Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

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Photo courtesy columbiacenterseattle.com

5 Northwest cool and challenging tower climbs

A healthy way to take in some spectacular views (and help a few good causes)

What’s the best way to see a phenomenal view? Climb!

Not only is stair climbing a great way to build strength and put kid energy to good use, it’s a wonderful way to reward effort with a different view of the world. High above the street, 67 steps higher than the top of a hill, or nearly in the clouds at the top of Seattle landmark buildings, these climbs are worth the effort. And a good snack at the top.

Heybrook Lookout

Once used by fire watchers, this lookout offers a view of Bridal Veil Falls worth the steep 2-mile round-trip trail and stairs that take you the 67 additional feet to the tower top. U.S. Route 2, Gold Bar

Volunteer Park Water Tower

The 1906 brick water tower reservoir is the highest point on Capitol Hill and includes a 107-step climb to breathtaking views of Seattle surrounds. 1247 15th Ave. E, Seattle

Pinnacle Peak Tower

The crown at the top of Pinnacle Peak Park (a climb of 1,000 feet in one mile) is a 22-foot fire tower replica with stunning views from the deck. 26838 SE 481st St., Enumclaw

The Big Climb

We mean it. March 26 is your family’s chance to climb the Columbia Tower’s 1,311 steps to raise funds to fight blood cancer. Well-trained age 8 and older. Registration fee and fundraising requirements apply. 

Base to Space

Climb the Space Needle? The Base to Space climb in support of the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center happens each fall, so start training! Age 8 and older. Registration fee and fundraising requirements apply. 

New more places to climb? Check out West Seattle writer Laura Murray’s “5 Seattle stair walks that are fun (and worth the work) with kids.”

 

More at Seattle’s Child:

“Bridle Trails State Park: Kid-friendly trails on the Eastside”

About the Author

Cheryl Murfin

Cheryl Murfin is managing editor at Seattle's Child. She is also a certified doula, lactation educator for NestingInstinctsSeattle.com and a certified AWA writing workshop facilitator at Compasswriters.com.