9 Easy Backpacking Trips in Washington with Kids!

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Last Updated: February 2026 | Reading Time: 14 minutes

Great backpacking for kids in Washington… here we go!

We all have to start somewhere.

My first backpacking trip with my kids looked like this: a 55-pound pack, two stuffed animals strapped to the outside, two kids, and one night out.

They each pooped four times. I carried it all out — grocery bags wrapped in grocery bags.

We swam in the lake. Told stories in the tent. We ate dinner with the best view I’d ever had.

It was chaos. Kinda disgusting. It was perfect.

That trip broke me in. Now my pack is half the weight, I carry a real poop shovel, and we’ve done dozens of nights since. But I still think about that first one often — because it’s the reason I believe backpacking with kids is not only possible, but worth it.

If you’re new to backpacking — whether you’re taking kids or heading out solo for the first time — these are the trips I’d recommend without hesitation.

Gear We Love for Family Backpacking

Before you hit the trail, let’s talk gear — because overpacking is almost a rite of passage. My first backpacking trip with kids? I carried a 55-pound pack, and it was… a lot.

What helped more than any gear list was doing a quick mental (or literal) inventory after each trip: What did I actually use? What never left the pack? Over time, you refine and refine, and suddenly your pack is lighter without feeling underprepared.

This is the gear we actually use and recommend for backpacking with kids — nothing fancy, just what’s earned its place over time:

Kids’ Packs:

  • REI Tarn 40 — Our go-to for kids ready to carry their own gear.
  • Deuter Fox 30 — Great fit for kids with adult functionality

Sleep System:

Family Tent:

Camp Kitchen:

  • MSR PocketRocket 2 — Tiny, reliable, and boils water fast. We’ve used ours for years. It easily can next in your pot with a fuel canister and some utensils.

Essentials:

  • Black Diamond Spot Headlamp — Bright, long battery life, and easy for kids to use. Comes in several colors, we each have our own color – helps feel some ownership.
  • Sawyer Squeeze — Easy, reliable, and easily fillable while on the trail
  • LifeStraw Peak Gravity Filter — Perfect for family camp — hang it and let gravity do the work. This is the absolute best at camp.

Getting started.

Planning your first trip? Check out my guide on getting started with backpacking: Planning Your First Backpacking Trip

Okay, on to the list of the 9 best easy backpacking trips for families in Washington!

Chain Lakes Loop

#1 of the Easy backpacking trips for families in Washington.

I’ll never forget the ranger telling us we’d have a better shot at a campsite if we came on a rainy day. So we booked a hotel in Bellingham, set an early alarm… and ended up completely alone on one of the most beautiful blue-sky days I can remember. Go figure.

We scored an incredible campsite, had total solitude, and spent the rest of the day wandering between lakes. Chain Lakes Loop is pure kid paradise — short distances, endless water to explore, and huge views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan that somehow never get old.

If I did it again, I’d aim for a site at the first lake closest to Baker for the views, or higher up near the saddle. But honestly, it’s hard to go wrong here.

It can be busy during the day, but once evening settles in, the crowds fade and the place feels quiet and like you have it all to yourself.

Chain Lakes Overview

Gear tip: A lightweight tent like the Big Agnes Copper Spur makes setup easy at the lakeside campsites.

Anderson + Watson Lakes

#2 of the Easy backpacking trips for families in Washington.

Watson Lakes works beautifully as an easy, forgiving backpacking trip — but on our trip, we actually based ourselves a little differently. We stayed up at Upper Anderson Lake, which is quieter and feels much more tucked away. It’s steeper, rougher, and definitely more work to get to, but the reward is solitude and unreal views of Mount Baker that make it feel like you’re much farther out than you actually are.

During the day, we dropped down to Lower Watson Lake to swim and explore — floaty included, which was a very good call. The lake is incredibly swimmable, and the campsites nearby are some of the nicest I’ve seen for an easy-access trip. What I love about this trail is that it descends on the way in and climbs on the way out, so it never feels as hard as you expect. The views along the way help too.

It was just me and my son on this one — a low-key card playing overnight that somehow ended up meaning more than I expected. Watson Lakes is easy and playful, and going a little higher gave us that feeling of being far away without having to work too hard for it. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Watson Lakes Overview

Lake Ann

#3 of the Easy backpacking trips for families in Washington.

Lake Ann is one of those places that feels dramatic the moment you arrive. Tucked beneath Mount Shuksan, it’s the kind of lake where everyone immediately spreads out — skipping rocks, climbing around the boulders, and, yes, definitely getting in the water, even though it’s cold. We did, and it was worth it.

One of my favorite parts of this trip actually happened beyond the lake. There’s a boot path that climbs up behind Lake Ann toward the saddle, and it turned into this unexpectedly fun little adventure — some wayfinding, some crawling over rocks, and lots of stopping to look around. Watching the sunset from up there, with Mount Shuksan on one side and Mount Baker on the other, was unreal and easily the moment that stuck with me most.

