12 Kid-Friendly Waterfall Hikes for Seattle-Area Families

Kids will love: Feeling the spray and hearing the roar of the plunging falls

Highlights: The popular hike to this draping cataract waterfall kind of resembles a tiered bridal veil, hence its name. Pack rain jackets even if the sky is blue — you’ll need them below the falls where the air is thick with a refreshing, misty spray. It’s like a natural water park.

Details: The trail to Bridal Veil Falls is also the trail to Lake Serene, the body of water from which the lovely falls are fed. For nearly 2 miles the path is a gentle old logging road bed flanked by a mossy mixed forest of conifers, maple and alder. You’ll cross a few gentle streams on rock steps, so the family should wear waterproof boots (we bring along extra socks, too). Once the path rises from the road bed, a fork in the trail emerges. Hikers bound for the lake go left, but you’ll go right. Over the next half-mile to the falls, you’ll climb up fairly steep switchbacks and cedar stair steps to reach the base of the falls and the first viewing platform. More stair steps take you to the higher viewing platform and a refreshing shower. Once you’ve soaked up the scenery, turn around and return the way you came. Note: Keep kids close when venturing near the falls and remind them of safety rules.

Distance: 4.4 miles round-trip, 850 feet elevation gain

Info: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Snohomish County

Conditions: Check current conditions and trip reports at WTA website.

Directions: From Everett, take U.S. 2 east for 28 miles to the small town of Gold Bar, then continue 7 miles more. Just before the highway crosses over the Skykomish River, take a right onto Mount Index Road. After .4 miles on this road, take a right onto a side road signed “Lake Serene Trail.” The parking area is just ahead, and a Northwest Forest Pass is required to park.

Next stop: Carter Falls