Getting Started

Parking is free, but it’s first come-first-first serve on the street. We recommend parking near Lakeshore Road. Here you can make a 3-mile round trip journey to Hazel Dell Avenue. Stroller friendly, this paved trail includes available benches and trash cans, but no local bathroom. Four-legged friends are welcome on leashes as well.

First Stop: Gnome Trail

The Gnome Trail is a community-driven bit of magic, full of whimsical forest creatures in nooks and crannies along the walking trail just off the paved path. Find the main trailhead for the gnomes at the ¾ mile marker on the trail, and check for updates with the Gnome Trail Vancouver, Washington Facebook group online. You’ll have to park the strollers and bikes for this part, but the trail is short with additional entrance and exits points throughout. Look all around you for curated scenes with fairytale creatures. ProTip: You are welcome to leave additional gnomes, but please don’t take other’s contributions or leave trash behind. Psssst! Find not only gnomes, but a whole host of fantastical creatures across the greater metro here!

Stop 2: Prayer Box and a Picnic Stop

A bit further down the main trail, you’ll find a locked prayer box and an open space among the tree canopy that some refer to as the Cedar Cathedral. Downed logs and picnic tables make for nice shaded seating area here, though the origins for much of the area are unknown.

If you head back out onto the paved trail again, you’ll soon reach an open space, emerging from under the tree canopy. This is where the trail will move you closer to the fast-moving Burnt Bridge Creek. We didn’t find any trolls under the bridges, but we did find some posed skeletons guarding the yards of local residents.

Stop 3: Poetry Box

Continuing on the main trail, you’ll come across a vibrant poetry mailbox. Take a poem or leave a poem, it’s up to you. The origins of this box, like the prayer box, appear to be lost to time, but the poets are still visiting. The Poetry Box is located near some very friendly horses, but these equines happen to be allergic to carrots, so please follow the owners’ requests and don’t feed them — no matter how much they beg. The poetry path will lead you to a mini public park called Alki Road Park, a favorite for area dog owners. It’s also a great spot to stop for a picnic or an extra snack.

Shortly after the park, we turned around to complete our three-mile round trip, but Burnt Bridge Creek Trail is just around 8 miles, if you wish to walk farther.

Things to Do Nearby

• The trailhead is 4 miles away from Klineline Pond in one direction and the Vancouver Waterfront in another. Each of these areas have additional walking trails, splash pads, kids play spaces and restrooms. The waterfront is also walking distance of the weekend Vancouver Farmers’ Market.
• Uptown Main Street is a great location for a treat. For kid-friendly options, check out Bleu Door Bakery, SOMA Kombucha taproom, or Hungry Sasquatch for a slice. 

Tualatin Hills Nature Park

This place is great for strollers and, being mostly flat with very few fall hazards, toddlers who are just learning the art of the hike. Beware of poison oak though! Pro tip: This summer, swing by the Nature Center on Wednesdays at 11:45 to catch a free story time and bookmobile event, thanks to the Beaverton City Library. And on weekends starting in September, a free, drop-in nature preschool will open at the park. 

Mt. Tabor Park

No matter the season, Mt. Tabor Park offers an amazing opportunity to learn about the geology of the Pacific Northwest. And with paved paths and smooth-ish unpaved paths, there are a lot of options for you and babe to get some fresh air. Plus this park has a playground, covered shelters, picnic tables and benches, and several view points. Each Wednesday, Mt. Tabor is also closed for car traffic. Baby-friendly outing for the win!

Powell-Butte Nature Park

Some bits of the trails get a tad gravelly, but, for the most part, this is a well-paved winding pathway with plenty of signage to get kids excited about the wildlife in the area. There are many chances to adjust your hike to your desired distance—stay close to the visitor’s center or gradually ascend the summit for views of Cascade Mountain peaks.

