[Gmac]

I've been reading your board and have found some great information. I need some help deciding were to take my kids on there first overnight hike. They are 10 and 8 years old and have done alot of day hikes. I was thinking of doing the Lower Lena Lake trail. Any suggestions or comments of were else to go?

[jenjen]

Welcome! What sort of scenery do you prefer? What kind of mileage where you looking at for an overnight? Where are you located and how far would you consider driving?

[Phil]

[Backpacker Joe]

Gmac, yes welcome. Tell us where you live, where you have experience going. I can suggest many lakes along the I-90 coridoor. The Racheal Ramparts area is very nice and not to long. TB

[Gmac]

I live in Federal Way and would prefer camping at a lake. I would like to keep the mileage to 4 miles roundtrip or under. I have hiked alot up on the Mountain Loop and North Cascades(before kids). I need a easy hike that wont be to tough on the wife and kids, but I dont want a bunch of crowdseither. Thanks for your help.

[Kirt]

Welcome Gmac!! Your request is a tuff one. I'm not aware of short hikes to a lake for the family that won't be crowded. But here are some places I have taken my children over the years that fit your criteria..... 1- Talapus/Ollalie Lakes (along I-90) 2- Summit Lake (near Mt. Rainier) Like most hikes, if you are going to go over the weekend they both will be crowded. But they were great hikes in that they weren't too long of a trek but gave us the "hiking" experience. Good luck and I will be watching this thread to see where you decide to go. K

[solohiker]

I'll second Talapus Lake for your purpose. It's 4 mi RT with only 800 ft gain, making it ideal as a first backpack for kids. So ideal in fact that more hardened backpackers starting from that TH will continue on to Ollallie, Island, Rainbow or Pratt Lakes from there, leaving the area for you and other families in similar situations to enjoy for the night. It's obviouslly an easy dayhike, so you'll see plenty of people go in and out, but not so much to take away from the experience for your kids. WTA has held several scheduled work partys on this trail lately, so the trail is in excellent shape for young hikers. Don't be too discouraged if you see a crowded parking lot, it might be yet another work party, and those guys are always kid-friendly, too (that's who they're fixin the trail for!).

[evergreenhiker!]

another pretty spot is Heather Lake off the Mountain Loop road past Granite Falls. Talapus/Ollalie Lakes are good choices too. Yes, short hikes will be crowded on the weekends. I'd try to go during the week if you can. other lakes that might be worth a look are Kelcema Lake...off deer creek road...just half mile hike or boardman and ? lakes...also very short hike off the same road that goes up to Pinnacle/bear? lakes. All these lakes off the mountain loop road also.

[Lead Dog]

Goat Lake, just over from Barlow Pass on the Mountain Loop Hwy. is easy and not to long. About 5.5mi. Where ever you go, easy, short hikes to a lake will attract more people to them.

[Allison]

Lead Dog, the Elliot Creek trail to Goat Lake was seriously damaged in the flood last fall. I think there was a TR here just a couple of days ago. In the same area, I'd recco Heather Lake as a super-nice short trip (2 mi each way) for kids. Check on route conditions before going, don't know if it's melted out yet.

[Lead Dog]

Marylou your right on it! I was just logging back on when I discovered the road was out and lookie thare ya caught me!! Heather Lake is a good choice.

[Grinch]

Mirror Lake from the Stampede Pass exit is easy and a nice little place. So is Barclay Lake up towards Stevens Pass.

[Lead Dog]

Hope or Mig Lake on the PCT. 1.5mi. up the Tunnel Creek trail to Hope. Left from Hope 1 mi. on the PCT to Mig Lake. The Tunnel Creek trailhead is 4-5 mi West of Stevens Pass. Just before the hairpin curve near the top take the dirt road and follow it around as it goes up a hill take the first left near the top. The trailhead is 75 yds. from there on your right.

[lipstick hiker]

Backpacker Joe, where did you take that picture that is one your post?

[Wazzuhiker]

Monte Cristo is an easy hike, well more of a walk but they have nice covered camping shelters that would make camping out for beginners a lot more enjoyable.