Would you believe it if I told you that neither Ryan nor I grew up enjoying hiking? It wasn’t my jam, and it certainly wasn’t his. Motherhood has changed me though, and in learning the importance of adventuring with your kids, and coping with the reality of deployments, I found a love of hiking. I didn’t learn to hike overnight though, and neither did my children. We’ve had the opportunity to live in one of the foremost hiking regions of the US, and I wanted to share some of the best beginner hikes in Washington. At five miles or less, these hikes are doable for just about all skill levels – and bonus? They’re beautiful!

The Best Beginner Hikes in Washington

Not sure where – or how – to start hiking? I’ve shared some of my favorite tips for hiking with kids, but these same tips can apply if you’re just starting out. To this day, with young children, we usually look for a careful blend of level of difficulty and distance. If it’s a longer hike, we opt for something easy. If it’s shorter, we push it towards a moderate hike. As always though, use your own personal discretion!

Bertha May & Granite Lakes

Just under two hours from JBLM, Bertha May & Granite Lakes is a moderately popular trail that showcases three beautiful lakes along the way. It’s rated easy, though there are a few switchbacks and a little elevation gain that will definitely give you a good challenge! My tip? Bring your swimsuit for a dip in either Bertha May or Granite Lake…it’s chilly but world-class fun!

• Length: 4 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Cost: Free (no specific pass required)
• Dogs: Yes

Twin Falls Trail

We just hiked Twin Falls Trail earlier this week, but now we totally get why it’s so popular! Located towards Snoqualmie, there are two separate trailheads to access the falls, themselves. Hike up one, or hike down the other. Either way, this out-and-back trail offers a great payoff for a decent (but not too strenuous) amount of work – and it’s fun for all ages!

• Length: 3.6 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Cost: Discover Pass or $10/day
• Dogs: Yes

Heybrook Lookout

Want a huge payoff for just a little amount of work? Heybrook Lookout is the perfect trail for you! Clocking in at just around two  miles, this trail is short but steep and is accessible all year long. We hiked it in the rainy season, and we definitely recommend rain and/or mud gear. And yes, the views are still worth it when cloudy.

• Length: 2.4 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Cost: Northwest Forest Pass or $5/day
• Dogs: Yes

Emmons Moraine

To this day, Emmons Moraine Trail remains one of our favorite hikes of all time. It’s a shorter trail right in the Mt. Rainier National Park grounds, but it’s worth it to dip your toes (or just dive right in) the turquoise glacial lake. While the trail is easier, you will definitely have to scramble down to the water, so be prepared for that.

• Length: 3 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Cost: America the Beautiful Pass (free for military) or $30/day
• Dogs: No

Wagon Road Trail to Franklin Falls

Franklin Falls is one of the more popular beginner hikes in Washington – especially for military and families because of its proximity to JBLM. We managed to avoid most of the crowds by taking Wagonroad Trail to Franklin Falls, getting off the proverbial beaten path with the end payout just as beautiful as the main trail! Please be aware that Franklin Falls is prone to extreme avalanche area risk in the winter.

• Length: 2 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Cost: Northwest Forest Pass or $5/day
• Dogs: Yes

Staircase Rapids Loop

Nestled in the Olympic National Park near another of our favorite places, Lake Cushman, Staircase Rapids Loop is a perfect forested trail that leads deep into the woods, over a stunning cable bridge, and loops back around. Our kids loved this one, and it was perfect for a sunny day outside in midwinter.

• Length: 2.1 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Cost: America the Beautiful Pass (free for military) or $30/day
• Dogs: No

Naches Peak Loop

Naches Peak Loop trail is one of the most popular trails in Mt. Rainier National Park, and for good reason. The views are second to none, the challenge is just enough to make you feel accomplished, and you’ll even find the perfect picnic spot here along the way! My best tip for this one is to get here early. The trailheads in the park fill up early – most by 9:30 AM.

• Length: 3.3 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Cost: America the Beautiful Pass (free for military) or $30/day
• Dogs: No

Bench & Snow Lake Trail

Ryan and I might be slightly obsessed with jumping into glacial lakes, which is why Snow Lake Trail in Mt. Rainier National Park is so high on our list! This one is deceiving. It starts off on a wooded trail then opens to a wide valley with epic Rainier views. Head down to Bench Lake, or head up to Snow Lake (or do both!) And, if you’re bold, jump in this freezing gem.

• Length: 2.7 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Cost: America the Beautiful Pass (free for military) or $30/day
• Dogs: No

Winter Block Trail

Dirty Harry’s Balcony is one of the most popular hikes I’ve heard about in this region, but I know that it’s slightly beyond my kids’ skill level at over 4+ miles. Winter Block Trail, however, is part of the same trail and simply ends at the viewpoint for Winter Block before turning around. There’s a pretty solid elevation gain, but the views are ten thousand percent worth it!

• Length: 2.6 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Cost: Discover Pass or $10/day
• Dogs: Yes

There are so many incredible hikes in Washington, and I’m sad I won’t be able to check all of them off my bucket list! Ryan and I have already talked about coming back and doing a backpacking trip here in Washington when the kids are a little older though, and that gives me life! While there are definitely challenging hikes out here, we also have some of the best beginner hikes in Washington worth trying, no matter your skill level!

Tell me – which of these sounds like your favorite?