Great Family Hikes

These are some great hikes in the state of Washington that I used to take with my son. Usually they where a day trip, we would drive to a nearby town, spend the night and head out on the trail early in the morning. Occasionally my son and I would camp for a night or two after he got a little older. All three of these hikes are very easy for adults, and easy to moderate for children 8 and above. My family has relocated to Idaho so it has been awhile since going to these great locations. A camera is a must for any of these trips.

The first and probably my favorite hike is High Rock Lookout off of the Mount Rainer National Park Highway. From Olympia, head for Highway 706 toward the town of Ashford. After going through town, stay on highway 706 going east for about four or five miles. You then turn right on a road with the sign Big Creek Campground. From this point I recommend getting a US Forest Service map as I only know the roads from memory and I do not want to be responsible for getting anyone lost. A good map makes the drive very easy. It is no more then 15 miles to the trail head and the drive is beautiful. You will be over 4000' in elevation at the beginning of the hike so dress accordingly. The trail head is #266 and has a sign labeled High Rock. The trail is about 1.5, maybe 2.0 miles long and has a 1500'elevation climb. The lookout sits on the edge of a cliff at the 5700' elevation mark. 2000' below is a small lake and you will also be treated to a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier. Last time I was at the lookout, it was still in operation and the Forest Service employee was very nice and let my son use the binoculars as he gave us a visual tour of the surrounding area.

Council Bluff is the next location. It is in the Southern Cascade Mountain range. Coming from Oregon, going north on I-5 look for Highway 12 west, toward the towns of Morton and Randle. This highway is before the town of Chehalis if you are coming from Oregon and just after Chehalis if you are coming from Seattle. Drive to the town of Randle; follow your map to Council Lake Campground. Go to the other side of the campground and look for a pretty steep road no more then a mile long. When I camp at this location we walk up this road and to the top of Council Bluff. I have driven it and would recommend a 4-wheel drive. There use to be a turn around and parking at the top. At this point you are at about 5000' in elevation. The trail is no more then 1/2 mile long and ends at about the 5200' level. It is a very easy hike. Try to go on a clear day; you will have a wonderful view of Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and what is left of Mt. St. Helen's. Council Lake and many extinct volcanoes dot the landscape below you also.

The last trip and probably the most interesting is Norway Pass. It is located in the Mt. St. Helen's National Volcanic Monument area. A good map and the Internet will get you all the directions you will need. After the eruption I do not feel comfortable giving my directions, I do not know what has changed. The hike it self is about 2 miles long, and fairly easy. From the trail head there is about a 1000' elevation gain. This is a great hike for kids. The last time we did the hike the trail went through all the downed timber from the eruption. You will be treated to what many hikers say is the best view of the devastated areas below the mountain. From about 4600' level you will see Spirit Lake. The lake is still ½ covered by down timber. Beyond that you will be looking directly into the crater of the volcano, close enough to see the smoke coming off the Lava Dome. Years later my son still remembers and asks questions about that trip.

Please check with the Forest Service about any of these trails. It has been a few years since I have hiked any of the locations.