Gabriel Park

Let your little one tire themselves out on the inclusive playground before a nice, relaxing stroller walk on the trail. This 89-acre hybrid park just completed a trail improvement project in 2024 that erected better signage and fixed problematic areas on the trails. Pro tip: It’s only a 6-minute drive to Boulevard Tap House, a charming mountainside taphouse and restaurant with great fish ‘n’ chips and a wonderful play area upstairs.

Starvation Creek Waterfall Trail

This trail is flat, paved and totally stroller-friendly from Starvation Creek Falls until Hole-in-the-Wall Falls. Visiting subsequent falls will require traversing rockier terrain. And just a 15-minute drive farther up the Gorge, you’ll find the Hood River Waterfront Park, which serves as the best waiting room ever for the several kid-friendly restaurants across the street. 

Mitchell Point Tunnel

These huge basalt cliffs offer a historical restoration of the beautiful tunnel-with-a-view that was partially destroyed to create I-84. With modern interior stonework and support structures, it’s now open to the public as of this March. There’s a small parking lot (only 18 spaces) which you can access from eastbound I-84 at exit 58. You can also access the tunnel by foot walking east from Viento State Park, but it’s not ideal for wheels. (This one is also about a 15-minute drive from the Hood River Waterfront.)

Banks-Vernonia Trail

The farthest out on this list, the Banks-Vernonia Trail is worth the trip when you are ready to switch it up and go on an adventure. It’s a gorgeous trail following an abandoned railroad bed stretching between the two cities of — you guessed it — Banks and Vernonia. The trail also connects to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, where you can camp year-round or enjoy the picnic shelter and Discovery Depot at the day-use area.

And when you’re ready for more hikes, sans stroller, check out these fun, family-friendly trails.

Dougan Falls

If you want to swim at a waterfall, follow the Washougal River Road towards Dougan Creek Campground and drive a short way on the camp road to the day use parking area. The day use area lets you park and walk right up to the swimming hole, a deep well at the base of a series of cascading 100-foot waterfalls. This spot gets deep quick, but is otherwise gentle near the base of the falls. The facility includes picnic tables and a vault toilet if you aren’t camping — perfect for a picnic.

Pro tip: You’ll need a Washington Discover Pass which can be purchased online for $10, or buy an annual pass. (Annual Discover passes are currently $30 and good for one year from the date of purchase. Starting Oct. 1, 2025 the annual fee will increase to $45.)

Naked Falls

Naked Falls is located near Stevenson, Washington (about 1 hour from downtown Portland) and minutes from Dougan Falls. This spot is probably one of my favorite discoveries upon moving to the area. No, I did not see any naked people. Yes, I saw plenty of waterfalls, swam, took all the photos, and felt like I had a true adventure. Naked Falls is a public river and waterway, but the land access is private. You’ll need to buy a parking pass for day use which is available online for $14. Day use allows you a full car (legal capacity of passengers) from sunrise to sundown. The water is accessible less than 50 feet from the parking lot but it’s down a steep dirt hill path. I use “path” generously here, and if you hate heights like me it’s a bit intimidating. My 6-year-old at the time though, had absolutely no trouble and spent much time encouraging me up and down the hill while I froze in terror. Despite all this, it’s worth it for one of the most unique intersections of rocks, pools and gentle falls you can find. A true hidden gem. Editor’s Note: There was a fatal fall earlier this year, and while we felt safe at the falls, it’s a good reminder to always exercise caution when exploring the outdoors.

Moulton Falls

Moulton Falls is the perfect walk up waterfall, especially if you like a short walk on a well-maintained trail. Open year round as part of a 387- acre park, swimming is allowed with a heavy dose of caution based on seasonal conditions. We visited in spring and watched fantastic raging water from the stroller friendly trails and lookout spots . If you are equipped to hike a short distance farther with a bit more rugged terrain, there is a hiking trail connecting to Lucia Falls, just 2.5 miles away.

