Family Trips in Washington State: Rain Forest, Glaciers and an Island by Ferry
The best family trips in Washington State are short walks with a big payoff: a 0.8 mile loop through the Hoh Rain Forest, a 1.2 mile stroller-friendly trail to a glacier view at Mount Rainier, a ferry ride to Orcas Island, and lakes and meadows at Mount Baker in late summer. All four work from Seattle. Most are best from July to September, when the high roads are clear of snow.
Four family trips compared
| Trip | Base | Easiest walk | Best for | Our itinerary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Peninsula | Port Angeles and Forks | Hall of Mosses, 0.8 mile loop | Rain forest, beaches and a mountain ridge in one loop | 7 day family loop |
| Mount Rainier | Paradise, via the Nisqually Entrance | Nisqually Vista, 1.2 miles | Glaciers and wildflower meadows | 3 day itinerary |
| Orcas Island | Eastsound | Short walks in Moran State Park | Kids who like boats and water | 3 day itinerary |
| Mount Baker | Heather Meadows and Artist Point | Picture Lake area | Late summer lakes and mountain views | Chain Lakes weekend |
1. The Olympic Peninsula
This is the one trip in the state that gives kids a rain forest, a mountain ridge and a wild beach in a single loop, which is why our Olympic Peninsula family road trip takes seven days to go all the way around.
- The Hoh Rain Forest. The Hall of Mosses is a 0.8 mile loop through old growth maples draped in club moss, and the Spruce Nature Trail is a 1.2 mile loop along Taft Creek and the Hoh River. Both start at the visitor center at the end of the Upper Hoh Road, which is under an hour from Forks and about two hours from Port Angeles. The visitor center is open daily in summer and closed from January to early March.
- Hurricane Ridge. 17 miles south of Port Angeles on Hurricane Ridge Road. The old day lodge was destroyed by fire, so check the park website for which services are open before you go. In winter the road is scheduled to open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays only, weather permitting. Our Hurricane Ridge hikes guide lists the short trails.
- The coast. Rialto Beach and the tide pools are the part most kids remember. See our Olympic Peninsula beaches guide for which beaches suit younger children.
With only a weekend, the 2 day Olympic itinerary does Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, the Hoh and Rialto Beach from Seattle.
2. Mount Rainier from Paradise
Paradise sits at 5,400 feet, 19 miles east of the Nisqually Entrance, and has the best short family walks in the park.
- Nisqually Vista Trail. A 1.2 mile walk to views of the Nisqually Glacier. The park lists it as suitable for families with strollers.
- Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls. About 1 mile, and wheelchair accessible with assistance.
- Deadhorse Creek and Moraine Trail. 2.5 miles, for kids ready for a little more.
There is no timed entry at Mount Rainier in 2026. The vehicle pass is $30 for seven days, and the entrance stations do not take cash. The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center is typically open daily from May to early October, with exhibits and ranger programs. Our Mount Rainier 3 day itinerary adds Sunrise, on the other side of the mountain, and the Mount Rainier day hikes guide lists longer trails for older kids.
3. Orcas Island by ferry
For many kids the Washington State Ferries crossing from Anacortes is the highlight of the trip. Anacortes is about 90 minutes north of Seattle, and a direct sailing to Orcas takes about 55 minutes. Sailings that stop at Lopez or Shaw take longer.
The one thing that decides whether this trip works: if you bring a car, reserve both directions with the ferry system before you book a room. Reservations are free, but without one you wait in the standby line, and in summer that can mean missing several sailings. Our guide to getting to Orcas Island explains how the reservation windows work, and the Orcas Island 3 day itinerary covers Mount Constitution, Cascade Falls and whale watching.
4. Mount Baker's Heather Meadows
At the end of the Mount Baker Highway (SR 542), Heather Meadows and Artist Point have lakes, heather and blueberry meadows, and close views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. Picture Lake and the Artist Ridge Trail are the easy family options. The road to Artist Point is not plowed in winter and has no set opening date, so this is a late summer trip; check the Forest Service road conditions before you drive up. A recreation pass is required to park.
Older kids who can manage a longer day can try the Chain Lakes Loop, about 6.5 miles past five alpine lakes. Our Artist Point hikes guide covers the shorter trails.
Passes and where to sleep
Olympic and Mount Rainier each charge $30 per vehicle for a seven day pass, and Mount Baker's Heather Meadows needs a recreation pass to park. If you are doing more than one of these trips, an America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees and standard day use fees across federal agencies, so one pass handles all three.
For camping, Heart O' the Hills Campground sits 5 miles south of Port Angeles on the road up to Hurricane Ridge, with 105 sites open year round. The Hoh Campground has 72 sites along the river in the old growth forest, all reservable in peak season. On Orcas, book your room only after the ferry reservations are in hand.
Planning tips for families
- Go July through September for the mountains. Paradise, Hurricane Ridge in summer, and Artist Point are all at their most reliable once the snow melts out.
- Pack for rain on the peninsula. The Hoh is a rain forest, and even summer days can be wet and cool on the coast.
- Book ferries and campgrounds early. Hoh Campground sites are reservable six months ahead on recreation.gov in peak season.
- Keep the walks short. Every trip above has a first walk under 1.5 miles. Our guide to hiking with kids covers pacing and what to carry.
Family Trips in Washington State: Rain Forest, Glaciers and an Island by Ferry FAQs
The Olympic Peninsula, because one loop gives kids a rain forest, a mountain ridge and ocean beaches. Start with the 0.8 mile Hall of Mosses loop in the Hoh Rain Forest.
The Nisqually Vista Trail at Paradise. It is 1.2 miles with views of the Nisqually Glacier, and the park lists it as suitable for families with strollers. The Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls, about 1 mile, is another short option.
No. There is no timed entry at Mount Rainier in 2026. You still need an entrance pass, $30 per vehicle for seven days, and the entrance stations are cashless.
If you are taking a car, yes in practice. Vehicle reservations are free, and you need one for each direction. Without one you wait in the standby line at Anacortes, which in summer can mean missing several sailings.
It is a 0.8 mile loop starting at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. The nearby Spruce Nature Trail is a 1.2 mile loop along the Hoh River.
July through September. The road to Artist Point at Mount Baker is not plowed in winter and has no set opening date, and Paradise at Mount Rainier gets heavy snow, so late summer is the most reliable time.
Yes. The worked day-by-day plan is Olympic Peninsula Family Road Trip: 7-Day Loop (7 Days), with the permits, the stays and the drive times already sorted. Tell us your dates and we will put it together for you and confirm what is genuinely open on those days. Asking is free: no card, no deposit, and nothing is held until you say yes.
