9 Easy Backpacking Trips in Washington with Kids!

Last Updated: August 2025 | Reading Time: 14 minutes

Great backpacking for kids in Washington… here we go!

Backpacking with kids in Washington is an adventure that comes with its own unique set of challenges—but don’t let that intimidate you! Finding the right trail that’s both accessible and rewarding is key to a successful family trip. Whether you’re new to backpacking or a seasoned pro, you’re bound to find something on this list that’s perfect for your family.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up 9 of the best easy backpacking trips for families in Washington. Each trail is carefully selected for its manageable difficulty, stunning scenery, and the opportunity for adventure. From serene lakes to breathtaking mountain views, these hikes offer just the right mix!

Gear We Love for Family Backpacking

Before you hit the trail, make sure you’ve got the right gear. Here’s what we use and recommend for backpacking with kids:

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.

The Chain Lakes Loop in the North Cascades offers stunning views of Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, and beautiful lakes along the way. This hike is perfect for families with kids thanks to its manageable terrain, scenic lakes, and relatively short, well-maintained trail. The gradual elevation gain makes it rewarding without being overwhelming.

While it can get busy during the day, once the crowds thin out, you’ll have the lakes and views 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 is a fantastic choice for easy family backpacking. The trail is short, gentle, and well-marked, with just a few switchbacks, making it manageable for all ages. It’s a rolling path, so it’s not all uphill or downhill.

Along the way, you’ll pass alpine meadows, towering trees, and two sparkling lakes. Make sure to pack a floatie—Watson Lake is perfect for a refreshing swim, and the views from the lake are absolutely stunning.

Watson Lakes Overview

Lake Ann

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

The highlight of the hike is reaching Lake Ann itself, an alpine lake nestled beneath the towering peaks of Mt.Shuksan. The lake’s clear waters and scenic backdrop provide a perfect spot skipping rocks, swimming (might be a little cold but we went in) and climbing on the rocks that surround the lake. And if you can, try to get up to see the sunrise, you won’t be disappointed. The lake is so still and the colors that can appear make it nothing short of magic!

At 8.6 miles round trip, the hike to Lake Ann is relatively short, making it suitable for young adventurers who may not be ready for longer treks. Additionally, while the trail does have some elevation gain, it is well-maintained and offers a steady ascent, which helps ensure a manageable experience for children. And there are streams to cross along the way, berries to pick and stunning views of both Mt.Shuksan and Mt.Baker. But this one might be a second- or third-time out type of backpacking trip once you have gotten your feet wet.

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 proved to be the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a few relaxing days. This 8-mile hike to the lake features a series of ups and downs, but nothing too steep, and it’s lined with an abundance of wild berries. In fact, all I remember from the hike in was picking and eating berries along the way.

The trail offers the option to break the journey into two parts. You can set up camp about 4 miles in at a group campsite with incredible river access. Here, several emerald pools provide excellent opportunities for swimming, which was a hit with our kids.

Once you reach Waptus Lake, you’ll find a series of campsites located along the east end of the lake. Many of these sites have their own small, private beaches. The lake’s water is pleasantly warm, and some spots even have a sandy bottom, making it ideal for children to swim and play. I particularly enjoyed watching the sunset from the water, with a stunning view of the sun setting over the mountains to the west. If you are looking for an awesome and easy backpacking trip for your family in Washington, you can’t go wrong with this one!

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 recommend my first pick for a first-time backpacking trip for families in all of Washington, this would definitely be it. Firstly, it has everything you could hope for. You can easily reach the first camp within just 2 miles, and the trail is quite mellow, featuring a rolling path with minimal elevation gain.

This is the perfect trail to test out your kids’ gear before bigger trips. We had our kids carry their own REI Tarn 40 packs with just their sleeping bag and snacks — a great way to build confidence.

Upon arrival at the camp, you’ll find a host of amenities, including picnic tables, stumps for stools, bear boxes, and convenient water access for both drinking water and water sports. The site offers stunning lake views and well-maintained toilets. But that’s not all—from your campsite, you can also enjoy spectacular vistas of both Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. Isn’t that amazing?

Baker Lake Trail Overview

Summit Lake

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

*currently inaccessible.

The hike to Summit Lake by Mount Rainier is a rewarding 6-mile round trip with moderate elevation gain. The trail offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and meanders through picturesque alpine meadows and old-growth forest. Upon reaching the insanely clear Summit Lake, you’ll find a perfect spot for a swim.

If you’re seeking one of the best campsites in Washington, continue past the lake and hike up the hill to an overlook that will surely leave you breathless. Alternatively, if you prefer camping by the lake, be sure to set an early alarm. Head up the hill to catch the sunrise—it’s definitely worth the early wake-up call.