Lucia Falls

Lucia Falls is the more aggressive neighbor to Moulton Falls (smaller park, bigger water). Pro tip: Lucia Falls is just for looking; swimming is not allowed. While some will note the high rate of icy cold water tumbling down the river, this area is also adjacent to sensitive fish spawning grounds. Like its neighbor, Lucia Falls boasts well-maintained trails and basic amenities such as bathrooms and picnic tables.

We visited the sister falls in the spring, and the rivers were absolutely raging. To our absolute delight, we happened to visit during a practice session of one of the area water rescue teams. Navigating those spring rapids in any manner is no task for the timid.  It also helped convince my kiddo that this was not a swimming beach.

If you can’t get enough of the amazing waterfall hikes in the PNW, you’ll love this waterfall and this one, too!

There are a lot of personalities to satisfy when scheduling a hike in my family. I want it to be new to us, my husband wants it to be interesting, my daughter likes to roller skate, and my son wants it to be short and easy. Well friends, we found the unicorn hike that checks every single box.

A New Gem in the Columbia River Gorge

The Mitchell Point Tunnel is part of a brand-new 1.5-mile section of trail that will one day help reconnect a historic 73-mile route along the Columbia River Gorge. It’s a big deal for hiking enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

And yes — the tunnel is real. At 655 feet long, it cuts through the basalt cliffs like something out of a fairytale, with arched windows offering peek-a-boo views of the Gorge.

Stroller- and Grandma-Approved

What makes this hike so special isn’t just the views — it’s the accessibility. The entire trail is paved, making it ideal for:

• Strollers and scooters

• Bikes and balance bikes

• Grandparents or anyone needing a gentler trail

This is one of those rare trails where everyone can join the adventure.

Plan Your Visit

There’s limited parking right at the trailhead, along with restrooms and picnic tables, so it’s easy to make a day of it. Bring a lunch, soak up the views, and let the kids run (or ride) wild. Some followers on Insta had trouble locating the trailhead, so here’s a link to Google Maps. Arrive early! The lot fills quickly.

Important Tip: It’s Windy!

One heads up — it gets blustery, especially inside the tunnel at the viewpoints. Layers are your friend!

Final Thoughts

Mitchell Point Tunnel is more than just a hike — it’s a glimpse into Oregon’s past, a win for trail accessibility, and a ridiculously scenic way to spend a morning. Whether you’re pushing a stroller or exploring with grandparents, this trail is a must-do.

Love this? Check out even more kid-friendly hikes!

Tom McCall Preserve

You likely associate the Columbia River Gorge with churning waterfalls and steep hikes winding around ferns and firs. But drive just 20 more minutes east from Hood River, and you’ll find yourself in Tom McCall Preserve, 231 acres of unique topography with views for miles. We recommend you opt for the Rowena Plateau Trail, just west of the viewpoint. The trail is mostly flat, which means you can let your little one run ahead quite aways and still remain within eyesight. The full loop is 2.1 miles, but you’ll get enough sights in the first twenty minutes that turning back early won’t ruin anyone’s afternoon. Look for arrowleaf balsamroots and lupines through mid-May. Pro tip: Pets aren’t allowed here, so leave the four-legged family members at home. On your way back to I-80, stop in Mosier at The Wagon Social Club for ice cream sandwiches, mocktails, and cornhole – and to use the restroom, as there aren’t any at the trailhead. 

Powell Butte Nature Park

Powell Butte Nature Park’s entrance is inauspiciously tucked into an East Portland neighborhood, which makes the payoff of its summit that much more rewarding. And don’t let the word “summit” throw you off — there’s an accessible trail leading from the visitor center (with restrooms, interactive educational display, and water fountains) to the top of the butte, easy enough for the littlest hiking boots. Look for serviceberries, lupines, goldenrods, and Oregon sunshine. If it’s a clear day, check out what my preschooler calls the “mountain map” — a display pointing out the peaks you can see from the butte, including Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Jefferson. 

