Best Spring Hikes in the Seattle Area for Kids and Families
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Look for wildlife at Cedar River Watershed. Photo: iStock
Cedar River Watershed, North Bend
My kids have fond memories of puddle-stomping the trail at the wonderful Cedar River Watershed, about 45 minutes east of Seattle, and watching ospreys dive for fish in the lake. Kids love the musical rain drums in the courtyard here, too.
Favorite trails: You can park at the Cedar River Watershed Education Center and start out with a stroll on the lovely trails around Rattlesnake Lake. If you park your car at Rattlesnake Lake, note that it is a half-mile walk up a gravel path to the education center. Some of the parking spaces near Rattlesnake Lake may require a Discover Pass.
Indoor options: Inside the education center, kids can learn about the water cycle by popping ping-pong balls into a fabulous system of pipes, talking to the naturalists or touching some fascinating items collected from nature. The education center is currently open Thursday–Friday, noon–5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The education center has free parking, along with ADA bathrooms and sidewalks. Check the website for status updates, hours and more information.
Extras: If the weather is nicer, you can connect with trails up to Rattlesnake Ledge (for older kids and adults) or along the Palouse to Cascades Trail (formerly called the Iron Horse Trail).
Next stop: Trails of discovery
