Is your newest hiker still in the stroller stage? Don't let that stop you. There are lots of stroller-friendly trails all around Washington, from paved to more rugged dirt trails. And many of these are just long enough to keep older brothers and sisters entertained as well.
The paved trails around the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center are perfect for a stroller. Photo byFrederick Stapenhurst.
This list is just a sampling. If you want to find your own stroller friendly spot, take a look around a state, local or county park. Another helpful resource isAccessible Trails in Washington's Backcountry: A Guide to 85 Outings. Though it's geared towards hikers with wheelchairs, it's a great resource for families with strollers looking for inspiration.
Be sure your stroller can handle the trail! We included tread type in the hikes listed below, but if you're curious about another trail, you may want to double check with the closest ranger station or land manager.
Southwest Washington
Castle Rock Riverfront Trail
Location:Lewis River Region
Length: 3.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: minimal
Tread Type: paved
Looking upriver at Castle Rock. Photo by Anna Roth.
For a delightful riverfront walk with plenty of diversions along the way, consider the Castle Rock Riverfront Trail. A steep side trip takes you up the trail's namesake -- Castle Rock, while a small skate park, bike park, and picnic area dot the trail.
> Plan your visit to the Castle Rock Riverfront Trail
Multnomah Falls
Location:Columbia River Gorge - Oregon
Length: 1.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: minimal
Tread Type: paved to gravel
Multnomah Falls. Photo courtesy WTA community.
Iconic Multnomah Falls is perhaps the most popular location on either side of the Columbia River Gorge. Luckily, a paved trail near the visitors area makes it accessible for strollers. Families with kids of varying ages and abilities can explore further on the more rugged trails above Benson Bridge.
Note:Many trails in this area remain closed due to the Eagle Creek Fire. Multnomah Falls and the viewing area are open, but the nearby trail that climbs to the top of the falls remains closed.
>Plan your visit to Multnomah Falls
Olympic Peninsula
Marymere Falls
Location:Northern Coast
Length: 1.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Tread Type: paved to gravel
Marymere Falls. Photo by DraxPlunkett.
Many waterfalls are accessible to the stroller crowd, particularly on the Olympic Peninsula. This nearly two-mile paved trail offers both an upper and lower observation platform, and access to the also accessibleMoments in Time Interpretive Trailnear the Storm King Ranger Station.
> Plan your visit to Marymere Falls
Want more? Don't missMadison Fallsnear the Elwha Ranger Station.
Quinault Rainforest Nature Loop
Location:Pacific Coast
Length: 0.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 40 feet
Tread Type: gravel and packed dirt
Photo by Rachel Wendling.
While the whole trail isn't accessible to strollers, the first section is, and carrying your little one through the rest of the loop is an option, since it's only a half-mile long. Plus, the giant trees of Olympic National Park are something your child will remember for quite a while.
> Plan your visit to the Quinault Rainforest Nature Loop
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Olympia
Distance: 5.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: minimal
Tread Type: gravel to boardwalk
The boardwalk at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by AmyK.
The National Wildlife Refuge at Nisqually is a simply gorgeous trail just a few miles off of I-5, making it an ideal stop during a trip if you have wiggly little ones, and it's close enough to Tacoma or Olympia to be worth a trip in and of itself. A spot where migratory birds congregate and the boardwalk is fascinating for little ones whether the tide is in or out, be sure to stop here.
> Plan your trip to Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Central Cascades
Gold Creek Pond
Location:Snoqualmie Pass
Length: 1.0 mile, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 10 feet
Tread type: paved
Gold Creek Pond is a ADA-accessible as well as stroller-friendly. Photo by Mike.
Touring around Gold Creek Pond gives you the best vista per mile ratio with nearly none of the elevation gain you'll find on other hikes in the Snoqualmie Corridor. Right from the parking lot, snowy peaks provide a backdrop to a large pond ringed by a well-maintained paved path. While there's no swimming or fishing here, you'll feel refreshed after this short stroll. Bring a picnic, there's a lovely resting area near the beginning of the loop.
