Four Local Hikes to Do as a Family

Hiking with your family is the perfect thing to do on weekends this fall. As the fall season becomes more dominant, the trails change from their summer green to the various colors that make hiking so beautiful in the Pacific Northwest. 

Need even more of a reason than the beauty of the outdoors to go on a hike with your family? It’s beneficial! It gives your family the opportunity to get out of the house which helps to relax and in turn reduces stress. YMCA exercise instructor and working mom, Jennifer says, "there is so much more to health than just being active, it’s also about taking care of your mental health... and by getting out of the house you’re able to accomplish both health aspects.

It also gives you the opportunity to spend quality time together. Like most families, you might have a hard time getting together around the table? Make a hike your opportunity to have a family meal together by packing a lunch that you eat at the top of the mountain or mid-point of the hike.

Jennifer’s Family Friendly Hike Suggestions:

 

1. Poo Poo Point Chirico Trail
3.8 miles roundtrip 

For Information: 
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/poo-poo-point-chirico-trail

 

2. Tradition Lake Loop
2.9 miles roundtrip

For Information tradition Lake Loop:
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/tradition-lakes

 

3. Rattlesnake Ledge
4 miles roundtrip 

For Information: 
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rattle-snake-ledge

 

4. Little Si
4.7 miles roundtrip 

For Information: 
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/little-si

If you don't have time to go for a hike this weekend, Jennifer says even just going for a walk around the block with your family will be beneficial for your family. It’s just about getting outside, being together and leaving technology and distractions behind even if it’s only for 20 minutes. 

Want more tips from Jennifer? Join her and our other exercise instructors throughout the week in various group exercise classes.