for around 0.1 mile before coming to an epic ridgeline viewpoint of Mt. Hood and the valley below Silver Star Mountain. Don’t forget to look behind you to spy Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams! There are extreme drop-offs here, so you will want to stay far away from the edge.

At this spot, you’ll see a trail going off to the left and a sign for Ed’s Trail. This trail runs along the cliff’s edge and is absolutely not kid-friendly. Stay right and continue to follow the old road up a small hill and around a corner. At about 0.6 mile into your hike, you’ll see an old jeep road going uphill to the left and some neat rocks on the right (there are cliffs on the other side of the rocks, so do not get too close). This is a great turnaround spot.

For a longer hike and some better views, you can head uphill on the old jeep road on the left. The trail comes to a saddle after about 0.2 mile. The trail continues past this, but the trail becomes narrower, rockier, and cliffier.

You could also continue straight on Trail #180. The trail steadily climbs before heading into the woods about 1.5 miles from the trailhead. From here, the trail stays in the woods and continues to climb until reaching the summit. You can learn more about that approach here. My daughter summitted when she was 9 years old, but I know kids a little younger do that too. You have to really educate yourself on the hike, come prepared with good sun protection and lots of water, and regularly check in with you and your kids’ abilities.

Early-on view of Mt. Hood and the valley below Silver Star Mountain

SOME THINGS/RISKS TO NOTE:

There is often garbage at the trailhead, so keep kids from walking through the old firepits or picking up broken glass, etc. There are also steep cliffs on one side of the parking area, and sometimes people drive on sections of the trail.

There isn’t much shade on this hike at all and you will be hiking at a higher elevation. The rocks can also reflect lots of heat back onto you. Bring more water than you think you’ll need and lots of sun protection. It is easy to twist an ankle or knee on the rocky and/or crumbly trail (especially on the downhill) and dogs will need to have really tough feet or booties. Hiking poles are recommended for stability. There are deadly drop-offs if you get too close to cliff edges on this trail. This isn’t a trail that you can let kids run around on. It is good to have an adult in front to make sure you can adequately prepare for the risks ahead. Kids hiking this trail will need to be able to follow direction for their own safety. Follow this hike description at your own risk. This is a helpful map to have before you set out.

DIRECTIONS:

Information on the Silver Star Trailhead can be found here. If you come from L1100 (which I would recommend until Forest Road 41 in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is repaired), the road isn’t too bad until you get on Forest Road 4109. You’ll have 2.5 miles of rugged road as described earlier in this post. There are no passes required at the trailhead, which is just a big gravel pull-out.

LIABILITY:

The author assumes no liability for injuries sustained by or accidents happening to readers and their hiking companions who engage in the activities described in the write-up. Although the author has made every effort to ensure that the write-up’s information was correct at press time, the author does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any disruption, loss, or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Mileages and elevation gain are rounded and can change based on the tool used to measure. Hiking poses some inherent risk. The author advises readers to take full responsibility for their safety and that of their children and know everyone’s limits. The author is not an expert. Before practicing the skills described in this hike description, be sure that your equipment and gear are well maintained, and you do not take risks beyond your level of experience, aptitude, training, and comfort level. The author makes her best attempt at outlining risks such as toxic plants, cliffs, dangerous animals, and hazardous water, but there are likely risks on these trails that are not noted.

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

Published on December 27, 2024 by littlefeethikingLeave a comment

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:

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. Consult WTA’s snow depth map when looking for snow conditions on a trail. Stay out of the forest when high winds are forecasted (rain plus wind can equal trees falling on roads and/or trails).
Dress in layers and avoid cotton. The combination of cold temperatures and rain can easily put you (and especially kids) in hypothermia territory.
Learn more about winter hiking from the Washington Trails Association (WTA).
Plan for winter driving.
Bring a change of clothes, extra socks and gloves, lots of snacks, something warm to drink, and something warm/dry to sit on.
Maintain reasonable expectations and have fun!

