One overcast Sunday morning, we decided to brave the potential weather and head out to the mountains hike to the famous Big Four Ice Caves outside of Darrington. I have always loved this hike, and I was delighted to discover it was one of several listed as a toddler friendly walk according to the Washington Trails Association.
The kids had a blast! Violette, our toddler, was happy so long as she didn’t have to touch nature and nature didn’t touch her. She is obsessed with shoes even before the tender age of two, so she may be a city girl at heart. She did not like getting dirty, or touching the glacier, the ferns that would brush against her along the trail. Funny girl! She did love throwing rocks into water, though, and sought every opportunity to do so, even braving the potential dirt on her hands for the enjoyment.
The forest immediately captured my five year old Colin’s imagination, and before long the story in his head came out: Soon we were crossing the treacherous bridge and into the mud-pits of doom. We had to be careful as the trees were spies. The day was made complete by the fact that he also got to pet d 20-30 different dogs along the trail – he LOVES dogs.
Myles, as a very cool 7.5 year old, (too “old” for that made up story stuff) tolerated his brother. Colin can spin a good story, and even Myles’ “coolness” was not strong enough to resist the pull. Myles smiled off and on while walking, but he really found his smile once we reached the glacier and then the little boy inside let loose. He enjoyed talking about what he had learned along the trail and asking questions about the world around him. On the way back, he and Colin found sticks and instantly made them into swords for “Battle Forest”.
I highly recommend taking a day and enjoying the woods and various landscapes our great state has to offer. The Washington Trails Association has a wonderful site with links dedicated to Family Friendly Hikes. I especially loved the article that discussed what to expect when hiking with young children. Joan Burton, author of “Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington & the Cascades”, provides much insight and wisdom on how to engage, entertain and even create a love for nature while hiking with children of all ages.
-posted by Miss Jesikah, who enjoyed experiencing the magic of the woods, rivers, streams and even a glacier through the eyes of her children.
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