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7 Family-Friendly Hikes Along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River

Fab kid-friendly hikes less than an hour from Seattle

Published on: May 15, 2023

7 Family-Friendly Hikes Along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River

Hikers crossing the Taylor River Creek on the Taylor River trail best family hikes near SEattle along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road
Photo:
A creek crossing along the Taylor River Trail. Credit: Jennifer Johnson

Taylor River Trail

Walk through dark and verdant forest along an old road bed to a picturesque bridge over the tumbling rapids of Marten Creek. The Taylor River is always within earshot, though you’ll rarely have access to it. The Taylor River Trail is well shaded for most of its length, which is refreshing on a hot day, but also means it holds the snow in the winter. There are a few campsites along the river for backpackers. Birdsong fills the forest in spring, and fungi can be found in the fall. Marten Creek is 3 miles (and 500 feet elevation gain) from the trailhead, making it an excellent turnaround spot for families, but ambitious hikers can continue on to Otter Falls, which makes the hike an 11-mile round trip.

Kids will love: Multiple stream crossings, walking on a wide path, looking for wildflowers and fungi.

Parents should know: The trailhead is at the very end of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road, and is signed for Snoqualmie Lake. After the road passes the Middle Fork Campground, the pavement ends and there are some huge potholes. Cars with lower clearance may have difficulty. There are multiple stream crossings along the trail, and some can be tricky when snowmelt is high. An outhouse is available at the trailhead. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park.

More kid-friendly hikes for Seattle-area families

Plus: Don’t miss our tips for staying safe in the outdoors with kids.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2021 and updated for 2023, with two new hikes added.

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