Now that you’ve learned a bit on how to hike in the winter, how do you know where to hike with your family? Thankfully, I’ve compiled my favorite winter hikes by book. Check them out below!

Hike 4 in little feet hiking: Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge

Hike 9 in little feet hiking: Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge – Oaks to Wetlands Trail

Hike 16 in little feet hiking: Bells Mountain Trail from Cold Creek Day Use Area

Hike 8 in little feet hiking two: La Center Bottoms

Hike 10 in little feet hiking two: Tarbell Trail from Rock Creek Campground

Hike 19 in little feet hiking two: Lacamas Lower Falls

Hike 1 in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood: Little Zigzag Falls

Hike 4 in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood: Wildwood Recreation Area Trails

Hike 6 in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood: Old Salmon River Trail

Hike 2 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge: Columbia River Dike Trail

Hike 4 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge: Latourell Falls

Hike 38 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge: Rowena Plateau

Hike 1 in little feet hiking: Portland Metro: Central Forest Park Loop

Hike 32 in little feet hiking: Portland Metro: Hopkins Demonstration Forest

Hike 44 in little feet hiking: Portland Metro: Cooper Mountain Nature Park

I hope you have a wonderful winter season out on the trails. Be safe and have fun! Be sure to follow little feet hiking on Facebook and Instagram for trip reports.

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

Published on September 23, 2024September 23, 2024 by littlefeethikingLeave a comment

Fall is personally my favorite season in the Pacific Northwest. The snow level tends to hang high enough into early October to still get up into the mountains, and the mushrooms and changing leaves can be so colorful. We also get to enjoy less-rainy outdoors adventures with less heat, less smoke, and fewer mosquitoes. My favorite part, however, is all the opportunities to see salmon spawning.

little feet hiking books have some great information on hiking in the fall. Read on for mom-tested tips on where to hike with kids in the fall, as well as how to hike safely with kids.

October is the perfect time to hike in costume

What makes hiking in the fall so special?

Trails tend to be less crowded and it’s easier to connect with one another on a trail. Once kids go back to school, staying connected to nature is more important than ever and is actually quite helpful to their studies. Despite the busyness that fall brings, make sure to keep some routines of connecting with nature. Even a walk around the neighborhood can lead to nature discoveries.
The sun is setting earlier, but our nights are still mostly clear. This is a great time to introduce younger kids to stargazing. Consider a hike at dusk and watch the stars come out. For the best stargazing, find a spot away from city lights and start looking for stars about a half hour after sunset. Search for your location and find sunset times here.
It has been a bad year for mosquitoes and they are finally starting to die down. This makes it a great time to get into the higher elevations above 4,000 feet, where huckleberries are ripe and leaves are changing colors. We usually have till at least mid-October before snow starts falling this high. Consider checking out some higher-elevation hikes on Mt. Hood or in the Indian Heaven Wilderness in SW Washington. That said, keep an eye on the forecast – snow levels should start dropping soon!
Campgrounds are starting to close, but there are a few places like Lost Lake, where you can camp through mid-October. Also, many state park campgrounds allow camping year-round and this shoulder season is a great time to camp with fewer crowds and great weather.

Here are a few tips for fall hiking:

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 fall temperatures and rain can still put you in hypothermia territory.
Keep an eye out for rainbows.
Teach kids how to be safe around mushrooms.
Stay safe during October and November hunting seasons. little feet hiking books tell you if a particular hike could be impacted by a hunting season.
Learn more about fall hiking from the Washington Trails Association
Maintain reasonable expectations and have fun!

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

Hike 1 in little feet hiking: Vancouver Lake North Trail

I love this hike for the falling heart-shaped cottonwood leaves and the chance to see birds preparing for winter. Leaves start changing colors in mid-October and are usually off the trees by mid-November. This 2.5 mile hike is appropriate for new hikers through adults.

