Summer in the pacific northwest is the most beautiful time of the year. Take advantage of the weather and go exploring with your kids! Here are five kid friendly hikes around JBLM.
There are two types of passes you may need for these hikes. The America the Beautiful pass is a National Park pass that is FREE for active duty military. You can obtain this pass at the gate or ranger station by presenting your military ID. It will get you in FREE to any National Park for one year. A Discover Pass is a Washington pass that gets you into any Washington State Park for FREE. You can purchase one for $30/year online or $10 per day via a pay station in the parking lot. You can also check out a Discover Pass at your local library for FREE. This includes libraries on base as well as local Pierce County libraries.
View info on the America the Beautiful Pass HERE.
View more info on the Discover Pass HERE.
Ebey’s Landing National Historic Preserve & Washington State Park
Fort Ebey Bluff Trail
Discover Pass
Dog Friendly
When we visited we hiked part of the Ebey’s Landing Trail, specifically the Fort Ebey Bluff Trail. We parked at the Ranger Station and walked on the bluff down to the beach and back. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline. You’ll also pass the home of the Ebey family and their bunkhouse. The Ebey family was one of the first American settlers on the island.
View Ebey’s Landing trail HERE.
View Fort Ebey Bluff Trail HERE.
Tolmie Peak Trail – Mount Rainier National Park
America the Beautiful Pass
5.6 Miles Round Trip, Moderate
No Dogs
It is a bit tough for the average hiker but we took it slow, stopped for lots of photos, and were able to get it done in about five hours. I would suggest older kids doing this hike (our daughter was eight when we went). That time frame includes an hour for lunch at the top. There is no parking lot at the trailhead, street parking on one side of the road only. Also note there are no restrooms, picnic tables, or trash cans at the trailhead or along the trail itself. Beware of large potholes on the road getting to the trail.
View this trail info on All Trails HERE.
Deception Pass State Park – Rosario Head Trail
1.5 Mile, Easy
Dog Friendly
Deception Pass is one of the most beautiful views in Washington. This is where Fidalgo Island and Whidbey Island meet. There are many hiking trails and a massive bridge connecting the two islands. There are also beaches for tide pooling at low tide. You cannot beat the view at the top.
View Rosario Head Trail on AllTrails HERE.
Staircase Rapids Loop – Olympic National Park
2.1 Miles Round trip, Easy
No Dogs
This trail is great for any age! Easy walk and just a little over two miles. You will get to experience the lush green woods as well as the river. At the halfway point you will cross over a suspension bridge. Where you start is a great shallow spot in the river for the kids to splash and play in on a warm day.
View the trail on All Trails HERE.
No Pass Needed
3 Miles Round Trip, Easy
Dog Friendly
Sequalitchew Creek is an easy out and back trail that leads down to the beautiful Puget Sound. It is mostly shaded and the first mile and a half is a sidewalk. To get to the trail, you can follow directions to the Dupont Police Department. This is where you will park! You can then follow the trail all the way down to the water. If it is low tide you will even be able to see the shipwreck off to the left of the coast.
View the trail on All Trails HERE.
Written By: Olivia Harrell
www.OliviaMichelleH.com
@oliviamichelle.h
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