Craig Hill: 5 hikes suitable for 3 generations of family

Sixteen years later the picture still hangs in my parent’s home.

Looking a bit like seasoned hikers, but more like city slickers thanks to a shiny new kid-carrier pack used for toting my daughter, three generations huddled together so a stranger could snap our photo with a disposable camera.

We were on a mountain trail above Sheep Lake near Chinook Pass, the same place my dad took me for one of my first backpacking trips when I was a kid.

Summers — or whatever wet season this is we are in now — are the perfect time to make memories like these. But if you’re going to take three or four generations out for a hike, there is much to be considered. Gramp’s achy joints. Junior’s nap schedule. A destination worth the effort.

Here are five hikes worth considering for a three-generation hike:

DUCKABUSH RECREATION AREA

Collins Campground in the Duckabush Recreation Area of Olympic National Forest is a good place to set up base camp for a weekend of hiking. Several easy hikes begin within a short drive of the campground, including Murhut Falls and Ranger Hole.

Murhut Falls is a quick hike to a 130-foot waterfall. The trail climbs gradually before a short descent to the falls. The upper falls are tucked into a ravine, but easily viewed from the end of the trail. There are signs of visitors leaving the trails for a better look, but visitors are reminded to stick to the designated path. The ground is uneven and sometimes slippery.

A round trip to the falls is less than 2 miles, so you might be game for a another hike.

Ranger Hole is a 2.1-mile round trip from the forest’s original administration building to the Duckabush River. The whitewater area at Ranger Hole was a favorite fishing spot for Emery Finch, the forest ranger who built the building in 1907. Today, the building (the three-room Interrorem Cabin) is available to rent.

The trail trace’s Finch’s path through the trees, ferns and moss to the river. It is an easy walk with a steeper pitch near the river. A short loop near the cabin includes interpretive signs telling the story of Ranger Hole and the Finch family.

Getting there: Take U.S. Highway 101 north from Shelton or south from Quilcene. Near Milepost 301, turn southwest on Duckabush Road and follow signs to the recreation area. For Ranger Hole, park at the Interrorem Cabin just after entering Olympic National Forest. For the falls, continue several miles into the forest on the unpaved road. After crossing the Duckabush River bridge, turn right at the junction and drive for another 1.5 miles to the trailhead.

Map: Green Trails 168: The Brothers.

Pass: Northwest Forest Pass.

More info: fs.usda.gov/olympic.

HOLE-IN-THE-WALL

It’s a flat 2 miles from Rialto Beach to the sea arch known as Hole-in-the-Wall, but there are plenty of distractions along the way.

Beachcombers can explore tidal pools, skip rocks and watch kids leap over driftwood logs. Campsites are available if you really want to take your time.

Hole-in-the-Wall is a classic photo opportunity, especially at low tide when visitors can sometimes hike through the hole. Some choose to hike over the wall. Be sure to check the tides before your trip, especially if you plan to wander beyond the sea arch. Mistiming the tides could leave you stranded.

Getting there: From U.S. Highway 101 just north of Forks, head west on state Route 110. After 7.7 miles, turn right on Mora Road and continue to Rialto Beach.

Map: Green Trails 130S-Ozette.

Pass: Olympic National Park pass.

More info: fs.usda.gov/olympic.

ISLAND CENTER FOREST

Those looking for a closer getaway ought to be able make memories by coupling a ferry ride with a few hours exploring the bird haven that is Vashon Island’s Center Forest. More than 80 species of birds live in the forest.

Mukai and Meadowdale ponds near the 188th Street trailhead are enjoyable places to stop and take in the sounds of the ecosystem. The 435-acre forest has a web of about 10 miles of trails. The island community raised $4.7 million to preserve the forest, which has been a King County park since 2005.

The trails also are open to horses and mountain bikers.

Getting there: From Vashon Highway Southwest, which runs the length of the Island, turn west on 188th Street and continue to the trailhead, one of five for the trail system.

Map: Available on the King County Parks website and some trailhead kiosks.

Pass: None.

More info: kingcounty.gov, vashonparks.org or vashonlandtrust.org.

LAVA CANYON

Located south of Mount St. Helens, Lava Canyon is an ideal family hike because it offers three options, each a little more challenging than the others. All three have their own rewards.

The first and easiest section is a paved ADA path that leads 0.4 miles to an viewing area that overlooks the canyon and Muddy River.

The second part is a loop visiting both sides of the river. A wobbly suspension bridge will shake the nerves of some and delight others. The bridge can be skipped for those uncomfortable with the experience.

The trail gets more serious below the bridge, with exposed sections that should be left to sure-footed hikers. The lower part of the trail requires descending a cliff via a ladder.

A 0.2-mile spur trail with another ladder climbs to a rocky viewpoint called the Ship. From here you can view the long climb back to the trailhead.

The hike is one of the most popular at Mount St. Helens, so rangers recommend visiting midweek if you can.

Getting there: Exit Interstate 5 in Woodland and follow state Route 503 through Cougar until the road becomes Forest Road 90. Continue to Forest Road 83 and turn left. Continue to the trailhead.

Map: Green Trails 332S: Mount St. Helens.

Pass: Northwest Forest Pass.

More info: bit.ly/1BQ9rq2.

SHEEP LAKE

The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,700-mile Mexico-to-Canada dream adventure unrealistic for most hikers. Instead of a multi-month thru hike, most must settle for sampling sections. The short walk from Chinook Pass to Sheep Lake is one of those easy sections the entire family can enjoy.

The first 1.2 miles are flat, but then the trail then turns upward for a gentle climb to Sheep Lake. The lake is a fun place to picnic, camp, fish or, for the thick-skinned, swim. The hike is 4 miles round trip, making it an ideal destination for a first backpacking trip.

The hike can be easily extended in either direction and you might be temped to do so because small peaks around the lake block views of Mount Rainier. Hiking above the lake to Sourdough Gap pushes the trip to 6.5 miles and adds 800 feet of climbing but rewards hikers with views of the valley below and Mount Adams.

Getting there: Follow state Route 410 to Chinook Pass and find the trailhead just outside of Mount Rainier National Park.

Map: Green Trails 270: Mount Rainier East.

Pass: Northwest Forest Pass.

More info: fs.usda.gov/okawen.

This story was originally published July 14, 2016 at 8:56 AM with the headline "Craig Hill: 5 hikes suitable for 3 generations of family."