Washington is beautiful all year round for easy and kid-friendly hikes, but there is something truly magical about fall in the Pacific Northwest. While there are plenty of things our family looks forward to, nothing compares to the magnetic pull we feel toward trailheads in the fall. This time of year, alpine meadows are aglow in vibrant shades of reds, yellows, and oranges. The air is crisp, clear, and refreshing, a nice reprieve from the sweltering summer heat and bothersome bugs that seem to go hand in hand. Fall hikes are the best, but the season is also fleeting, so pack your backpack, throw on a couple of layers, lace up your boots, and go outdoors.
Remember, when hiking in the fall (or any time of year), pack the 10 essentials. As temperatures begin to dip, having layers is important. Be ready for changing weather conditions. The weather can dramatically change at the drop of a hat, especially in the high alpine. Leave no trace and stay on marked trails. Do not feed wildlife.
Here are our favorite easy and kid-friendly fall hikes for you and your family to enjoy:
The North Cascades
The North Cascades National Park is less than a 3-hour drive from Seattle, and it’s well worth the trip. The rugged mountainous landscape brimming with craggy peaks, glaciers, high alpine lakes, and dense forests is like stepping into another world. Simply put, it will take your breath away. Even if you just drive through the scenic byway, it’s a trip you won’t forget. Our top easy and kid-friendly fall hikes in the North Cascades are Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake, and Lake Ann.
All three hikes are gorgeous in the fall, but if I had to pick one to do with my family, I’d pick Blue Lake.
If you have older hikers in your trekking crew, consider tackling Maple Pass. You start from the same trailhead as Lake Ann, but your adventure doesn’t have to stop after you take an offshoot for the lake, nestled in the basin of the mountains. You’ll see hikers climbing the ridge and will quickly want to join in. Backtrack to where you turned off and continue the loop around.
Photo by Kathryn Mueller
Length: 4.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,050 feet
Getting there: The trail is right off Highway 20 about 40 miles past Newhalem, clearly marked for passersby. If you reach the hairpin turn, a popular overlook on Highway 20, you’ve gone too far.
Passes: A Northwest Forest Pass is required
Restroom: There is a toilet at the trailhead
Blue Lake is one of my favorite hikes, not just in the North Cascades but in Washington state. It’s family-friendly, and the views are spectacular. I highly recommend doing this hike in October to catch glimpses of larches.
The trail starts out mellow, meandering through the forest before popping hikers out into a large, open meadow with views of towering granite peaks ahead. If you make it to the meadow, you’re nearly halfway to the lake, so push on. Back into the forest, you’ll be granted sweeping peek-a-boo views of the surrounding mountains. Liberty Bell is a popular destination for rock climbers, so you may see individuals on the trail hoping to bag that peak.
Blue Lake sits in the shadows of beautiful mountains, reflecting their splendor in the calm, blue water. Bright yellow larches dot the shorelines surrounding the lake. The payoff is worth the effort to get there.
Pack a lunch and enjoy the views from the outcroppings of rocks that sit along the edges of the lake.
Photo by Kathryn Mueller
Mount Rainier
Length: 5.5 miles
Type: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,450 feet
Getting there: The hike begins from Paradise’s parking lot. Mount Rainier National Park reservations are not required this time of year, but it’s a very popular destination, so be prepared for crowds.
Passes: Entrance passes are required and can be purchased online
You have likely seen Mount Rainier in the summer, but fall is arguably my favorite time of the year to visit the beautiful, towering volcano. There are many magnificent trails you can explore in Mount Rainier National Park, but my favorite is Skyline Trail Loop. The trail leaves from Paradise, quickly gaining elevation as the paved path heads toward Mount Rainier. Eventually, the paved trail gives way to a more rugged gravel path. You will take in expansive mountain views as you continue your hike. Walk through open meadows blanketed in reds and yellows. You’re also likely to see some wildlife along the way. Keep your eyes and ears alert for chattering marmots and scampering ground squirrels. Remember, never feed them (even if they are super cute). When we were there, we saw a black bear and several deer.
