My inquisitive kids want to know about every tree, flower and critter we encounter when we are out and about in nature. It was fabulous to take a hike with someone who had all the answers, and then some!
This past weekend, Forest Service ranger Teresa Sollitto led my family on a hike around Gold Creek Pond at Snoqualmie Pass. She taught us about how Interstate 90's construction affected the area, how to identify all the different trees that lined the trail, and how to distinguish wildflower from weed. She patiently answered all our questions and paced the hike well.
Our girls loved watching the teeming ant mounds, imagining bats snoozing inside bat boxes we passed, and seeing trees whittled by eager beavers. We all learned something new. "I didn't know beavers are nocturnal," my 8-year-old exclaimed after our hike.
The 1-mile hike was on level asphalt most of the way and took about 90 minutes, the perfect length for my 4-year-old's little legs. The trail hugged the banks of crystal clear Gold Creek Pond. There was just enough shade to be comfortable on a sunny day, and part of the trail dipped into the forest at the far end of the lake. The forest service also offers a guided 2-mile hike at Twin Lakes, which Sollitto said was best for families with older kids who can handle an incline.
We brought along a day pack with water, snacks, sunscreen, and much needed bug spray. The mosquitoes were plentiful. Be sure to wear good shoes and bring along binoculars if you have them. Our ranger had a couple of pairs she let my girls use at one lookout.
We made our reservation on the Thursday before we went. Afternoon hikes tend to attract larger groups than the morning ones. We did the 10 a.m. hike, and were the only family in the group.
Arrive at least 30-minutes before your hike start time, as you will follow your guide to the trail head in your car. They provide you with a parking pass for the day.
We brought along a picnic lunch, and enjoyed looking out over the clear aqua water of Gold Creek Pond as we ate.
IF YOU GO
Where: Meet at Snoqualmie Pass Visitors Center, 69805 S.E. Snoqualmie Pass Summit Road.
When: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. through Sept. 4th. Programs for groups can be scheduled during the week.
Admission: $10 donation per person.
Contact: 425-434-6111, Thursday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for reservations; www.fs.usda.gov/mbs.
Laura Spruce Wight is a Seattle-area freelance writer and mother of two.