Hike 5 in little feet hiking: Lucia Falls Regional Park

Lucia Falls is a year-round favorite for our family, but we especially love it in October for the salmon run. Check out this video and this post to see salmon jumping there in October. Along this short hike, you will also see lovely changing falls colors and neat mushrooms. Consider visiting on a weekend in October so you can check out Pomeroy Farm’s Pumpkin Lane after your hike. This 1 mile hike is appropriate for all ages, although littles will need help staying away from the rocks and walking through the parking lot.

Hike 7 in little feet hiking: Whipple Creek

The forest at Whipple Creek Regional Park is such an urban oasis for the area. The forest is beautiful year-round, but especially mid-October to mid-November when the big-leaf maple tree leaves fall. The trail itself is okay for all ages, but littles will need help if you encounter horses. The trails can be a bit confusing, so check out the 1 to 2.4 mile routes outlined in the book.

Hike 10 in little feet hiking: Cape Horn Upper Trailhead Hike

The Cape Horn area of the Columbia River Gorge is one of the best places to see fall colors. The problem is that most of the area isn’t too kid-friendly due to drop-offs. In little feet hiking, I’ve outlined a more kid-friendly 1 mile hike to a walled overlook of the Gorge. For a longer hike to this same spot, check out the Cape Horn hike in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge.

Hike 13 in little feet hiking: Whistle Punk Trail

The Whistle Punk trail is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Carson, so it requires a little bit of a drive. However, the drive through the Gorge and into the forest is quite lovely, and this trail also features some neat historical equipment interspersed throughout the forest. Consider tacking on a trip to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery to see adult fall Chinook and coho salmon spawning. This 1.9 mile hike is appropriate for all ages.

Hike 15 in little feet hiking: Thomas Lake

The 1.8 to 4 mile hike on the Thomas Lake trail is one of my absolute favorites in the fall. It is hard to hike into the Indian Heaven Wilderness most of the year due to snow and heavy mosquito populations. Late September into October is perfect up there – you’ll encounter pretty fall colors, cool and crisp weather, colorful mushrooms to identify, and maybe even some lingering huckleberries. The drivetime to the trail is longer than other hikes in the book, but this one is worth it.

Hike 20 in little feet hiking: Goat Marsh Lake

The 2.4 mile round trip hike to Goat Marsh Lake is one of my favorite hikes on the south side of Mt. St. Helens. In addition to hiking through ancient lava flows, you’ll have a chance to see an epic view of the volcano. Fall is special in this spot because the mosquitoes have died down (it is a marsh after all), and you are likely to see lots of frogs and colorful mushrooms.

Hike 23 in little feet hiking: Summit Springs

This 3 mile off-the-beaten-path hike doesn’t have any grand vistas, but the forest is so quiet and the fall colors in October and November are quite pretty. The hike is especially cool in foggy weather. This hike is doable for any kid that can deal with steady elevation gain, hike safely on a gravel road for a few minutes, and can either cross independently or be carried over some minor water crossings.

Hike 1 in little feet hiking two: CASEE Trails

The CASEE trails are the perfect place for a mellow fall hike with your family. On the 1.1 mile hike, you’ll walk through an arboretum with many native and non-native deciduous trees, and then you’ll dip into a native fir forest full of neat and interesting mushrooms.

Hike 9 in little feet hiking two: Battle Ground Lake Loop

Battle Ground Lake State Park is a busy place in summer, so I like to visit in the fall when leaves are changing and crowds are sparse. Hiking around the lake also provides an opportunity for some place-based learning. You can learn about the volcanic origins of this lake in my second hiking book. Littles may find this trail challenging at times due to rocks on the trail – and then there is the lake:)

Hike 12 in little feet hiking two: Fort Cascades Historic Site

This short, flat hike is another place where place-based learning can occur. This hike not only has tons of historical connections, but you also get some neat views of Bonneville Dam. Consider hiking this trail in November for fall colors and to honor Native American Heritage Month. Along the trail, you will find signposts that correlate with an online brochure detailing what each signpost. Unfortunately, much of the information you will find about this trail focuses on the western settlers and how they built forts to protect the portage from the people who once lived here. Before this land was taken in the 1850’s, the Fort Cascades Loop Trail was occupied by members of the Watlala and Cowlitz tribes. Before or after your hike, educate your kids on the people who lived here before it was taken. While this trail works for all ages, littles will need help staying off the historical equipment.