Autumn view from Skyline Trail
The trail is considered moderate. You will be huffing and puffing straight out of the parking lot. The elevation gain can be exhausting for little legs, but the viewpoints along the trail will make the effort well worth it. You don’t have to complete the loop. Glacier Vista is breathtaking, and you can snap a few photos with Nisqually Glacier and Mount Rainier as a dazzling backdrop.
If you continue, you will enjoy endless mountain views from Panorama Point and more meandering meadows as you descend back to Paradise.
Myrtle Falls is another must-stop spot along the trail. Snap a few more photos of the cascading waterfall before the paved trail takes you to the parking lot. You may also begin you hike from Paradise to Myrtle Falls if you’d like a shorter and less strenuous trek.
Photo taken on an August hike by Kathryn Mueller
Length: 3.2 miles
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Another popular trail to explore, if Paradise’s crowds scare you away, is Naches Peak Loop. The trailhead leaves out of Tipsoo Lake. I recommend doing this loop hike clockwise, so you can take in the views of Mount Rainier from the best vantage point – walking toward Mount Rainier instead of having it at your back. The trail is easy, with very little elevation gain. It winds you along a hillside through meadows. Take in the stunning mountain views, lakes, and fall foliage. It’s a great trail for kids.
Photo by Kathryn Mueller
Stevens Pass
Length: 4.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Getting there: Only about an hour and a half from Seattle, you will take U-2 toward Wenatchee. Turn left onto 635th Place NE. Barclay Lake Trailhead is found about 4.3 miles after turning off U-2.
Restroom: A toilet is located at the trailhead
Passes: Northwest Forest Pass is required
In the shadow of Baring Mountain, a gorgeous alpine lake calls hikers of all abilities to its shores. The views from the lake are unbelievable, with Baring Mountain looming just above. Accessible for families with little explorers, this easy hike delights with mountain views, babbling creeks, forests teeming with fall foliage and expansive meadows. Barclay Lake is a gem, but it is not hidden. It’s a popular trail, so don’t be surprised if you’re not alone.
Photo by Kathryn Mueller
Mount Baker
Length: 2.2 miles
Elevation gain: Less than 200 feet
Getting there: A large parking lot with a sign for Bagley Lakes and the Wild Goose trails is off the main road leading to Artist Point.
Restroom: A toilet is available at the trailhead
You can easily add Artist Ridge—Huntoon Point to your Mount Baker day trip. The panoramic views of Mount Baker and Shuksan are unparalleled. Stop by the reflecting pools to capture a photo and take in the mountain views in all directions.
Length: 1.2 miles, roundtrip
Passes: Northwest Forest Pass is required
I’m going to be very honest. Bagley Lakes Loop was not the hike we intended to do when we packed up our car and made the nearly 3-hour road trip to Mount Baker on a beautiful Saturday morning, but it turned out okay. I’ve had Chain Lakes Loop on my hiking bucket list for a while. I was determined to check it off the list with my kids in tow, but they had other plans, and that’s okay. If you have older kids, Chain Lakes Loop would be a great hike. I’ve heard it can be strenuous, but the reward is big mountain views with lakes along the way.
Instead of tackling the 6.5-mile roundtrip Chain Lakes Loop trail, we opted to do a couple of much smaller hikes.
We started with Bagley Lakes Loop, an easy 2.2-mile loop. You don’t have to do the loop, though. You can easily do an out-and-back hike as well. There is nearly no elevation gain, which is terrific for little hikers, and the views are spectacular. Follow the trail as it winds along the banks of two pristine alpine lakes. The mountainous views will enchant kids, as will an adorable stone bridge crossing, small waterfalls, and blueberry brambles.
Photo by Kathryn Mueller
Wenatchee
Length: 3.2 miles
Elevation: Just under 1,000 feet
Getting there: The Clara and Marion Lakes trailhead leaves from the parking lot for Mission Ridge Ski Area.
