The Best Hikes for Kids Who Hate to Hike
Photo:
Old Sauk River. Credit: Jennifer Johnson
2. Old Sauk River
The prize: Huckleberries in season, colorful rocks to collect, frogs, and mud and water to play in
The hike: Meander among gargantuan old-growth trees next to a wild and scenic river on the Old Sauk River Trail. In mid- to late summer, there are safe places to play on the river banks. This trail is close to the town of Darrington and has two trailheads. From the northern trailhead, hikers can travel the entire mossy 3 miles to the southern end. The central trailhead has restrooms and access to an ADA-accessible loop trail, which has interpretive signs and allows for a shorter hike to the southern end. The trail ends abruptly at Murphy Creek, which is where my kids found all kinds of stunning rocks — as well as cool frogs!
Details: From 1 to 6 miles round trip, less than 100 feet elevation gain; a Northwest Forest Pass is required to park.
Next up: Hike to creepy town