Hike 17 in little feet hiking two: Placid Lake

This hike takes you to subalpine meadows with a lovely lake. Late September and early October are the best time to hike if you want to see changing fall colors and colorful mushrooms (look, don’t touch!). Keep an eye on changing snow levels as the trailhead is located at 4,100 feet. This trail is appropriate for all ages.

Hike 20 in little feet hiking two: Lewisville Park

If you’re looking for fall colors, look no further than the 2.8 mile trail at Lewisville Park in Battle Ground! This easy trail is practically empty on a cold, wet day. Just keep your kids far away from the rushing, swollen East Fork Lewis River.

Hike 22 in little feet hiking two: Ape Cave Surface Trail

October is a fantastic time to hike the Ape Cave surface trail. The vine maple leaves are changing to a vibrant red, fun mushrooms start popping up in the forest, and you can hike along the trail through the lava fields without getting overheated. You can also explore the cave with smaller crowds (I recommend the lower cave for kids). Timed parking reservations are still required. I would avoid this with littles because it is easy to get scraped up on the lava field or fall in hole.

Hike 3 in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood: Barlow Wayside

Barlow Wayside is a lovely place to see changing fall colors, but it is also known as a great place to watch spawning salmon late September to early December.. You can learn about where to look for the salmon in my Mt. Hood hiking guide. This hike is appropriate for all ages, but you will want to keep littles out of the creek to protect the salmon.

Hike 4 in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood: Wildwood Recreation Area Trails

The Wildwood Recreation Site in Welches is such a neat place. If you visit in the fall, you will definitely see changing falls colors, but you are also likely to meet some small fry at the fish viewing window and see salmon spawning in the Salmon River from late August through November. This hike is great for all ages.

Hike 8 in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood: Salmon River Trail

The 4 mile out-and-back hike on the Salmon River Trail is excellent in the fall. You’ll see spawning salmon, changing fall leaves, and lots of mushrooms. There are some drop-offs and the trail can be slippery when wet, so this hike is best-suited for more confident older hikers.

Hike 32 in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood: Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain is one of my favorite hikes around. In addition to volcano views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. St. Helens, a visit in the fall will allow you to see western larch trees up close on the drive to the trailhead, and also in the distance from the top of the mountain. These deciduous conifers only grow on the east slopes of our PNW mountains and the needles change to a golden yellow starting mid-October before dropping off completely. Be sure to visit this one in early to mid-October before snow closes the road. This hike is best for older kids who can handle trails with steep drop-offs.

Hike 41 in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood: Lost Lake Lakeshore/Old Growth Loop

Lost Lake is a family favorite for fall hiking and camping (open through mid-October). The lake trail is flat and offers excellent views of Mt. Hood and changing fall colors. You can even rent boats on-site through the middle of October. This hike is appropriate for all ages, but littles will need help staying out of the lake and crossing campground roads.

Hike 6 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge: Cape Horn

One of my favorite places to hike in the fall is Cape Horn on the Washington side. It’s so close to town and the fall colors are amazing…unfortunately many of the trails around Cape Horn are not kid-friendly due to drop-offs and cliff top viewpoints with no barriers. My first book outlines an easy and flat 1-2ish mile round trip hike that takes you to an awesome overlook with barrier walls. My Gorge book includes a longer and steeper (but not too steep) 3 mile hike that takes you to multiple viewpoints and through a neat tunnel (you can see some of the viewpoints and the tunnel on a shorter, less steep option too). Both are more kid-friendly (there are still risks and caution will need to be used near roads and cliffs) but you won’t find either of these kid-specific hiking routes described anywhere else.

