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Family-Friendly Hikes near Olympia

8 routes near Olympia qualify, ranked below by how much walkers rate them. They average 2.9 km and 63 m (207 ft) of ascent, with the longest running to 5.8 km.

That is 73 percent of the 11 routes we map near Olympia. They are shorter than the local average, 2.9 km against 5.1 km, which is what makes this a practical shortlist for a half day. They also climb less than the area average, 63 m (207 ft) against 112 m (367 ft), so they suit a recovery day or a group with mixed fitness.

Family routes here are short, gently graded and interesting enough to keep younger legs moving. Every one is under seven kilometres with limited climbing. Most of these are on the gentler end, which makes the list a good starting point if you are new to the area.

Trails

Easy

Washington · United States

Distance
1.2 km
/ 0.8 mi
Elevation gain
27 m
Typical duration
18 min
Easy

Washington · United States

Distance
0.7 km
/ 0.4 mi
Elevation gain
14 m
Typical duration
9 min
Easy

Washington · United States

Distance
3.2 km
/ 2.0 mi
Elevation gain
71 m
Typical duration
47 min
Easy

Washington · United States

Distance
5.8 km
/ 3.6 mi
Elevation gain
127 m
Typical duration
1 hr 24 min
Easy

Washington · United States

Distance
3.5 km
/ 2.2 mi
Elevation gain
77 m
Typical duration
50 min
Easy

Washington · United States

Distance
4.4 km
/ 2.7 mi
Elevation gain
97 m
Typical duration
1 hr 4 min
Easy

Washington · United States

Distance
2.7 km
/ 1.7 mi
Elevation gain
59 m
Typical duration
39 min
Easy

Washington · United States

Distance
1.6 km
/ 1.0 mi
Elevation gain
35 m
Typical duration
23 min

The shortlist, side by side

The ten highest scoring routes on this page, so you can compare effort before opening any of them.

Distance, ascent, walking time and difficulty for the top routes
RouteDistanceAscentTimeDifficultyBest season
Cascara LoopWashington1.2 km27 m18 minEasyApril to October
Cottonwood LoopWashington0.7 km14 m9 minEasyApril to October
Divide Trail NorthWashington3.2 km71 m47 minEasyApril to October
Elma City LoopWashington5.8 km127 m1 hr 24 minEasyApril to October
Harbor Family ParkWashington3.5 km77 m50 minEasyApril to October
North Rim #1Washington4.4 km97 m1 hr 4 minEasyApril to October
Rock Candy EastWashington2.7 km59 m39 minEasyApril to October
SuzukiWashington1.6 km35 m23 minEasyApril to October

If you only have time for one, start with Divide Trail North, North Rim #1, Rock Candy East. Those are the routes people come back to. Every route on this page links through to a full guide with the map, elevation profile, seasonal advice and what to bring.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

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