Bluff Loop (Fort Ebey State Park, Whidbey Island)
Take a couple of hours and tour this lovely park along a bluff overlooking Puget Sound. The loop trail encompasses everything from old growth timber (called the “Granpa Tree” trail) to beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains. Both the park and this trail are hidden gems on Whidbey Island, so if you want solitude and to take advantage of their low rainfall (they get half of what falls in Seattle!), then head on over to this accommodating park.
Length: 3.2 miles
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Meadowdale Park (Edmonds)
Start with the children’s play area at the top of the trail, then make your way down through the gently rustling trees to the pebbled beach and enjoy the soft waves at your feet. This area is wonderful for young children and pets, and is usually not too crowded thanks to its relatively hidden location.
Length: 2.5 miles
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Lighthouse Point (Deception Pass State Park, on Whidbey Island)
Some say that the view from this point is the best in the park, which is truly saying something at a location that is this scenic! The Lighthouse Point hike is easy enough for walking youngsters, but do make sure that they stay on the path, since its rock nature does mean there can be steep dropoffs. If you do take the trail, though, make sure you take your binoculars since early spring and summer are whale migration season and this is a great place to spot them.
Length: 1.5 miles
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Big Tree Loop (Tiger Mountain State Forest, between Issaquah and North Bend on I-90)
One of the best area hikes for kids, this loop has only 100 feet in elevation gain. Hikers get to travel through a swamp, see a tree with a 25-foot circumference, view a lake with ducks, and travel by the famous rusted-out abandoned bus. The bus and lake portions have been made ADA friendly and can be used as a shorter walk with a stroller.
Length: 2.8 miles
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Big Four Ice Caves (Granite Falls, on the Mountain Loop Highway)
Recent flooding has unfortunately washed away the nice bridge that leads you to these interesting caves, but there is now a few fallen trees that serve as a makeshift bridge (wading the river is another option), so those with older or more adventurous children can still enjoy the natural wonder of these ice sculptures.
Length: 1.1 miles
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