Tag: travel

Stroller-friendly and Low Barrier Walk: Daybreak Regional Park

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View from the western part of the trail

Town/City: Battle Ground

Walk Length: 1.1 miles total

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Seasons: Open year-round

Trail surface: Pavement and gravel 

Popularity: High on summer weekends

Trailhead

Why Should You Check Out This Walk? This park is a beautiful spot on the East Fork of the Lewis River. In addition to a paved, flat, and accessible trail, there is river access, a playground, and restrooms. The river is very swift most of the year and caution should be used all year long. Thankfully, the path stays clear of the river, although there are paths that take you to the riverbank. This trail is an excellent spot for birdwatching.

Looking east towards Silver Star Mountain

Considerations: The trail is great for strollers and young walkers. Young walkers may need help staying on the trail and out of the conservation areas alongside the trail. The trail down to the river is not completely stroller friendly. Extra caution must be used near the water’s edge with all kids.

River access during summer

Ways to Engage Kids: 

  • Watch for birds
  • Watch people float down the river
  • Look for animal tracks in the cement along the trail
  • Play on the playground on the other side of the park
  • Learn about riparian areas by reading informational signs
  • If you play by the water, wear a flotation device and keep a special eye on little kids near the rushing water
  • Look for cloud animals in the sky
  • See if you can spot Silver Star Mountain in the distance while looking east
Bird tracks in the cement
Gravel path down to the riverbank

Trail Description: From the Lower Daybreak Trailhead, head west down a paved path. Along the way, you will pass several informational signs and a path (on the right) heading down towards the river. After 0.3 mile, you will see a gravel path going off to the left. Take this to make a short loop around the western part of the park. After 0.3 mile on this gravel trail (0.6 mile into your walk), you will come back to the paved trail at the westernmost part of the trail. Turn right and head back along the paved trail towards the parking area for a 1.1 mile walk. 

Heading towards the benches at the westernmost part of the trail

Important things to know:

Seasons: Year-round; the park gets very busy in the summer

Parking: Free

Website: https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/daybreak-regional-park-and-boat-launch

Dogs okay? Yes, on leash; keep an extra eye on them near the river due to parasite danger (from eating raw fish)

Conveniences: Restrooms and playground on the east side of the park; benches; picnic tables

Restrooms: Located on the east side of the park; access requires crossing or driving across a busy road

Risks specific to the trail: Rushing river near the trail; there is little to no shade on the trail; there may be fishing litter (like hooks) near the river; despite leash laws, you may encounter off-leash dogs

Recommended extra gear: Sun protection; change of clothes and flotation devices if getting near the river

Trailhead GPS coordinates: 45.813233, -122.591274

Parking Directions: If coming from the south on NE 82nd Avenue, turn left into the Daybreak Park Boat Launch area before crossing over the East Fork Lewis River. The trailhead is on the west side of the parking area.

Stroller-friendly and Low Barrier Walk: Pleasant Valley Community Park

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View of Salmon Creek from the bridge

Town/City: Salmon Creek (Vancouver)

Walk Length: About 1 mile round-trip with opportunity to extend

Elevation Gain: Minimal after one big, short hill

Seasons: Year-round

Trail surface: Mostly pavement and gravel

Popularity: Low

Parking: Limited street parking

Why Should You Check Out This Walk? This hidden gem is located in a quiet neighborhood in Salmon Creek. It is a great place to connect with nature and stretch your legs. Bring binoculars for bird-watching too!

View of a flooded trail next to one of the ponds

Considerations:

Stroller – Works for jogging strollers, except where noted. The trail surface is a mix of pavement, gravel, and boardwalk, except where noted. There is one short, but steep hill.

Young walkers – Okay for younger walkers. Keep an extra eye on kids when near ponds, creek and road crossings. Please keep kids out of the conservation areas as well. 

Ways to Engage Kids: 

  • Race leaves from the bridge over Salmon Creek
  • Listen for frogs and birds near the ponds
  • Identify native trees like black cottonwood and western red cedar
  • Look for bird nests in the trees (especially when trees are bare)
  • Roll down a grassy hill
  • Do some birdwatching
  • Keep an eye out for deer
  • Visit in the fall for changing leaves
View of one of the paved trails

Trail Description: After entering the park on a paved path, stay left at the first junction. You will see the school off to the right. Walk along the paved path that skirts a large meadow and runs adjacent to private home fences. At a quarter mile into your walk, come to a split at a sign with a watershed map. To the left is a paved path that goes back into neighborhood. On the right is a gravel path. Check out the map at the junction, and then head downhill to the right. This is the steepest part of the trail and is short-lived. Keep in mind that you will have to push a stroller back up this hill. At the bottom of the hill, you will see a trail going off to the right. That will be your return if you don’t have a stroller (it is too narrow and rooty in places for a stroller).

Checking out the watershed map

Heading downhill on the gravel trail

Continue straight heading downhill a bit more and pass an old gazebo. Pass between two ponds, where you should look for beaver sign (trees cut with teeth). The trail may flood in this area during the wetter seasons. After another 0.2 mile, come to a junction. The trail to the left goes over the bridge, and the trail to the right takes you on a root-filled loop connection back to the main trail. Take the time to walk over the bridge to peer over Salmon Creek. 

Beaver sign by one of the trailside ponds
The bridge over Salmon Creek

If you’d like to extend your walk beyond the bridge, use the crosswalk to cross Salmon Creek Avenue, and head left on the paved sidewalk. After a third of a mile, the sidewalk turns onto the WSU campus, where you can walk for quite a ways. See this map for more information. 