Hike 9 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge: Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls in the Columbia Gorge, taken in Oregon in Autumn. Taken with a medium format film camera.

This 2.2 mile hike takes you past several waterfalls and is one of the few kid-friendly Gorge trails not impacted by recent wildfires. In the fall, the changing colors are magnificent and so are the mushroom sightings. There are some drop-offs and the trail can be quite slippery when wet.

Hike 18 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge: Ruckel Creek Falls

One of the best places in the area to see salmon spawning is in Eagle Creek by the Cascade Salmon Hatchery. I don’t think the infamous Eagle Creek trail is safe for most kids, but I’ve crafted a more kid-friendly hike starting at this trailhead and passing one of my favorite salmon spawning viewing spots. The best time to see salmon spawning here is late-September to mid-October. This hike is okay for all ages but littles will need help staying out of the creek, walking through the parking lot, getting to the bottom of the waterfall, and not falling over the bridge above the waterfall.

Hike 21 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge: Pool of the Winds and Little Beacon Rock

The hike to Pool of the Winds is one of my favorite trails, but it can be hard to hike in the summer due to its popularity. As we move into October and November, the trails should be less busy and it should be easier to find a parking spot so you can get those amazing Hamilton Mountain and waterfall views. This hike’s elevation gain can be challenging on little legs and there are some drop-offs, so I recommend this hike for sure-footed hiker kids.

Hike 32 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge: Starvation Creek State Park

I love the Columbia River Highway Trail heading west from Starvation Creek State Park because of its lovely waterfalls and it’s accessibility. The trail is paved, making it okay for strollers and even bicycles. As we move into the rainy season, the waterfalls will get fuller and colorful leaves will drop to the ground. It can be quite noisy due to the interstate, FYI. This hike is appropriate for all ages.

Hike 37 in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge: Catherine Creek Arch Loop

On the west side of the Columbia River Gorge, most of the leaves we see changing and falling come from big-leaf maple trees. On the east side, the most dominant deciduous tree is the mighty white oak tree. While hiking along the Catherine Creek trail in October and November, you’ll be struck by the contrast of the brown/orange oak leaves against the blue sky (because it is sunnier there than it is on the west side). This hike is best for older hikers due to elevation gain, drop-offs, and rattlesnakes (staying on the trail is the best way to avoid them).

Hike 3 in little feet hiking: Portland Metro: Wapato Access Greenway Loop

This trail on Sauvie Island is excellent in fall. On a typical hike in fall, you should see birds, caterpillars, frog, snakes, and maybe even some deer or crickets. If you visit in October, I highly recommend following your hike up with a trip to one of the island’s wonderful pumpkin patches. This hike is okay for all ages, but littles will need help near water.

Hike 8 in little feet hiking: Portland Metro: Lacamas Park

Lacamas Park is lovely in the fall with lots of falling colorful leaves. There are many trails here, but my book outlines a 1.4 mile and 2.5 mile loop depending on how far you’d like to hike. Highlights include the lake, the dam, and some very cool rocks!

Hike 13 in little feet hiking: Portland Metro: Reed Lake

You don’t hear much about the hike around Reed Lake, but its an absolutely lovely place for a hike and nature connection. My favorite part of hiking here is the opportunity to see wildlife up close. The City of Portland and Reed College have been working tirelessly over the years to restore Reed Lake and Crystal Springs Creek to its former, healthier self. Because of this, last October (while scouting for the Portland book), my daughter and I watched an otter eat a fish in the lake. 3 miles from downtown Portland! I can’t guarantee an otter sighting, but as this area gets healthier and more salmon return to the area in fall, your chances get better every year. Learn more about the restoration work and the hike itself in my Portland book. This hike is okay for all ages, but littles will need help near water and when walking on the road.

