The 6 Best Hikes for Kids Who Hate to Hike

Hikes are better with a prize!

Some kids are all in when it comes to hiking, but others might need a little extra motivation to hit the trail. (Let’s be honest, parents like a good reward, too!) Try one of these hikes that end with a fun “prize,” and you might just convince even the most reluctant hiker to come along.

Remember: Before you head out on any of these hikes, check the Washington Trails Association website for current trail conditions and driving directions.

To scroll through all the hikes on our list, click the link at the bottom of the page or the arrow above the image. Or, jump to the hike you can’t wait to check out on the list below: 

• Heybrook Lookout, Central Cascades
• Old Sauk River, North Cascades
• Northern State Ghost Town, North Cascades
• Pyramid Lake, North Cascades
• Panorama Point, Mount Rainier 
• Meadowdale Beach Park, Edmonds

Up first: Heybrook Lookout, Central Cascades

Editor’s note: This article was originally published a few years ago and updated most recently on June 12, 2025 by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson. 

Heybrook Lookout, Central Cascades

The prize: A sky-high lookout tower with panoramic views

The hike: To reach Heybrook Lookout, you’ll climb a steep trail off Highway 2, through the shady green forest, to a sturdy tower that lets hikers see over trees to nearby peaks and valleys. Though it’s all uphill, even young children will be able to complete this hike to a worthy goal. A picnic table at the summit provides a place for eating lunch.  

Details: 2.6 miles round strip, 850 feet elevation gain; no pass needed for parking

Up next: Old Sauk River, North Cascades

Old Sauk River, North Cascades

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 riverbanks. 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.

Up next: Northern State Ghost Town, North Cascades

Northern State Ghost Town, North Cascades

The prize: Creepy old buildings and a disc golf course

The hike: While not exactly wilderness, a walk through Northern State Ghost Town has enough cool factor to entice teens and tweens who might otherwise want to stay home. The trails are on the site of an abandoned psychiatric hospital; dilapidated farm buildings from that era provide unique photo ops. There are signs warning against entering the buildings, and there are hazards such as broken glass and roofs in the process of caving in, so keep a close eye on youngsters. The trails are flat and open, and you might be lucky enough to spot raptors or songbirds at the forest edges. To play disc golf, bring Frisbees and snap a photo of the course map posted near the parking lots.

Details: 5 miles of trails, 50 feet elevation gain; no pass needed

Up next: Pyramid Lake, North Cascades

Pyramid Lake, North Cascades

The prize: Carnivorous plants!

The hike: Venture up a steep, rugged trail with few views to access Pyramid Lake, a small pond surrounded by rocky cliffs. This hike is not for small children, but hardy hikers will enjoy the huckleberries, giant cedars, forest flowers and streams. The trail climbs straight up from Highway 20, through lodgepole pine forest, past a mossy stream and up into a lake basin with a rare population of carnivorous sundew plants. The plants live on logs out in the water. My kids were also enchanted by newts in the lake, and by dragonflies metamorphosing from nymph to adult.

Details: 4.6 miles round trip, 1,500 feet elevation gain; no parking pass required

Up next: Panorama Point, Mount Rainier

Panorama Point, Mount Rainier

The prize: Wildflowers and views right from the car, summer snow patches and a hobbit-like outhouse

The hike: When parents want glorious views and flowers, but aren’t sure how long the kids will hike, the trail from Paradise to Panorama Point delivers something for everyone. If you can encourage or bribe youngsters to climb the steep paved paths in the first mile, the grade gets easier after that. You’ll find blossoms of every color in July and August, jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier and Nisqually Glacier, and snow patches that can persist through the summer. Clear days afford views to three other volcanoes. Panorama Point makes a good snack stop and turnaround point, and parents will appreciate the stone privy, with its rounded-arched door, composting toilet, toilet paper and skylight.

Details: 5 miles round trip, 1,300 feet elevation gain; national park pass and timed-entry to Mount Rainier National Park are required

Up next: Meadowdale Beach Park, Edmonds

Meadowdale Beach Park, Edmonds

The prize: A ravine and a surprise saltwater beach; also, a relatively short drive to the trailhead

The hike: Meadowdale Beach Park in Edmonds is a popular local destination for families. What starts as a wide dirt trail descends sharply into Lunds Gulch, eventually leveling out along a creek and providing an environment similar to many woodsy Northwest walks. The trail then emerges from the woods, skirts a swale and darts under a new train bridge. Follow the creek to duck under the bridge and you’ll be greeted by a wide stretch of Puget Sound beach with amazing views. Parents will appreciate the deep shade of the mature forest along most of this hike, kids will love dipping their toes in the water and frolicking on the open stretch of beach. Be sure to save some energy for the climb back up to the parking lot.

Details: 2.5 miles round trip, 400 feet elevation gain; no parking permit required