Cooper Mountain Nature Park

With only 3.5 miles of trails spanning its 230 acres, visitors to Cooper Mountain Nature Park can expect pristine, wide-open prairies. Set out on a scavenger hunt for Oregon irises, camas, asters, lupines, and rare checker lilies — and reward a successful hike with a picnic at one of the area’s most popular nature playgrounds. The Little Prairie Loop is less than a mile, but I highly recommend continuing down Blacktail Way and then cutting across the Cooper Mountain Loop for the best views. There are a few stretches that can get sunny and hot, so be sure to bring water and snacks to power up. Pro tip: Pets aren’t allowed here, so leave the four-legged family members at home.

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

If you’re on the lookout for some of Portland’s most classic flowers, Tryon Creek State Natural Area in Southwest Portland is the place to go. Western trilliums are so ubiquitous here that there’s a Trillium Festival each spring to kick off the season (late February through mid-May). Start with the aptly named “Ruth Pennington Trillium Trail,” an ADA accessible trail just over half a mile long. With a total of 8 miles of trails through the park, you have many more to choose from if you want to continue your visit after a stop at the Nature Center (with bathrooms and gift shop) — just be aware that several have steep inclines and can get quite muddy after rain.

Camassia Nature Preserve

The common camas is another particularly special plant in the Portland area, with a long history in the region as an important trade item for Native tribes. At Camassia Nature Preserve in West Linn, its namesake flower can be found blooming in April and May. Park at the end of Alder or Walnut Street, at the south border of the preserve. The Camassia Preserve Loop is less than half a mile, but there are two other smaller loops you can add onto your visit if those little legs are still kicking. The trail is narrow, unpaved, and unsuitable for strollers or hand-holding, and there are no bathrooms at the trailhead. Pro tip: Pets aren’t allowed here, so leave the four-legged family members at home. After your hike, dip down into Oregon City to ride the municipal elevator, see Willamette Falls, and enjoy snacks and beverages at Oregon City Brewing Company. 

Cant get enough wildflowers? The Northwest Wildflowers Map is a helpful tool for finding flowers at peak bloom. Readers also recommend Dog Mountain Trail (challenging), Mosier Plateau, Hood River Mountain Loop (moderately challenging), and Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail (moderately challenging).

For more spring bloom locations, hit up these Portland-area spots!

The Stats

• Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 607 feet
• Time to Complete: About an hour

Is This Hike for You?

If you or your kids are afraid of heights, this is not your hike. But if you’re looking for breathtaking views with minimal effort, Beacon Rock is a dream. Try to go on a clear day, but even on a cloudy day (pictured here in the video) you’ll still have gorgeous views of the water.

The Best Part? No Mud!

Unlike so many PNW trails in the winter and spring, this one wasn’t muddy at all—a huge win if you’re tired of soggy boots.

What You Need to Know

• Discover Pass required (buy one in the parking lot or online).
• Bathrooms and a picnic table available at the trailhead.
• Leashed dogs allowed—bring your pup along!

Pro Tip: End with a Treat

On your way home, make a stop at Sugar Pine Drive-In. You earned it!

This hike is a must if you want a short, scenic adventure without the usual muddy winter mess. Bonus: your kids will be so proud of themselves!

Find even more family-friendly hikes here!

Getting my kids to hike in winter can be a hard sell, especially if it includes an hour-long drive to the Gorge. Obviously, I’m bribing them with butterscotch milkshakes at Eastwind Drive-in, but sometimes even that caramelized brown sugar hug of a beverage can’t get those hiking boots on their feet.

Fortunately, I can always get them to do this one very special waterfall hike.

Where to Find This Waterfall Hike

Start your adventure at Starvation Creek State Park, where parking is free and clean bathrooms with flush toilets are available. While the lot fills quickly during peak season, there’s usually plenty of space on gray winter days—even on weekends.

Starvation Creek Falls

Your first stop is Starvation Creek Falls, just a short walk from the parking lot. With a couple of picnic tables nearby, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy lunch—whether you fuel up before the hike or after.