Hike 18 in little feet hiking: Portland Metro: Oxbow Regional Park

Oxbow Regional Park is known for its fall salmon viewing, as well as its beautiful forest. My book outlines several hikes you can do, but this brochure is the best for understanding the annual salmon run. When you visit, be sure to leave enough time for kids to play on Oxbow’s two playgrounds. This hike is okay for all ages, but littles will need help with road crossings and staying out of the rushing and dangerous Sandy River.

Hike 27 in little feet hiking: Portland Metro: Springbrook Park

Springbrook Park has 1.2 miles of flat trails that are perfect for all ages. The park is full of big-leaf maple trees, and those trees will certainly drop large yellow leaves in the fall. Be sure to leave some time for kids to play on the nature play area inside the park.

Hike 39 in little feet hiking: Portland Metro: Hoyt Arboretum – Deciduous Loop

Hoyt Arboretum is one of the best places in the area to check out the changing seasons, especially the change from summer to fall. The arboretum’s massive deciduous tree selection is sure to put on a great show every October and November. Check out the website for seasonal activities and little feet hiking: Portland Metro for several kid-friendly loops through these changing trees. This hike is great for all ages.

Where to See Salmon Spawning this Fall

Published on September 7, 2024September 7, 2024 by littlefeethikingLeave a comment

One of the most amazing natural wonders we encounter in the Pacific Northwest is the annual fall salmon run. Salmon need cold, clean water and large amounts of gravel or sediment to lay their eggs (spawn), which is why you’ll encounter them in some of our local creeks and rivers. Salmon spawn at the end of their lives – they spend 3 or 4 years out in the ocean before swimming back to the freshwater area where they were born. Watching fish complete this instinctual cycle is a sight to behold, and thankfully there are some kid-friendly places in the Portland-Vancouver area where families can witness this wonder.

Below is a list of the best places to take kids to see salmon spawning in the fall. Be sure to pick up a copy of the relevant little feet hiking guide to give you the best information for a safe, educational, and fun salmon-watching adventure.

P.S. Salmon poisoning is a thing for dogs. Look into this and keep dogs away from spawning areas for their safety.

Lucia Falls Regional Park

Easy stroller-friendly hike is appropriate for all ages, although littles will need help staying away from the rocks and walking through the parking lot
You will see salmon jumping the falls starting in late September and through the end of October at least (sometimes you’ll see into December)
Check out this video and this post to see salmon jumping there in October
You’ll also encounter lovely changing falls colors and neat mushrooms
Stop over to Pomeroy Farm’s Pumpkin Lane after your hike if visiting on an October weekend
Please avoid ALL water contact to protect the salmon
Learn more in little feet hiking

Wahclella Falls

Harder hike with dangerous cliff edges
This is one of the best waterfall hikes around
Avoid this trail during heavy rain due to fire damage and cliffs
After your hike, stop by Bonneville Fish Hatchery to see the fish ladder
Learn more about this hike and its connection to the hatchery in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge

Ruckel Creek

Easy hike is okay for all ages but littles will need help staying out of the creek, walking through the parking lot, getting to the bottom of the waterfall, and not falling over the bridge above the waterfall
The hike starts from the Eagle Creek trailhead, which is one of the best places in the area to see salmon spawning
The Eagle Creek trail is not kid-friendly, but I’ve crafted a more kid-friendly hike starting at this trailhead and passing one of my favorite salmon spawning viewing spots
Best time to see salmon spawning here is late-September to mid-October
Learn more in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge

Oxbow Regional Park

Hikes are okay for all ages, but littles will need help with road crossings and staying out of the rushing and dangerous Sandy River
There are several hikes in the book that take you through the park, but this brochure is the best for understanding the annual salmon run
When you visit, be sure to leave enough time for kids to play on Oxbow’s two playgrounds
There is usually an event at the end of October celebrating the return of the salmon
Learn more about the hikes in little feet hiking: Portland Metro

