The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Thwaytes Landing Regional Park
4.6
(257)
4,143
hikers
33
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Thwaytes Landing Regional Park are characterized by a dramatic waterfront, lush coniferous forests, and the presence of Holmden Creek with its cascading waterfalls. The park, uniquely accessible only by water, features a quarter-mile rocky beach and steep cliffs along Indian Arm. Mature forests of Western red cedar, Western hemlock, and Douglas-fir dominate the landscape, with moss-covered rocky outcrops. Several year-round streams and springs contribute to the park's natural water features, offering a rugged, natural environment…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.9
(16)
265
hikers
10.2km
02:51
200m
200m
Hike the moderate 6.3-mile Buntzen Lake Loop Trail, gaining 656 feet in 2 hours 50 minutes, with lake views and a suspension bridge.
4.8
(9)
129
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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5.0
(9)
131
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
105
hikers
7.16km
01:57
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
68
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Tips from the Community
There is an easy loop trail around the shore of the lake, which connects to nearby trails ascending Sugar Mountain and the hills to the west.
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The boardwalk follows the water's edge around the eastern side of the lake, turning into a crushed gravel path as you make your way to the opposite shore.
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Buntzen Lake is a picturesque lake surrounded by towering fir and hemlock trees with hiking trails tracing along the shoreline offering grand lake and mountain views.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0my8pzbByk A trail of approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) circles the lake, suggesting a diameter of close to 0.6 miles (1 km). White Pine Beach, located at the northern end of the lake, is a sandy beach popular for swimming and sunbathing. During the summer, the beach fills up quickly, and it is common for authorities to close access once the parking lot reaches capacity. At the southern end of the lake, a floating bridge allows visitors to cross the water, fish, or simply enjoy the scenic views.
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Easy hike, under one hour round the lake, peaceful with great views
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On this bridge and very early you can get beautiful photos of the lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Thwaytes Landing Regional Park?
Thwaytes Landing Regional Park offers a good selection of routes suitable for families. You'll find over 30 hiking trails in the area, with 9 specifically rated as easy, making them ideal for a family outing.
What makes Thwaytes Landing Regional Park a unique hiking destination for families?
The park is uniquely accessible only by water, making it a secluded and adventurous destination. Families arriving by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard can enjoy a quarter-mile rocky beach and explore trails leading to natural wonders like Holmden Creek Falls. It offers a true wilderness experience away from typical crowds.
Are there any easy, shorter trails suitable for families with young children?
Yes, for a pleasant and easy family walk, consider the Sasamat Lake – Buntzen Lake Floating Walkway loop from White Pine Beach. This route is just over 3 km long and features a unique floating walkway, perfect for little explorers.
Can we see any waterfalls on the family-friendly hikes?
Absolutely! Holmden Creek, which flows through the park, is known for its beautiful waterfall and pools cascading through a canyon. A short, rugged trail provides access to Holmden Creek Falls, offering a picturesque natural highlight for your family adventure.
What kind of natural scenery can we expect to see while hiking?
Thwaytes Landing Regional Park boasts a diverse and lush natural environment. You'll hike through mature coniferous forests with Western red cedar, hemlock, and Douglas-fir, as well as areas with bigleaf maples. The dramatic waterfront features spectacular steep cliffs, and moss-covered rocky outcrops add to the scenic beauty.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Thwaytes Landing Regional Park?
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience in the area, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 250 reviews. Hikers often praise the secluded nature, the stunning water features like Holmden Creek Falls, and the opportunity for a unique, water-accessed adventure.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, there are several circular routes that are great for families. The Buntzen Lake Loop Trail is a moderate 10 km option, offering a full circuit around the lake. For a slightly shorter moderate loop, the Buntzen Lake Beach – Buntzen Lake Suspension Bridge loop from Buntzen Lake is about 7.9 km.
What should we know about accessing Thwaytes Landing Regional Park?
Thwaytes Landing Regional Park is unique because it's only accessible by water. This means you'll need to arrive by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. This water-only access contributes to its secluded and tranquil atmosphere, offering a distinct outdoor experience.
Is there a good moderate trail for families looking for a bit more challenge?
For families seeking a moderate challenge, the Buntzen Lake Suspension Bridge – Buntzen Lake Beach loop from Buntzen Lake is an excellent choice. This trail covers about 13 km and includes scenic points like the suspension bridge, providing a rewarding day out.
What wildlife might we spot in Thwaytes Landing Regional Park?
The park is a valuable wildlife habitat. The rocky beach is a favored spot for band-tailed pigeons, which use the area for mineral gravelling. There's also potential for spotting marbled murrelets, making it an interesting place for nature observation.
What is the best time of year to visit Thwaytes Landing Regional Park with family?
While the park offers year-round beauty, spring and summer are particularly pleasant for family visits, especially given the water access. During spring, the waterfalls along Holmden Creek are often at their most impressive due to higher water flow. The lush forests are vibrant, and the weather is generally more conducive to paddling and hiking.
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