The next morning was quieter but just as memorable. I woke up to my son eating breakfast half inside the tent, still wrapped in his sleeping bag, with his freeze-dried meal sitting just outside the door. The lake was still, the light was changing, and there was nowhere we needed to be. Those slow, ordinary moments are what make trips like this stay with you.

At just under nine miles round trip, this feels like a great second- or third-time backpacking trip. The trail climbs steadily but never feels chaotic, and there’s plenty along the way — creek crossings, berries in season, and big views — to keep kids engaged without overwhelming them.

Lake Ann Overview

  • Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
  • Distance: 8.6 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 2,047 feet
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Best Time to Visit: July to October
  • Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required for parking
  • Alltrails Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/lake-ann

Waptus Lake

#4 of the Easy backpacking trips for families in Washington.

We spent two nights at Waptus Lake with friends, and it ended up being one of those trips that felt genuinely restful. The hike in has a bit of rolling up and down, but nothing steep or punishing — and honestly, all I really remember from the walk in is stopping constantly to pick and eat berries along the trail.

One thing I love about this route is that you don’t have to do it all in one push. About four miles in, there’s a great group campsite right along the river. We stopped there to swim, and the kids were in heaven — emerald pools, easy access, and the kind of place where time just disappears.

At the lake itself, the campsites stretch along the east end, and many of them feel surprisingly private, with their own little beaches. The water is warm by mountain-lake standards, with sandy spots that make it especially kid-friendly. One of my favorite moments was floating in the lake at sunset, watching the light drop behind the mountains to the west.

This is an easy trip to love — mellow, playful, and perfect for families who want a backpacking trip that feels more like a mini vacation than a challenge.

Pro tip: Bring a gravity water filter for camp — hang it near the lake and have fresh water ready while you set up.

Waptus Lake Overview

Baker Lake Trail

#5 of the Easy backpacking trips for families in Washington.

If I had to pick one first-time backpacking trip for families in all of Washington, this would be it. Baker Lake just works. You can reach the first camp in about two miles, the trail is mellow and rolling, and nothing about it feels stressful or rushed.

This is where I like to test things out before bigger trips — especially with kids. We had ours carry their own packs (REI Tarn 40s) with just sleeping bags and snacks, which felt like the perfect balance of responsibility without overload. It’s an easy confidence builder.

The camps themselves are incredibly comfortable. Picnic tables, bear boxes, toilets, and easy water access make it feel almost luxurious by backpacking standards. And the setting is unreal — Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan are right there, reflected in the lake. On one trip, we arrived to find a small crew doing a photo shoot, hopping between campsites before heading out. That’s how photogenic this place is — it literally draws in commercial shoots.

One other fun note: I’ve also paddle-camped here, strapping our packs onto paddle boards and crossing the lake to reach campsites from the water. It’s a completely different way to experience Baker Lake, and one I loved enough to write about separately.
👉 Paddle Camping on Baker Lake In Washington

If you’re easing into backpacking with kids, it’s hard to imagine a better place to start.

Baker Lake Trail Overview

Summit Lake

#6 of the Easy backpacking trips for families in Washington.

*currently inaccessible.

Summit Lake (currently inaccessible)

Summit Lake will always be special to me — this was our very first overnight with kids. The one with the wildly overpacked bags, the stuffed animals, and the lessons learned the hard way. I wrote about it in detail elsewhere, but it belongs on this list because it’s the trip that made everything else feel possible.

The hike itself is a manageable six miles round trip, winding through old-growth forest and open meadows before delivering you to one of the clearest lakes I’ve ever seen. Swimming here feels inevitable — the water is cold, but on a warm day it’s hard to resist.

If you’re looking for something truly memorable, keep going past the lake and climb up to the overlook above camp. It’s easily one of the best campsites I’ve experienced in Washington. We woke early, hiked up in the dark, and watched the sun come up over Mount Rainier — one of those moments that sticks with you long after the trip ends.

If you do camp near the lake instead, still set an early alarm and head uphill for sunrise. It’s absolutely worth it.
👉 I share the full story of this trip — including what we got wrong and what I’d do differently — in this post: Summit Lake – A Perfect Backcountry Campsite

Note: Summit Lake is currently inaccessible. Check current conditions before planning.

Summit Lake Overview

Pete Lake

#7 of the Easy backpacking trips for families in Washington.

Pete Lake is one of those trips that works really well for kids without feeling boring for adults. The trail is gentle and well-maintained, and the miles go by easily — forest walking, streams alongside the trail, and berries if you hit it at the right time. We did this one with friends, which made it feel like a true family trip rather than something to rush through.

When we went, there were fires in the area and a lot of smoke. We actually sat in Issaquah eating Tutabella’s Pizza, debating whether we should even go. When we arrived, everything felt hazy and orange — the kind of light that makes the whole place feel a little apocalyptic. The views were there, but muted and strange.

And then we got lucky. We woke up the next morning to clear skies, and suddenly the whole place felt completely different — calm, open, and beautiful.