Barlow Wayside

Hike is appropriate for hikers who can handle stairs and small cliffs, and you will want to keep littles out of the creek to protect the salmon
Watch salmon spawn at Barlow Wayside late September through early December
Visit in November for lovely fall colors
See if you can find and touch the waterfall along the trail
Learn more in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood

Wildwood Recreation Area

Two short and easy hikes that are ADA-accessible and stroller-friendly
Use caution near the Salmon River’s edge
Visit in fall for lovely changing fall colors
Visit the fish viewing window to look for smaller fish
Watch for salmon spawning in the Salmon River from late August through November
Learn more in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood

Old Salmon River

Hike has some cliffier sections, but is okay for most hikers
Hike through beautiful old-growth forest along a river named for the very salmon that spawn there
Look for salmon spawning late September through early December
Be sure to make some time to play on the river beaches, using caution near the river’s edge
There are multiple trailheads for this hike; learn more in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood

Salmon River Trail

Harder hike for stronger hikers; there are some cliffs in the beginning of the hike
Hike through old-growth forest along the Salmon River
Look for salmon spawning late September through early December
Look for spawning salmon whenever you are close to the river
Learn about nurse logs in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood, and identify them along the trail

Which spot will you visit first?

Kid-friendly Hike at Mt. Hood Meadows

Published on August 18, 2024August 18, 2024 by littlefeethikingLeave a comment

Mt. Hood with one of my favorite wildflower (western pasqueflower) in the foreground

I’ve recently discovered a new kid-friendly hiking route on Mt. Hood, and I just had to share it. I wish I had known about it before I had published little feet hiking: Mt. Hood, but at least I can share it with you here!

Hike Description for the Mt. Hood Meadows Timberline Loop:

Level 3
Trailhead Elevation: 3,720 feet
3.3 mile loop
Around 650 feet of elevation gain
Open summers
Popularity: Low on weekdays and Medium on weekends

Why Should You Check Out This Hike? This hike really has it all – amazing floral displays, creeks and a small waterfall, and mountain views. If you visit on a day that the lodge is open, there is also a restaurant and flush toilets available. There are no major drop-offs, but you may get your feet wet while crossing the creeks.

Kiddo hiking past false hellebore and paintbrush

Ways to Engage Your Kids:

Bring a field guide to identify summer flowers like lupine, paintbrush, beargrass, Douglas aster, goldenrod, false hellebore, and western pasqueflower
Play in the creeks
Pick huckleberries at the end of the summer
Look for Mt. Jefferson to the south

Trail Description:

Walk towards the lodge and then walk alongside the building on its right side. Pass a little playground on the left, and then stay right at a junction. Continue following the service road as it heads towards the mountain and then hike right on Beargrass Trail #1 (see the map here). Follow the trail through meadows and under a ski lift before climbing a bit up to a junction with a service road. Turn left onto the service road and hike uphill. Stay on the road as you pass a service road on the left. At a junction, head left onto a different service road. Come to a junction with the Timberline Trail at 1.1 miles into your hike.

Head left (west) onto the Timberline Trail. This is where the hike gets really fantastic. On this trail, you will hike through a few creek crossings, past a pretty waterfall called Pencil Falls, in and out of colorful meadows, and alongside large rock walls. Hike on this trail for 1.1 miles before coming to a junction with a service road. Just past this junction, you will see a junction with the Umbrella Falls Trail. Turn left onto this trail. Hike through lovely woods and wildflower meadows for about 0.9 miles before coming to a junction with a trail. Go left onto this trail to head back 0.25 mile to the west side of the lodge.

After your hike, you can add on a short trip to Umbrella Falls (Hike #33 in little feet hiking: Mt. Hood) by heading to the southeast corner of the parking lot. Find a trail marked for the waterfall and follow this trail for about 1,000 feet before coming to Umbrella Falls.