Cabin Creek Falls

Next, follow the paved path to Cabin Creek Falls. For the more adventurous hikers, there’s an option to climb up for a closer view—but be cautious! The path is steep, wet, and slippery. Let’s just say I learned that the hard way last time, and I’ll be sticking to the paved section from now on.

Hole-in-the-Wall Falls

Your last stop is my favorite: Hole-in-the-Wall Falls. This one is really beautiful with a double cascade. There are also tables at this location, another great spot for a picnic.

The Route

Here’s a link to Google Maps if you want a visual of the route. Google says it’s 1.6 miles, but AllTrails clocks 2.2 miles when we hike it.

Bonus Hike: Lancaster Falls

If you want to get a little more exercise, you can hike to Lancaster Falls before turning around. It’s not that exciting, but it does feel secluded and lovely, if you want to make the extra effort. Strollers would have to be left at home if you opt for this addition.

Why My Kids Always Say Yes to This Hike

Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s easy, it’s not muddy, and the payoff is huge for such little effort. And just to be clear, this isn’t one of those “see-it-from-the-parking-lot” waterfall hikes (because let’s be real, those are the worst). You actually walk to each waterfall—even the first one—so it feels like a real hike. Because it is.

Things to Keep in Mind

There’s only one downside to this hike: the stretch by the highway can get pretty loud. The views are gorgeous, though, and almost make up for the noise. Luckily, this section is short, and the rest of the hike is serene.

You’ll get great views of all the waterfalls from the paved path, but if you want a more up-close experience, you can always take a detour for a closer encounter.

Love this? We’ve got plenty of other family-friendly hikes to share.

There is something undeniably enchanting about wandering through the woods with kids, the fall air crisp with the scent of pine and earth, as you search for hidden treasures beneath the forest canopy. In late September — and after a few soaking rain showers — I drove my three young boys to Old Salmon River Trail in Welches for a mushroom hunt. The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls, but for my young children, the magic of the day lay not in the trees or the sky, but on the damp, earthy floor beneath our feet. 

Our mission was to find the golden chanterelle (pictured above), one of the most prized edible mushrooms. We eagerly grabbed our baskets and started walking the trail. The forest here is filled with mature Douglas fir trees, creating the perfect environment for chanterelles to thrive.

If you look closely, you will find a wide variety of fungi in the forest this fall. My 7-year-old son, Grady, is always intent on finding mushrooms with whimsical names like “witch’s butter,” “blood tooth fungus,” and “turkey tails” that are all safe to touch. Sure enough, he found a decaying log adorned with velvety, fan-shaped fungi. The colors were mesmerizing — a swirl of browns, greens and blues creating intricate patterns. I explained that turkey tails are a kind of fungus that helps break down wood, turning it back into soil. On a stick nearby, a translucent, golden jelly fungus (witch’s butter) glistened in the sunlight. 

Meanwhile, my older son, Nolan, had wandered off the trail and found a cluster of golden chanterelles nestled among the mossy undergrowth. Their trumpet-shaped caps glowed in the sunlight: vibrant yellow to orange with smooth, wavy edges. He knelt to get a closer look, gently touching the thick, false gills that ran down their stems. Once he confirmed that these were indeed golden chanterelles and not their false look-alike (wooly chanterelles) he carefully trimmed the stems and put them in his basket.

Even my 4-year-old, Calum, found a pinecone with a tiny mushroom growing out of it and added a variety of fungi to his little basket. As we returned to the trail and hiked back, I reminded my boys that every mushroom tells a story. The bright red caps of a toxic fly agaric (pictured top right), the intricate pattern of a turkey tail fungus, the parasitic fungus that creates the lobster mushroom, or the strange, bulbous shape of a puffball — all these fungi are part of an intricate ecosystem in our Oregon woods. With each foraging trip, their understanding of the natural world deepens, as does their appreciation for the small wonders that often go unnoticed. And if we are lucky, we come home with a basket full of edible mushrooms for dinner as well!

