13 Kid-Friendly Waterfall Hikes for Seattle-Area Families
Photo:
Devon Hammer
Cherry Creek Falls, Duvall
Kids will love: A crashed car in the middle of the forest about halfway to the falls will certainly spark their imaginations. The falls cascade into a pool where some people swim in the summer. The kids will love throwing rocks into the water and feeling the mist from the falls.
Highlights: This is a gorgeous fairly flat hike through a moss-covered forest along burbling streams. At 2.5 miles in and 2.5 miles back, it’s a long hike. Depending on the ages in your group, be prepared with snacks and plan for breaks along the way. It is known to be a muddy trail and you must cross a few streams so waterproof shoes or boots are a must. (The last stream before reaching the falls can be dangerous to cross in the springtime. Check conditions on the WTA website or avoid this trail in the spring season.) Once you ford the creek, you will hear the roar of Cherry Creek Falls. Find your way through a small patch of forest and you’ll come to a stunning clearing featuring the impressive 25-foot falls. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. The falls flow year-round but the left-hand side generally dries up by autumn.
Distance: 5 miles round-trip, 450 feet elevation gain
Info: The first half mile of this trail is a courtesy easement within private property in the central cascades. It is important to remain on the trails.
Conditions: During the spring season, you must cross a large stream right before reaching the falls. Please check conditions on the WTA website or avoid this trail in early spring.
Directions: From the junction of SR 203 and Woodinville-Duvall Road in downtown Duvall, head north on SR 203 for about 500 feet, then turn right on NE Cherry Valley Road. Follow this road for 4.3 miles to Mountain View Road, turn left and park on the west shoulder of Mountain View Road. There is no public parking lot. Parking is limited to the shoulder of Mountain View Road only. There is no trail access near road signs marked Private or No Parking.
Next stop: Sol Duc Falls