Important Things to Know:

Seasons: These trails are only open in the summer; confirm seasons here
Permits: No passes required
Recommended map and/or links: Map here
Dogs okay? Yes, on leash
Conveniences: Restrooms and restaurant inside the lodge, which is open Thursday through Monday; confirm hours here
Toilets: Restrooms available inside lodge on open days; the closest vault toilet is available at the Bennett Pass Trailhead 2 miles away
Risks specific to the trail: Mosquitoes early in summer; high altitude; sun exposure; lots of pollinators like bees; work vehicles on the service roads; creek crossings
Recommended extra gear: Mosquito repellent early in early summer; extra water; sun protection
Trailhead GPS coordinates: 45.329750, -121.662738
Driving directions: From the Highway 26/Highway 35 interchange, drive east on Highway 35 for 6.1 miles. Take the exit toward Bennett Pass and Mt Hood Meadows, staying left as you exit. Continue onto Mt. Hood Meadows Drive for about 1.5 miles to the parking lot. The lodge’s parking area is not open to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so on the those days you will need to park on the side of the road just outside the gated entry to the parking lot.

12 Runner-Up Playground Hikes within 50 miles of the Portland and Vancouver (WA) Metro Areas

Published on July 21, 2024 by littlefeethikingLeave a comment

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!

After going through all 5 of my kids hiking guides, 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). You can find that post here. Below you will find the remaining 12 playground hikes!

12 MORE PLAYGROUNDS (AND THEIR HIKES)

Tickle Creek

1.6 to 3.2 miles round trip
Shallow creeks
Paved or gravel, stroller-friendly trails
29 miles from downtown Portland and 32 miles from downtown Vancouver
Learn more in little feet hiking: Portland Metro

Mt. Tabor

Up to 3 miles round trip
Hike atop an extinct volcano
Paved stroller-friendly trails with some hills
Flush toilets available
4 miles from downtown Portland and 11 miles from downtown Vancouver
Learn more in little feet hiking: Portland Metro

Cooper Mountain Nature Park

0.7 or 2.9 miles round trip
Hike through meadows and look for wildlife like deer, frogs, and birds
Nature-themed playground
Gravel trails that are stroller-friendly if you don’t mind hills (the 0.7 mile loop is less hilly)
Flush toilets available
13 miles from downtown Portland and 21 miles from downtown Vancouver
Learn more in little feet hiking: Portland Metro

View of one of the many meadows along the trail

Oxbow Regional Park

2 to 4.1 miles round trip
Hike through old-growth forest and along the Sandy River (use caution near the river)
Two available playgrounds: a more traditional playground and an inclusive nature-themed playground
Flush toilets available
25 miles from downtown Portland and 28 miles from downtown Vancouver
Learn more in little feet hiking: Portland Metro

Photo of nature playground: Learning Landscapes

Lower Marble Creek Falls

1 mile round trip
Hike alongside a lake (reservoir) to a small waterfall
Flush toilets available
46 miles from downtown Portland and 35 miles from downtown Vancouver
Learn more in little feet hiking two

Battle Ground Lake

1 or 2 miles round trip
Hike alongside a volcanic lake and through lovely forest
Flush toilets available
29 miles from downtown Portland and 20 miles from downtown Vancouver
Learn more in little feet hiking two

Pool of the Winds

3 miles round trip
Hike uphill to a beautiful waterfall through forest past Bonneville Dam views
Flush toilets available
41 miles from downtown Portland and 35 miles from downtown Vancouver
Learn more in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge

Hamilton Island

3 miles round trip
Hike past Gorge views, through meadows, and along the Columbia River
Vault toilet available at the trailhead
See if you can find all the Bigfeet at the Bigfoot-inspired North Bonneville Park playground located 3 miles from the trailhead
46 miles from downtown Portland and 40 miles from downtown Vancouver
Learn more in little feet hiking: Columbia River Gorge

Campen Creek Greenway

1 mile round trip
Hike through meadows to the turnaround point at Hartwood Park Red Barn Playground
Portable toilets available
26 miles from downtown Portland and 20 miles from downtown Vancouver
Learn more in little feet hiking two