Mushroom Safety Tips

While foraging is fun, it’s crucial to remember that not all mushrooms are safe to touch or eat. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never consume a mushroom unless you’re 100% sure it’s edible. Many mushrooms look similar to poisonous varieties, so if there’s any doubt, leave it out. The fully illustrated field guide Mushrooms of Cascadia by Christian Schwarz and Noah Seigel can help you learn more about safe mushroom picking.
• Teach kids not to touch their faces or put their hands in their mouths after handling mushrooms until they’ve washed their hands.
• Stick to well-known areas for foraging, and avoid picking mushrooms near roadsides or in areas that may have been treated with chemicals.

Navigating the Woods

While the thrill of discovery is a big part of mushroom foraging, ensuring your family’s safety is paramount. Forests can be vast and disorienting, especially when you’re focused on the ground looking for mushrooms. It’s surprisingly easy to lose your sense of direction, so it’s important to have a reliable way to stay on track. 

This is where technology comes in handy. Using a navigation app like ON x Maps can be a game-changer. Before you start your foraging adventure, open the app and mark your starting point. As you explore, you can track your route, making it easy to find your way back if you stray off course. The app also allows you to mark spots where you’ve found mushrooms, so you can return to those areas in the future.

More Spots to Forage

Tillamook State Forest
This hilly and off-trail wilderness area is well known for its lobster mushrooms (starting in late summer into fall) and chanterelles later in the fall and early winter.

Tumala Mountain Area
This wilderness area teeming with coniferous trees does not have many marked trails. We have found hedgehogs, cauliflower mushrooms, chanterelles and lobster mushrooms here in the fall. Early in the fall we have also found matsutake mushrooms.

Cape Lookout Trail
This 5-mile, round trip trail is all switchbacks downhill to a beach. A variety of fungi such as oyster mushrooms and lobster mushrooms grow right next to the trail in the fall after a soaking rain.

When a friend of mine told me she took her nine- and six-year-old on an eight-mile waterfall hike, I was wildly impressed. What kind of super-children could trudge eight miles, cheerfully, even for waterfalls? She assured me my kids, ages eight and eleven, could do it, too. So for my birthday, I requested that we pack up, drive to Silver Falls State Park, and enthusiastically see ten spectacular waterfalls. 

This was our family’s first trip to Silver Falls. I refused to look at pictures beforehand — no waterfall spoilers for me — so I had no idea how breathtaking the falls would be. The very first one (pictured above) is absolutely stunning, and the trail even winds behind it. We had hardly begun and were already blown away. At that point, I assumed we had seen the main event, and the rest would be afterthoughts. Absolutely untrue. Each waterfall was unique: some wide, some spectacularly tall, some you could touch with your hands. 

What to Expect

Technically, it’s a 7.2 mile loop, but if you take the little offshoot trails to get closer to the falls — and you absolutely should —  it can be between eight and nine miles. The trail will be wet in places, so wear the sturdiest shoes you have. My children wore sneakers and were fine. The trail difficulty is moderate, with an elevation change of 800 feet. If that’s too much for your family, remember: you don’t have to do the whole loop. We even saw toddlers on the first stretch. It takes most people around four hours to hike the entire loop, but we took it slowly, clocking around six hours.

No pets are allowed on the Canyon Trail, for safety reasons, so be sure to plan accordingly.

As this is a spectacular hike, expect crowds. We arrived early on a Saturday morning and found parking easily, but the parking lot was crowded when we left. The trail gets less crowded the farther you hike, so don’t despair at the start if it feels a little tight. If you’re really crowd-averse, try hiking it on a weekday. 

If you go in the summer, swimming is allowed at the base of the Upper North Falls and a swimming area near the South Falls (but not in view of it). On a hot day you’ll want to swim, so come prepared!

