Explore: Hike at Twin Falls

Explore: Hike at Twin Falls

There’s nothing like a hike in the great outdoors when the weather outdoors is indeed great. The trail at Twin Falls State Park near North Bend is perfect for the under-5 set: it’s a less-than-45-minute ride from downtown Seattle, and you have your choice of a shorter or longer hike. Plus, the incline isn’t terribly steep and there are plenty of distractions (cool moss-covered trees, licorice firs and the like) along the way to keep the kiddos interested. Take 90 east to exit 34 and then turn left on SE 159th Street to find the trailhead parking lot. The beginning part of the trail goes along the South Fork Snoqualmie River and is a great spot to stop and skip stones into the water. The pay-off at the trail’s end is a beautiful waterfall. There are benches and a nice view of the falls at .75 miles in; this is a good turn-around spot if little ones get tired. Or, you can hike another mile up to find a bridge that crosses high over the water and between the two falls. The kids will love being surrounded by water. A morning hike means that you’re guaranteed to get in a nap on the way home. But if you want to extend the adventure, on the way back stop at exit 32 at the Factory Stores at North Bend, where there’s a Gymboree, Children’s Place and Motherhood Maternity Outlet.