>Plan your trip to Gold Creek Pond
Iron Goat Trail
Location:Stevens Pass
Length: 6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Tread Type: barrier-free gravel
Crossing a wetland on the Iron Goat Trail. Photo by RacingSnail.
Take a trip back in time on the Iron Goat Trail, a historic railroad route in the Central Cascades near Stevens Pass. The first three miles are ADA-accessible, then the trail becomes more rugged. Take note -- there's plenty of snow here in the winter, so you may want to save this in your Backpack as a summer trip.
> Plan your visit to the Iron Goat Trail
Also check out the nearbyDeception Fallstrail for a rollicking waterfall cascading down on the other side of the highway.
Puget Sound
Tommy Thompson Trail
Location: Anacortes
Length: 6.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: minimal
Tread Type: boardwalk
Tommy Thompson Trail and Trestle. Photo by Mike Morrison.
It's rare that you get the chance to walk along an old railroad trestle safely. But the Tommy Thompson Trail in Anacortes offers views of the North Cascades and Puget Sound from the well-developed boardwalk, all with high handrails to keep little ones safely on trail. Plus, with access points in town, you're only steps away from snacks and a hot drink at the end of your hike.
>Plan your visit to the Tommy Thompson Trail
North Cascades
Old Sauk ADA Loop
Location:Mountain Loop Highway
Length: 1.0 mile, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Tread Type: gravel, hard packed dirt
A newly developed trail takes you along the mighty Sauk River and through giant trees -- a captivating location in any season. If one mile isn't enough exploring, you can start at the trailhead near the Clear Creek Campground and do a thru-hike to Murphy Creek. This is three miles one way.
>Plan your visit to the Old Sauk ADA Loop
Picture Lake
Location:Mount Baker Area
Length: 0.5 miles
Elevation Gain: minimal
Tread Type: hard packed dirt
This is a very beautiful area of the Mt. Baker Wilderness to explore and even in the winter months can be exhilarating to view. Photo by Evocative Ape.
Share one of the best views in the North Cascades with even the very youngest of adventurers. Picturesque Mount Shuksan looms over all on this stunning, short hike in the popular Artist Point area of Mount Baker. There's plenty of parking and picnicking opportunities as well.
> Plan your visit to Picture Lake
Near Picture Lake is the popularFire and Ice trail-- where you can find snow nearly all year round as well as scenic mountain views.
Eastern Washington
McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail
Location:Selkirk Range
Length: 1.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: minimal
Tread Type: boardwalk
The boardwalk and newly installed interpretive signs at McDowell Marsh are a nice diversion for new hikers. Photo by Dan Price.
This educational trail is a great place for families of mixed ages and abilities to have a fun, educational outing. With brand new interpretive signs, and an observation blind, kids and adults alike can see wildlife in a natural setting without disturbing the environment.
> Plan your visit to McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail
Columbia Plateau Trail
Location:Potholes Region
Length: 143 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain: minimal
Tread Type: varies, mostly gravel
East of Fish Lake. Photo by Mary Weathers.
Pick your own adventure on this 143-mile stretch of reclaimed railroad that extends from Spokane to Pasco. Though most accessible at theCheney Trailhead, this railroad trail includes an ADA-Accessible section through theTurnbull National Wildlife Refuge.
>Plan your visit to the Columbia Plateau Trail
FAQs
Stroller Friendly Trails? ›
Bring both a Stroller and Carrier on Hikes.
Keep a soft-frame carrier in the stroller basket. If the terrain gets really rough, put your baby in the carrier. Then you can plow through the path with your stroller without worrying that it's too bumpy for your baby.
Bring both a Stroller and Carrier on Hikes.