Tips and Tricks

Walk the trail clockwise, because you’ll walk into the best views, instead of turning around for them. We parked at the larger South Falls parking lot, where you’ll find bathrooms that even my public-restroom-averse child found acceptable. Don’t forget to make that initial bathroom stop; it’s a long hike.

I can’t emphasize enough: bring snacks! We brought birthday cookies, but don’t forget to bring real food and plenty of water, too. You will all need to be hydrated and energized for that long of a trek. 

You’ve Got This

Yes, of course, the last half hour my kids were absolutely done, only hanging onto cheerfulness by a lingering sugar high. But as soon as we sank into our car and began the blissful, restful drive home, we marveled at our unbelievable hiking stamina. We were amazing. We could do anything. We just saw ten waterfalls in one day. 

If kids can walk Disneyland, they can do this. And Mickey can’t hold a candle to these waterfalls. 

Looking for spectacular falls a little closer to home? We know just where to go.

Originally published Spring/Summer 2021

Why I Love the Tamanawas Falls Trail

We were camping in Mount Hood National Forest to escape the Portland heat, but it was still hot enough that my enthusiasm for a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike was lukewarm at best. (I grew up in Texas and moved to Portland to escape the heat, not exercise in it.) To my surprise and relief, most of the hike was shaded along a beautiful creek with a cool breeze blowing over the ice cold water. If you love hiking along the streams in Forest Park, you’ll love this trail.

The waterfall itself is much more beautiful that the photos I saw beforehand. It has a similar vibe to Wahclella Falls, but if you’re brave enough you can actually hike behind this one (see photos below). There’s no shame in opting out, though; I didn’t want to risk a slip on the moss, and I still had a 10/10 waterfall experience.

Even if you don’t climb behind the waterfall, you’ll still have to scramble up some rocks. It’s not dangerous — no steep drops at this point — but it is tricky and some of the rocks are smooth and slippery. I love this part because it makes the hike feel unique and interesting, but definitely wear trail shoes. My daughter left hers at home and slipped a couple of times.

Is the hike to Tamanawas Falls kid-friendly?

A six-year-old I passed on the trail gave the hike two enthusiastic thumbs up, and we saw plenty of other children, including a two-and-a-half-year-old and his dad. The latter said the hike is easily doable with a toddler if you’re willing to carry them near the steep drops and up the rocks. That said, the two of them were moving very slowly. I would probably recommend this one for ages 6 and up if your child enjoys hiking, ages 8 and up if they’re new to it. Alltrails tells me the elevation gain is 580 feet, but when I recorded our hike on the app we climbed 1,082 feet. Whichever is right, the gain is pretty gradual except for the rocky slope, and most kids could handle it easily.

What to bring on the Tamanawas Falls Trail

Don’t forget these items:

• Snacks. I don’t ask for much. I just want to eat my Trader Joe’s Trail Mix Crackers at the foot of a waterfall.
• Water. Do waterfalls make you thirsty, too? If not, the hike will.
• Cell. Bring your phone, but just for pictures — there’s no cellular service on this hike.
• Parking fee of $5 cash. We only had a twenty, so we made an unplanned $15 donation.
• Trail shoes. Learn from my daughter.
• Sunscreen. The trail is mostly shaded, but you’ll want to stay a while in the sunshine at the falls.

How to Get to Tamanawas Falls Trail

There’s a relatively large parking lot for a trailhead; it actually has two rows, which wasn’t immediately apparent to me. There are also bathrooms conveniently located at the beginning of the trail. It’s an easy day trip from Portland, but if you want to make a weekend of it, Sherwood Campground is only steps away, and Nottingham Campground is a very short drive.

I’m a waterfall enthusiast, and Tamanawas is a new favorite.

There are some waterfalls that are overrated (cough, Multnomah Falls, cough), but Tamanawas is truly worth your time.

Can’t get enough waterfalls? Here are eight more to visit.