Ultimate Guide to PNW Hikes Around the Gig: Kid and Pooch Friendly
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Are you hoping to find the best places to hike within a 3-hour drive of Gig Harbor? With adventure around every corner in the Pacific Northwest, your options are endless. From state parks to local pooch and kid friendly hikes, this list will get the whole family outdoors and having fun!
*Before you leave on your adventure, always check weather conditions, park pass requirements, and updates on any road or trail closures. Also make sure that each trail is still dog friendly!
Hikes In & Around Gig Harbor
Want to stay in the city? The good news is there are tons of fun woods to explore right in Gig Harbor. Here are a few of our favorites!
Cushman Powerline Trail - From 14th Avenue NW to Borgen Boulevard. With 6.2 miles of paved trail, this 16-foot wide path is perfect for all the bikes, strollers, dogs, and kids (and no need to worry about cars or motorized vehicles!). There are multiple parking lots and several restrooms, benches, and picnic tables along the way.
McCormick Forest Park - 10301 Bujacich Road NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. Nearly four miles of bike and foot trails located right in Gig Harbor makes you feel like you’ve escaped far outside the city. This dog-friendly trail is 122 acres of old-growth trees and abundant wildlife, just right for the whole family to enjoy.
Sehmel Homestead Park - 10123 78th Avenue NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332. This park has it all, with sports fields, playgrounds for the littles, and even an outdoor performance amphitheater. It hosts four miles of beautiful trails perfect for the family and pooches.
Maple Hollow Park - 4411 Van Beek Road NW, Lakebay, WA 98349. Located on the Key Peninsula, this hidden gem is a 58-acre site with a beautiful hike down to the beach where you can catch gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier. There are also picnic areas along the trail.
Penrose Point State Park - 321 158th Avenue SW, Lakebay, WA 98349. At this park on the Key Peninsula you get the best of both worlds. With almost two miles of shoreline along Mayo Cove and the Carr Inlet you can take a stroll on the beach, dig for clams, or hike the 2.5 miles of trails. It’s the perfect daytime getaway for the family (Fido too!) with large lawns, picnic tables, and restrooms. Camping is another option at this park! *Discover Pass is required.
Hikes Outside Of Gig Harbor
Want to venture further out? Here are some hikes within a few hours of Gig Harbor that would make for a good day trip.
Hikes With Waterfall Views:
Ueland Tree Farm - Bremerton, WA (30-minute drive). See a cute little waterfall at the end of the easy Dickerson Falls hike. There are more than 18 miles of trails on the property, so be sure to check out additional hiking options, too.
Wallace Falls - Gold Bar, WA (1-hour, 30-minute drive). A little more moderate of a hike, this almost five-mile trek leads to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by mountain views. The kiddos might love the interesting steps and switch backs! *Discover Pass is required.
Marymere Falls - Lake Crescent, WA (2-hour, 15-minute drive). Take the family to search for this 90-foot cascading waterfall in mossy old-growth woods. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Myrtle Falls - Ashford, WA (2-hour, 15-minute drive). Less than a half-mile walk from Paradise on Mt. Rainer takes you to this beautiful waterfall. There are plenty of other things to explore on the mountain, too, or check out this guide for more waterfalls in the park.
Hikes With Fun Scenery And Wildlife:
Mary E. Theler Wetlands - Belfair, WA (35-minute drive). Although not dog-friendly, this trail is great for kids and strollers, complete with a wooden bridge path that goes over the wetlands.
Swamp Trail - Issaquah, WA (1-hour drive). This short hike (just one mile!) has cute little signs along the way telling of mythical swamp monsters. Big people as well as the littles are sure to enjoy! *Discover Pass is required.
Ape Caves - near Cougar, WA (2-hour, 45-minute drive). This hike explores the continental United States’ longest continuous lava tube! For an easy walk take the Lower Cave trail, which is 1.5 miles roundtrip, or for more of a challenge there’s the Upper Cave trail, about three miles roundtrip. Make sure you read up on what gear to have with you for this hike! *Reservations and a Northwest Forest Pass are required.
Harper Hill Park – Port Orchard, WA (25-minute drive). At the trailhead of this 47-acre park is a multi-use baseball field and a log pavilion. There you can read about the history behind this park that was once a brick factory. This quick hike is great for eager little legs, with benches strategically placed throughout the trails to rest and take in the view. Here, you can also unload the kayaks or other non-motorized boats. Just across the street you can explore the shore!
Banner Forrest Heritage Park – (20-minute drive) There are 29 miles of trails weaving throughout all 645 acres of this beautiful forest. This dog and family friendly hike also welcome trail running, mountain biking and horse-riding.
All that’s left to do now, is pack your lunch and choose your adventure.
Happy Hiking!
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