Passes: No pass is required
It can be hard to find kid-friendly larch hikes because these magically elusive trees can only be found high in the alpine. Usually, you must work to gain access to their majesty, but I recently stumbled upon Clara and Marion Lakes, which could possibly be the best larch hike for kids.
Photo by Kathryn Mueller
We love doing this trail in the summer because it’s known for its beautiful wildflowers, but we will be heading back in October to see if we can bask in the golden glow of larches.
Clara and Marion Lakes hike takes you through forests and stunning wildflower blooms. You can pack a picnic to enjoy at either of the two quaint lakes. You can also extend your hike if you’re feeling up for it and trek toward a boulder field leading to the sweeping views of the Wenatchee Valley below.
Photo by Kathryn Mueller
Snoqualmie
Length: Around 2.5 miles, roundtrip. The first bit of the hike takes hikers along what feels like a rugged, steep road, which adds a little length to your trip.
Elevation gain: 650 feet
Getting there: If you’re coming from Seattle, you will take I-90 east until you reach exit 62. Turn right onto Forest Road 54. Look for Forest Road 5480. Turn right and proceed with caution up a gravel road riddled with potholes.
Passes: A Northwest Forest Pass is required
This easy hike near Snoqualmie Pass is a hidden gem. It’s one of our favorite short hikes to do with our kiddos when we don’t have a lot of time but want to get out of the city. It’s also beautiful throughout fall, with lots of fall foliage to enjoy.
We love a hike with a destination, and this one does just that. Aptly named Mirror Lake, it perfectly reflects the mountains surrounding it.
If you’re looking for a quick hike, Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes are good options. Campsites are plentiful along the lake. This hike would be a great introduction for families with tiny tikes who are interested in backcountry excursions.
More easy and kid-friendly fall hikes closer to home
Photo credit: WA Trails Association/Big Barefoot B
Tolt-MacDonald Park, Carnation
Perhaps the highlight of this hike is traversing the 500-foot suspension bridge over the Snoqualmie River. Or it may be playing on the shore: throwing rocks, building dams, and floating boats on the smaller streams. Take this easy, kid-friendly fall hike and be sure to spot the fisherman casting their lines out on the river.
Address: 31020 NE 40th St, Carnation, WA 98014
Length: 12 miles round trip; there is a trail, Tolt MacDonald Overlook that is 2.7 miles
Tip: Rent a yurt, camp out, or bring your RV to extend your stay. Campground is available April 1-October 31.
Photo credit: Seattle.gov/TIA International Photography
The best time to visit Carkeek is in November and December when a run of Chum salmon makes its way up Piper’s Creek, which is flanked by a stroller-friendly gravel trail. More rugged back trails offer a tour of the woods. Stop at the playground and the beach for more kid-friendly activities. Choo! Choo! Watch the trains pass by, too.
Address: 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98177
Length: 3.5 miles round trip.
Note: The Visitor Center is no longer open to the public—Playground renovations will be (Winter 24/25). Construction on the overpass bridge will begin in Spring 2025. See updates here.
Photo credit: WA Trails Association
Gold Creek Pond, Snoqualmie Pass
Huckleberry bushes and fiery red maples put on a fine show of color along this stroller-friendly loop. If you know where to look, you might spy spawning Kokanee salmon (red, with green heads). Bring lunch and picnic by the picturesque mountain pond and then take the walk in the opposite direction to head home. Gold Creek Pond has different pass requirements when snow is present.
Address: Gold Creek Pond Parking Lot, NF-9080, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068
Length: 1-mile round trip
Parking Pass/Entry Fee: Northwest Forest Pass
Note: The road to the parking lot is riddled with potholes. Beware of your car’s tires.
Editor’s note: This park is set to close in 2024/25 for a restoration project that will last 7-10 years. Please see the Forest Service website for more details.
Read more:
More hiking options for little legs
Walk these parks for amazing fall photos
Bridle Trails State Park: Kid-friendly trails on the Eastside