The lake itself is a great place to settle in for a night or two. Kids hopped around the rocks, adults swam, and there was no pressure to do much of anything. With the weather cooperating, we did a day hike up to Spectacle Lake, which makes a perfect add-on. We had dinner up there, swam again, and wandered back to camp as the light faded. Both lakes are fantastic for swimming, and doing them together made the trip feel like a two-for-one.

Pro Tip: Bring a LifeStraw Peak Gravity Water Filter — you can hang it up at camp and let it do the work while you set up your tent or explore the lake.

Pete Lake Overview

  • Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
  • Distance: 9.1 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 777 feet
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Best Time to Visit: July to October
  • Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required for parking
  • Alltrails Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/pete-lake

Rialto Beach

#8 of the Easy backpacking trips for families in Washington.

This is one of those places that really does live up to the hype. Hole in the Wall is iconic for a reason — the rock formations, the tide pools, the feeling of being right at the edge of everything. And somehow, even though it’s well known, it still feels special every time.

There are several camping options here, including sites right on the sand and others tucked back into the trees. We’ve done both, and each has its appeal. One of the things my kids loved most was being able to keep a driftwood fire going — something about an endless beach fire just hits differently. Dinner on the beach is always a highlight, and we usually keep it simple with the MSR PocketRocket for quick, hot meals after a full day of exploring.

One practical bonus: there’s a reliable water source before you reach Hole in the Wall, which not all beach backpacking trips have. Just be sure to check tide charts carefully, and if you camp on the beach, give yourself plenty of space above the high-tide line. Falling asleep to the sound of the ocean is amazing — waking up wet is not.

This is a great introduction to beach backpacking with kids: engaging, forgiving, and endlessly interesting without needing to go far.

Rialto Beach Overview

Shi Shi Beach

#9 of the Easy backpacking trips for families in Washington.

Shi Shi Beach feels different right from the start. Unlike Rialto, the hike in begins in a lush, almost enchanted forest — boardwalks, bridges, and moss everywhere. That approach ended up being one of our favorite parts, especially with kids. It’s engaging in a way that keeps everyone moving without complaints.

Once you reach the beach, the sense of seclusion really sets in. It feels quieter and more spread out, and even though getting to the trailhead is a bit of a commitment, that extra effort pays off. The combination of the forest walk and the wide, remote-feeling shoreline makes this one of those trips that truly feels like an escape.

Be sure to explore down the beach to Point of Arches at low tide — there’s so much to wander through, and it’s the kind of place where time disappears fast.

Don’t forget: Bear canisters are required for Shi Shi. We use the BearVault BV500 — fits enough food for a family weekend.

Shi Shi Beach Overview

Tips for a Successful Trip

Start early.
Giving yourself a slow, unrushed morning makes everything easier — from parking to camp setup. It also leaves room for snack breaks, wandering, and kid pace without stress.

Have a real water plan.
Carry enough water and bring a purifier you trust. We swear by the Sawyer Squeeze — it’s lightweight, simple, and easy for kids to help with.

Dress in layers (always).
Washington weather changes fast. Even on bluebird days, everyone should have a lightweight rain jacket.

Let kids carry something.
Even if it’s just snacks or a sleeping bag, having their own pack builds confidence and buy-in. We’ve had good luck with kid-sized packs like the REI Tarn 40.

Don’t skimp on light.
A good headlamp makes mornings, evenings, and bathroom trips so much smoother. The Black Diamond Spot has been reliable for us, and our kids can use it on their own.

Expect weather — even in summer.
Plan for sun, rain, and cool nights. Flexibility goes a long way, especially with kids..

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can kids start backpacking?
There’s no single right age, but kids as young as 4–5 can handle short overnight trips (2–3 miles) if they’re already comfortable hiking. Starting easy matters more than starting young. For what it’s worth, we started my daughter in her REI Kindercone sleeping bag at 10 months — and she’s still using it years later.

How heavy should a kid’s backpack be?
A good rule of thumb is no more than 10–15% of their body weight. Early on, that might just mean a sleeping bag and snacks — and that’s enough. The goal is confidence, not toughness.

Do I need a permit for backpacking in Washington?
Sometimes. National Parks like Olympic and Mount Rainier require permits for overnight trips. Most National Forest trails don’t require backpacking permits, but you’ll usually need a Northwest Forest Pass for parking. Always double-check before you go.

What’s the best first backpacking trip for families in Washington?
Baker Lake, hands down. The hike to camp is short and flat (about two miles), there are bear boxes and toilets, easy lake access, and constant views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. It removes a lot of the stress that comes with a first overnight.

A final thought

If backpacking with kids feels intimidating, that’s normal. It did for me too. Start small, expect a little chaos, and don’t overthink it. Whether it’s Summit Lake, Shi Shi Beach, or somewhere in between, these trips have a way of slowing everything down — and the memories tend to stick around longer than the hard parts.

If you’re unsure where to begin, pick the trip that feels easiest to say yes to. That’s usually the right one

Ready to make your first family backpacking trip unforgettable? These guides will set you up for success:

📸 Tag me @the.trekking.mama on Instagram – I love seeing families exploring Washington’s backcountry!

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