Keep a soft-frame carrier in the stroller basket. If the terrain gets really rough, put your baby in the carrier. Then you can plow through the path with your stroller without worrying that it's too bumpy for your baby.
While strollers are not prohibited, the trails aren't stroller friendly. There are also many steps throughout the park, and lugging a stroller up and down them is challenging, to say the least. There's a lot going on at Starved Rock in autumn.
Is Bear Lake trail stroller friendly? ›Where is the best stroller-friendly trail to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park? According to users from AllTrails.com, the best stroller-friendly trail to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is Bear Lake South Trails, which has a 4.5 star rating from 1,282 reviews.
Is Torrey Pines stroller friendly? ›This park offers beautiful views of the ocean and gives you that refreshing feeling of being in a forest, despite being in the middle of San Diego. The Torrey Pines hiking trails are not stroller-friendly trails, so you'll need to bring your baby carrier.
Can you hike with a baby in stroller? ›Babywearing is for most a better option for hiking, but you can go on a hike with a stroller if the path is even and not too rocky.
What age do you stop traveling with a stroller? ›Some can't imagine a family trip to the zoo or airport without taking a stroller along. But experts say once a child is able to walk proficiently, typically between the ages of 2 and 3, overusing a stroller can interfere with physical development.
Can you take a stroller on Laurel Falls Trail? ›When it comes to the best Smoky Mountain trails for families with strollers, you won't want to miss the Laurel Falls Trail! This 2.6-mile round-trip trail is one of the most popular destinations in the park, and you'll see why once you reach the breathtaking sight of the incredible 80-foot-tall waterfall!
Is Rainbow Falls stroller friendly? ›| Seasons | Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 200 ft. |
| Stroller friendly | No |
| ADA accessible | No |
| Water fountains | Yes |
While Muir Woods is stroller friendly on the hikes that use the boardwalks, if you are traveling with a baby and want to do one of the more strenuous hikes then you will need a carrier. However if you plan on sticking to board walk hikes that are stroller friendly you will not need to take a carrier with you.
Is Joshua Tree stroller friendly? ›
Although the trails are family friendly, they are not stroller friendly. Much of the trails throughout Joshua Tree tend to be loose sand, which can be quite deep in areas making it difficult for a stroller to roll.
Is Emerald Bay stroller friendly? ›It is about a mile each way, but the slope is manageable if you take your time. The road is crushed stone, so you might even be able to use a stroller if it has large wheels.
Is Yosemite stroller friendly? ›Yes: Yosemite offers hiking options for kids of all ages and abilities. At just one mile and with paved portions, Lower Yosemite Falls is a great hike for young kids and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Can you take a stroller to Yosemite? ›Let's start here with an unequivocal yes. With many stroller-compatible trails and easy access to the most-iconic viewpoints, Yosemite is strikingly easy to get around. That makes it a great national park to visit with kids of all ages, including babies and toddlers.
Is Flume Gorge stroller accessible? ›The Flume Gorge hike is not stroller friendly. There are many steps and narrow pathways through the gorge. However, we saw many children along the path.
Can you bring a stroller on Journey Behind the Falls? ›there is plenty of room for a stroller in the journey beneath the falls.....you might have to close it up and hold the baby during the elevator ride down tho.....as its not that big, and if they are busy that day....
How do you carry a baby stroller on a train? ›Baby Items
Carry-On: Allowed - up to 50 lbs. Baby items will be allowed onboard or in checked baggage service in lieu of a piece of baggage; no service fees apply. Carriages, active strollers, all terrain strollers, multi-child strollers may be required to be checked.
A small fully collapsible stroller can be stored in the overhead bin if there is space available. A large stroller must be accepted as checked baggage only. Before the stroller is checked, please remove the stroller accessories to avoid loss.
How do you travel with a baby stroller? ›The rules for carrying a car seat or stroller onto the airplane are the same as for any other piece of luggage. If it folds up small enough to fit into the overhead compartment, it is generally okay. If not, you will have to check the item.