Salmon Creek

Head back the way you came or, if not with a stroller, continue the short loop on the rootier, narrow trail. Cross a little boardwalk and go uphill a little bit through woods until you come back to the junction with the main gravel path. Go left to head up the hill to the paved trail, and retrace your steps to your vehicle. 

This is the non-stroller-friendly path that returns to the main path

Important things to know:

Seasons: Year-round, but the trails could flood during the wet seasons

Parking: Limited street parking

Website: https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/pleasant-valley-community-park-0

Dogs okay? Yes, on leash

Conveniences: benches and picnic table under a gazebo

Restrooms: None

Risks specific to the trail: Slippery bridge; flooded trail

Trailhead GPS coordinates: 45.724818, -122.623133

Parking Directions: Find street parking near NW 143rd Circle and NE 47th Avenue. Be sure not to block any driveways. Some people park at the Pleasant Valley Middle School when not in session. 

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.

Portland Metro Must-do Spring Hikes

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Curious where to hike with your kids during our amazing spring in the Portland Metro Area? Look no further. While all 50 hikes in my Portland book are fun in spring, I’ve picked the must-do spring hikes from my book little feet hiking: Portland Metro. You can get all the details you need for a safe and fun family hike by picking up a copy and hitting the trail.

Path through Camassia during the camas bloom

Camassia Nature Preserve

  • West Linn
  • 0.75 to 1.35 miles
  • Visit in late April and May to see the epic camas bloom
  • Kids need to be able to stay on the path to avoid crushing the flowers
Lacamas lily fields as seen from the trail

Lacamas Park

  • Camas, WA
  • 1.4 to 2.5 miles
  • Visit in late April and May for the camas bloom
  • Kids need to be able to stay on the path to avoid crushing the flowers
  • Hike around a pretty lake and visit a neat dam
  • little feet hiking: Portland Metro educates about camas and its importance
Magnolias blooming along the Magnolia trail

Hoyt Arboretum – Deciduous Loop

  • West Portland
  • 1.8 to 2.8 miles
  • Deciduous trees will start putting on leaves starting in March and flowers after that
  • Flowers will start showing up in March and get better through May
  • Magnolia trees will start blooming in March and be quite epic in April/May
  • little feet hiking: Portland Metro educates about deciduous trees
Barred owl seen from a trail in Tryon

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

  • South Portland
  • 1.25 to 3.15 miles of kid-friendly trail
  • This is a great spot to look for trillium flowers popping up in March
  • Tryon is known for its barred owl sightings in April
  • little feet hiking: Portland Metro educates about owls and how to spot/identify them at Tryon
Hiking along the Central Forest Park Loop

Central Forest Park Loop

  • West Portland
  • 3.1 miles
  • Visit in March to look for trillium flowers; more native wildflowers will pop up as we progress through the season
  • This hike is excellent for animal tracking during the rainy/muddy months of spring
  • little feet hiking: Portland Metro educates about animal tracking on this particular trail

Portland Metro National Wildlife Refuges

  • We are so fortunate to have so three national wildlife refuges nearby; all are excellent for watching the spring bird migration and looking for native plants
  • Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge – Washougal, WA – 2 to 4 miles
  • Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge – Ridgefield, WA – 1 to 4.1 miles
  • Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge – Sherwood, OR – 1.6 to 2.8 miles
  • Seasonal trails open up in May
  • Flooding can be an issue, so it is good to check web links (in my hiking guide) before venturing out
  • little feet hiking: Portland Metro educates about bird migration
View of Multnomah Channel from the trail

Wapato Access Greenway Loop

  • Sauvie Island
  • 2.4 mile loop
  • Excellent in spring for frog/bird watching and native plant identification
  • Be prepared for flooding after heavy rains
  • little feet hiking: Portland Metro educates about the history of Sauvie Island
Rhododendron

Jenkins Estate

  • Beaverton
  • 2.25 miles
  • Visit in spring for rhododendron bloom
Geese on West Pond

Salish Ponds

  • Fairview
  • 1.8 to 2.8 miles
  • This is an excellent urban park to birdwatch and view native plants and trees
  • little feet hiking: Portland Metro educates about riparian areas and why you see so much wildlife and plant diversity at this park
View of the Willamette River from the overlook

Canemah Bluff

Western bluebird; photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Graham Oaks Nature Park

  • Wilsonville
  • Up to 3 miles of hiking
  • Visit in spring for frog sounds, native wildflowers, and western bluebirds
Pale larkspur at Cooper Mountain; photo courtesy of Kathy Christensen

Cooper Mountain Nature Park

  • Beaverton
  • 0.7 to 2.9 mile hike
  • Visit in spring for bluebirds, frogs, and native wildflowers
  • The pale larkspur bloom in May/early June is a special treat
  • little feet hiking: Portland Metro educates about western bluebirds and why they live in this particular area
Trillium flower

Forest Park – Balch Canyon

  • Portland
  • 1.6 to 2.8 miles
  • Keep an eye out for blooming trillium flowers in March, with other native flowers popping up as the season progresses
  • little feet hiking: Portland Metro educates about the neat stone house you’ll visit on this trail
Bird Blind at Jackson Bottom Wetland

Jackson Bottom Wetland

  • Hillsboro, OR
  • 1 to 4 miles
  • Visit in the spring to see migrating birds and watch for resident bald eagles; native plant start flowering and budding in late February
  • Flooding can be an issue, so it is good to check web links (in my hiking guide) before venturing out
  • little feet hiking: Portland Metro educates about bald eagles and their life in the wetland

Have a great time making springtime family memories on the trail! For more kid-friendly springtime hiking recommendations, check out this post for the Vancouver/SW Washington area and this post for the Columbia River Gorge.

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.