5 best kid-friendly hikes in Anacortes
Whether you are visiting beautiful Fidalgo Island or you live here but love to explore and teach your little ones about hiking from an early age, this blog post is for you. We moved here 2 years ago (read about our cross-country trip with little ones), and we were amazed by the endless possibilities for hiking. We were devoted to trying a new hike every week! This goal faded over the months as work and life picked up, but the desire is still there. Anacortes offers amazing opportunities to stay connected to nature wherever you are. Hiking trails range from super easy to hard, but most importantly, they are very accessible!
Whistle Lake Trailhead – This one is first on my list because of its wide, flat trail that is incredibly easy to walk or even push a good stroller. It takes you all the way to Whistle Lake, so you have something to look forward to before turning around and heading back. Whistle lake trail is the quickest and easiest but there are many other options too or you can loop around the entire lake too.
Parking is free.
Bathroom access is very limited. There is one bathroom half way down to the lake.
Fun fact: the locals swim at the lake in summer and find on small “beachy” area by the lake.
Sharpe Park (1.5 miles) - This park has many different trails. Sares trail leads to the top of the cliff with sneak views of the Deception pass bridge. This hike might be a little too challenging for younger children but doable, but you can easily stay closer to the main area and explore the enchanted forest instead.
Parking is free.
Bathroom at the parking lot only
Cranberry Lake at Deception Pass State Park (1 mile) – I absolutely love this quick loop walk, even though we are getting little further than just Anacortes here. During this walk you will find yourself by the beach, by the lake and in the magical forest all at once. Park at the northwest beach parking lot and start walking in between the Cranberry lake and the ocean, pass the lake swimming beach and the shelter until you find Sand Dune Interpretative Trail.
Paid parking or bring you Discover Pass
Bathrooms are available here
Fun fact: It’s likely you will see bold eagles and their nest and check out the 850 years old and unique fir tree - its’ size might surprise you!
A Avenue Trailhead– Features flat, easy terrain. Download a map of trails first because it’s so easy to get lost if not super familiar. The ACFL forestland is magical anywhere you are, so just wander around and let the kids explore.
Free parking
No bathrooms available
Fun fact: Watch out for the owls! They have snatched my husband’s hat from his head couple of time :) No joke.
Heart Lake (4 miles) This hike sounds so beautiful, doesn’t it? One thing to know is that the trail does not loop around the lake. Otherwise, you may end up like we did—almost reaching the other side, only to realize you have to turn around and walk all the way back. Plan ahead and only hike as far as you're comfortable walking back.
Fun fact: the kiddos can play pretend fishing right from the parking lot
Hiking in the Pacific Northwest is a wonderful experience. No matter which trail you choose or which neighborhood you find yourself in, you'll be close to magical forests and shoreline trails. You'll also have the opportunity to witness wildlife, from eagles soaring overhead to barred owls camouflaged among the trees. One of my favorite things to observe is the sunlight shining through the tall trees which calls for such good photos!
Would you love to have your family photos taken at one of the breathtaking Pacific Northwest locations? Reach out to me, and let's chat further.
