8 Tips for an Enjoyable Family Hike

At the top of Neahkahnie Mountain - one of our recent hikes

We live in amazing Oregon State – a land of forests, filled with natural beauty.  I encourage healthy activities for my kids, which often means hiking on the weekends.  Four children and two dogs can be a lot to manage, but we do…  I have plenty of photographs to showcase our fun!

We’ve developed 8 tips for an enjoyable family hike.  No matter where you live, you can probably find some good hiking trails within an hour’s drive of your home.  Just a few weeks ago, we drove to Crater Lake for a day filled with hiking and exploration!

Check out some books at the library, plan your hike and then consider these tips if you are bringing children along.

1.  Wear comfortable, well-fitting, closed toe shoes.  Nothing will side-track a hike faster than a pair of inappropriate shoes.  Leave the flip flops at home!  Choose shoes that have been worn before to avoid blisters and callouses.  Socks are a must, too.

Stay on trails and obey posted signs

2.  Pack snacks and water.  Even short walks can result in fatigue.  Smaller members of the family often can find the energy to keep walking a bit farther when you offer dried fruit, nuts or crackers.  You should always have water to drink, as well.  At least 16 ounces for each family member for a 2 hour hike.

3.  Plan a scavenger hunt.  Keep interest high by making a list of items to spot along your hike.  Older children can keep track of their findings in a field notebook.  Suggestions include: 2 different types of birds, a green rock, 3 colors of wildflowers, a caterpillar, etc.  Bonus points if family members can identify the plants and wildlife by name!

4.  Bring a camera or binoculars.  Children love looking at nature from a different perspective.  Encourage kids ages 3 and up to try their hand at photography.  You might want to be careful handing over that Canon or Nikon, to a child under 8, however…

Hiking back down the mountain

5.  Use sunscreen and bug spray.  Sunburns and bug bites can also increase the complaining factor.  Keep your children comfortable and safe with sunscreen including at least 30 SPF and a broad-range insect repellent.

If anyone in the family has allergies, consider bringing Benadryl or prescribed medications as part of a small first aid kit.

6.  Dress appropriately.  Hiking often takes you up where the air is cooler.  Bring light jackets or sweatshirts, even during summer months.  You can stash them later in your backpack, if necessary.

7.  Obey all posted signs and stay on marked trails. This is pretty much a no-brainer.  Safety considerations are first and foremost!  You don’t want to get lost, or into dangerous terrain.  In addition, Parks Services maintain the trails along paths in order to protect wildlife and natural habitats.

Keep the principles of Leave No Trace in mind as you enjoy the beautiful scenery.  Set a good example for your children, too.

8.  Know your limits.  Consider the age(s) of your children, their strength, and how rested they are before planning your family hike.  Children under 3 should be carried in an appropriate backpack.  Some kids ages 3-5 might be able to walk a 1-2 mile hike loop, along relatively level terrain.

Many hiking books will rate the difficulty of a hike, considering steepness, technical terrain and elevation change.  Be realistic about the abilities of your family members.  If its too tough, turn back!  You can attempt the hike another time.

Above everything else, just enjoy the day!  Family hiking is a great way to connect with each other and gain an appreciation for nature!

Resting along the trail

At Crater Lake - hiking down to the lake's edge

Discovering a waterfall on a recent family hike