With the weather warming up (finally), and the South Sound starting to hit record temperatures, a great way to get out and enjoy the day without melting is to pick from one of the many many trails we have around the Sound.
I have a few favorites that I am going to share with you, and all are super kid freindly!
Tolmie State Park - this is a family favorite! We go a few time a month, and while it's fantastic year round, summer is especially nice. When the tide is out, you can walk quite a ways out. Have the kids bring buckets and hunt for sand dollars and crab or hunt along the shore line for shells. There are two hikes to choose from, both fairly easy, and the forest is tranquil and lush. Also, very pet freindly! The forest hike will keep you cool, and a dip in the water on expecially hot days for the kids is a bonus! Bring lunch and picnic on the sand, or one of several tables available. My favorite ammenity: RESTROOMS
http://www.stateparks.com/tolmie.html
Ferrel Marsh - I'm partial to this trail for two reasons; 1) It's in my neighborhood and 2) it has so many trais to explore you feel like you're in the wilderness, with the safety of always being near civilization! The marsh area itself is is cool and offers nice scenerey, but if you get off the beaten path, you'll discovered wide dirt paths and quite a few directions to take. Very eaasy kid freindly trails that travel up the Steilacoom- DuPont Hwy, to the North Ft. Lewis back gate, or out towards Lakewood, depending on which way you go at the fork. If you're not familiar with the area, take a gps, compass or phone just incase. My dad and I got "lost" for an hour on one of the back trails. Luckliy, the trail backed up to houses and a nice woman practicing Tai Chi helped us find our way back.
http://washington.hometownlocator.com/maps/feature-map,ftc,2,fid,1510644,n,farrell%20marsh%20park.cfm
Chambers Bay Loop - WOW!! If you want to work up a sweat and have a fantastic view, Chambers Bay is the place. With a breathtaking view of the Sound, and the beautiful Chambers Bay Links Golf Course, this is one awesome paved trail. The trail has several places to start from, both a higher and lower parking area, and two very steep hills to trek up. I have enjoyed this as an evening walk with the family as well my cardio excercise with friends, but feel free to bring your bikes, too. Restrooms and water fountains for you and your pooch! If you're lucky, you may see one of the resident Eagles who have nested and made Chambers Bay their home. There is a dog park on site, and a fantastic grassy area for kite flying, book reading and just relaxing by the Sound! I do suspect that after just one visit, you'll make this a favorite, too.
http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/parks/trails.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment