Top 10 Oregon Hikes for Kids

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There is something very special about hiking with children. Getting to experience nature through their eyes, as they stand in awe of a big tree, a wildflower or a view of the mountains. Because you can't always go on long extreme hikes or backpacking excursions with your child until they get a bit older, I have for you below 10 awesome hikes for kids ages 3-8 and up that are easy day hikes! If you are hiking with your child for the first time, remember that kids love rewards, whether it's a lake at the end of the hike, or even a yummy picnic lunch. Make the hike interesting and fun by pointing out different kinds of wildflowers and trees, or listen for the sounds of birds. 
My father took me hiking from age 3 on, and it has fueled my love for nature ever since. 
Take your kid hiking today, rain or shine, and remember to have a blast!!!

​Ages 3+

Trillium Lake​
The loop around Trillium Lake is 2 miles long and is very flat. Half of the hike is even on manmade boardwalks for easy walking. This loop provides spectacular views of Mt. Hood, and at the end of the day you can reward your family with a splash in the lake on the sandy beaches at the day use area. 
​(Click here for more information and directions)

Hobbit Trail​ 
This magical 1/2 mile trail to Hobbit Beach takes you through a mossy fairytale forest. The trail goes through a really neat tunnel, made by the roots of huge bushes growing on the hillside above, and it spits you out at the beach. Hobbit Beach is a fun place to play, find shells and small crabs. 
(Click here for more information and directions)

Ages 5+

Opal Creek
This easy 7 mile hike trends downhill to the old mining town of Jawbone Flats. Along the way you will see old buildings, as well as old rusty mining equipment along the trail. This is a great educational hike for any child, and in the summer you can take a dip in the beautiful clear waters of Opal Pool.
(Click here for more information and directions)

​Blue Pool
Blue Pool is one of the coolest places along the McKenzie River, and it can be reached by only hiking 2.1 miles. The first part of this hike is along the beautiful McKenzie River with a wide, almost dusty trail. Towards the end the trail becomes a bit rocky and trends uphill until you see the deep blue color of Blue Pool, also known as Tamolitch Pool. This is where the McKenzie River resurfaces after being underground for over 2 miles.
(Click here for more information and directions)

Horsepasture Mountain​
This 2.8 out and back hike takes you up a fairly steep hill with great views of the Cascades from the top. In the late spring this hike offers many wildflowers along its Eastern facing hillsides. The 360 degree view from the top provides you a panoramic view of Diamond Peak, Mt. Bachelor, the Three Sisters, Three Finger Jack, Mt. Jefferson and even Mt. Hood! 
(Click here for more information and directions)

Ages 6+

​​Kentucky Falls
This secluded 4.4 mile roundtrip hike can be found in the Coast Range, and offers close up views of three very large waterfalls, Upper Kentucky Falls, Lower Kentucky Falls and North Fork Falls. The hike trends downhill on the way to the falls on a maintained dirt trail. 
(Click here for more information and directions)

​Trestle Creek Falls
From Brice Creek you can take a wonderful 3.75 mile loop up to Lower and Upper Trestle Creek Falls. The trail is steep at times, but the fact that the trail takes you behind Upper Trestle Creek Falls is pretty cool! If you go in the spring you will get to see wildflowers along the trail, and the waterfalls are a lot more impressive.
(Click here for more information and directions)

Clear Lake​
This easy 5.5 mile trail loops around Clear Lake and offers a diversity of terrain, from thick lush forests, to rocky lava sections, and marsh lands. If you want to teach your child about the history of Oregon and geology bring them here and have them look see the cool lava rocks and the many 1,000 year old petrified snags that lie visibly at the bottom of Clear Lake. After finishing the hike you can get a cabin at the lake or camp at Coldwater Cove campground.
(Click here for more information and directions)

Ages 8+

​Tidbits Mountain​
This lesser known 3.75 mile hike can be found past the Blue River reservoir. Here you can hike through old growth forest along bushes of rhododendron blooms up to the unique spires of Tidbits Mountain. From the top you can see the Three Sisters to the East and the entire McKenzie River Valley sprawled out in front of you. There are a few steep and rocky sections on this trail so make sure you have good hiking shoes.
(Click here for more information and directions)

Patjens Lakes​
This is easily one of the best hikes in the Mt. Washington wilderness! This 6.75 mile loop offers a plethora of wildflowers from beginning of July until early August. You can make this a short backpacking trip if you wanted to, and camp at one of the 4 Patjens Lakes. Or if you choose to keep it a day hike, take a dip in the cool waters of Big Lake at the end of the hike. 
(Click here for more information and directions)
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*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer

*Disclaimer: The trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon LLC are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.