The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Jefferson County

Step into the unique Hoh Rain Forest, a lush temperate environment often called a fairy tale setting. This easy hike follows the glacier-fed Hoh River, where you will see towering old-growth trees draped in vibrant green moss. The route covers 2.8 miles (4.6 km) with a minimal elevation gain of 165 feet (50 metres), making it a gentle journey. You can expect to complete this trail in about 1 hour and 12 minutes, reaching the picturesque Mineral Creek Falls, a 60-foot waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks. It is a perfect choice for a quick outdoor escape.

The trailhead for this route is conveniently located near the Hoh Visitor Center, making it easy to find. You can access the trail year-round, but for a more peaceful experience, consider visiting outside of peak hours. Be prepared for potentially muddy sections, as it is a rainforest, so sturdy shoes with good grip are advisable for your comfort and safety.

This trail offers a direct immersion into the unique ecosystem of the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the few remaining temperate rainforests in the world. Its distinctive character, with ancient trees and abundant mosses, sets it apart within Olympic National Park. The journey along the Hoh River provides a glimpse into a vibrant natural environment, culminating in the serene beauty of Mineral Creek Falls.

The Maple Valley Loop in Dosewallips State Park offers a delightful forest immersion, winding through dense canopies of maple and fir trees. You'll follow old logging routes and the Dosewallips River, crossing charming wooden bridges over brooks like Phantom Creek. Expect lush native plants, seasonal wildflowers, and a scenic overlook providing panoramic views of the valley, making it a serene and visually rewarding experience.

This easy 2.2-mile (3.6 km) hiking route, with only 232 feet (71 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour, making it ideal for a quick escape. Located within Dosewallips State Park, it's easily accessible, though some sections can be muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended. It's a fantastic option for families or anyone looking for a gentle, accessible outdoor adventure.

Beyond its natural beauty, the area holds historical significance, with traces of indigenous Coast Salish peoples and relics from bygone logging days. In autumn, the bigleaf maples transform the valley into a radiant display of gold, and you might spot wildlife like black-tailed deer or Douglas squirrels. This trail is a testament to the rich biodiversity and history of the region.

Ruby Beach offers an unforgettable, rugged coastal experience, perfect for a quick stop or a leisurely exploration. The short path from the parking area leads you down to a dramatic shoreline, where you'll find towering sea stacks, like Abbey Island, rising from the Pacific. The beach itself is a fascinating landscape of sand, pebbles, and an incredible collection of massive driftwood logs, creating a unique and ever-changing scene. At low tide, vibrant tide pools reveal a hidden world of marine life, making it a captivating spot for nature lovers and photographers.

This easy 0.6-mile (0.9 km) hike has no elevation gain and takes only about 14 minutes to reach the beach, though you'll want to spend much longer exploring. The trail is easily accessible from Highway 101, with a parking area right at the trailhead. For the best experience, plan your visit around low tide to explore the tide pools and safely cross Cedar Creek, which can become impassable at high tide. Arriving early can help you secure parking during busy periods.

Ruby Beach is renowned for its unique geological features and the sheer volume of artistic driftwood that washes ashore, setting it apart from other Olympic Coast trails. It's an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see bald eagles, seabirds, and even whales offshore. The beach's name comes from the reddish crystals in the sand, which shimmer in the sun, adding another layer of natural beauty to this iconic Olympic National Park destination.