Pro tip: Pack a Black Diamond Spot headlamp for those early morning wake-ups — easy for kids to use and bright enough for pre-dawn hikes.

Summit Lake Overview

Pete Lake

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

The hike to Pete Lake is ideal for kids, thanks to its manageable 7-mile round trip and a well-maintained, gentle trail. Along the way, you’ll hike through the forest, alongside streams, and if the timing is right, you might even eat some tasty berries. We visited with friends and found it to be a fantastic spot for families to enjoy together.

The lake itself is perfect for a couple of days, offering ample opportunities for some fun. The kids loved hopping on the rocks, while the parents took a refreshing swim.

On the east side of the lake, you’ll find plenty of campsites with stunning views. On clear days, the vistas of the western mountains are absolutely breathtaking. Add this hike to your list; it’s well worth the trek. And if you’re up for more adventure, consider a day hike up to Spectacle Lake—it’s quite the spectacle!

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 iconic Washington beach on the Olympic Peninsula is a must-visit destination and probably needs no introduction. The Hole in the Wall is arguably one of the most iconic rock formational along the PNW coast.

The area offers several campsites, including some right on the sand and others tucked away in the surrounding woods, allowing you to choose between a more secluded or beachfront camping experience. You are allowed to burn the driftwood, my kids loved having an ever-ongoing fire. Dinner on the beach is one of the best parts. We always bring our MSR PocketRocket for quick hot meals after a day of exploring.

There is one water source before you get to the Hole in the Wall which not al beach backpacking destinations have so that’s a plus. Be sure to read the tides and if you do opt to camp on the beach, make sure you are far up enough to not get wet. If you’re looking for more family-friendly camping adventures in Washington, check out our comprehensive guide to exploring the North Cascades National Park with kids. The region offers numerous camping options that are perfect for families seeking outdoor experiences.

If you are looking for more info on backpacking the beaches of the peninsula, check out this article I wrote for Run Wild My Child: https://runwildmychild.com/olympic-backpacking/

Rialto Beach Overview

Shi Shi Beach

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

Similar to Rialto Beach, Shi Shi Beach provides an incredible beach camping experience. However, the trail to Shi Shi starts off differently, beginning in a lush forest featuring fun boardwalks and bridges that are especially enjoyable for kids. It was one of our favorite parts of our time on this beach.

What sets Shi Shi Beach apart is its sense of seclusion. The hike through the enchanting woods and the lack of crowds creates a feeling of truly getting away from it all. (It’s a fairly long trek to get to the trailhead) BUT the combination of what feels like an enchanted forest approach and a more remote, less trafficked beach makes Shi Shi a great backpacking destination. If you’re looking to explore more incredible overnight adventures in Washington, check out our guide to top overnight backpacking trips across the stunning Pacific Northwest.

Make sure to check out the Point of Arches at the end of the beach during low tide. So much to explore!

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: Begin your hike early in the morning to give yourself plenty of time to complete the loop and set up camp.

Stay Hydrated: Carry enough water and have a reliable method of purification. We swear by the Sawyer Squeeze — lightweight and easy for kids to use too.

Dress in Layers: Washington weather is unpredictable. Pack a lightweight rain jacket for everyone — even on sunny days.

Let Kids Carry Something: Even if it’s just snacks and their sleeping bag, giving kids their own pack (like the Deuter Fox 30) builds confidence and ownership.

Bring Good Light: A reliable headlamp makes all the difference. The Black Diamond Spot is bright, lasts forever, and our kids can operate it themselves. Plan for the Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions, even in the summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can kids start backpacking? Kids as young as 4-5 can handle short overnight trips (2-3 miles) if they’re used to hiking. Start with easy trails like Baker Lake or Rialto Beach. We started my daughter in her REI Kindercone sleeping bag at 10 months — she’s still using it years later.

How heavy should a kid’s backpack be? Kids should carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight. Start light — even just their sleeping bag and a snack is enough for their first trip.

Do I need a permit for backpacking in Washington? It depends. National Parks (Olympic, Rainier) require permits. Most National Forest trails just need a Northwest Forest Pass for parking.

What’s the best first backpacking trip for families in Washington? Baker Lake Trail — short hike to camp (2 miles), flat trail, bear boxes, lake access, and stunning views of Mt. Baker and Shuksan.

Ready to Turn These Dreams Into Adventures?

Now that you’ve got your trail list, it’s time to make these family backpacking dreams happen! Whether you choose Summit Lake or Shi Shi Beach, you’re about to create memories that will last a lifetime.

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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