The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park

There are four family-friendly hiking trails featured in this guide, ranging from easy strolls to moderately challenging routes. These include two easy trails and two moderate trails, offering a variety of options for families to explore.

The trails in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park offer diverse terrain. You'll find sections built on an old railway corridor, providing relatively flat paths. Some areas feature crushed rock wilderness trails, while others, like the North wetlands – Cheney Wetlands loop from Cheney, offer views of local wetlands. The park is known for its unique channeled scablands, basalt formations, and shrub-steppe landscapes, providing varied scenery.

Yes, for families with young children or those looking for a shorter outing, the Middle Pine Lake loop from Winslow Dike Dam is an excellent choice. It's an easy 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) trail that can be completed in about 30 minutes, offering a pleasant and accessible experience.

Spring and fall are generally the best times for family hiking in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park. During these seasons, temperatures are milder, and you can often enjoy seasonal wildflowers or observe wildlife during migrations. Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so if visiting then, it's best to hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon and carry plenty of water.

Absolutely! A significant portion of the Columbia Plateau Trail passes through the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing. Over 200 bird species, including trumpeter swans, as well as elk, deer, and moose, can be observed, particularly during spring and fall migrations. The wetlands and lakes along the trail are great spots to look for waterfowl.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trails in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park, but they must be kept on a leash. Always remember to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

Yes, several of the family-friendly routes are circular, making them convenient for day trips. Examples include the easy North wetlands – Cheney Wetlands loop from Cheney and the moderate Goldeneye Loop, which offer varied distances and experiences.

The park is rich in natural and historical features. You'll encounter dramatic geological formations like the channeled scablands, basalt formations, and ancient Ice Age flood features such as giant current-created ripples. The trail also follows an old railway line, with remnants of historic trestles. Wetlands, lakes, and views of the Palouse and Snake Rivers add to the scenic variety.

Key access points, such as Cheney, offer amenities like restrooms and picnic tables. Many trailheads provide parking for vehicles. Informational kiosks are also available at various points, particularly within the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, to educate visitors about the area's geology and ecosystems.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique geological landscapes, the peaceful atmosphere, and the opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially in the wetland areas. The variety of trail lengths and difficulties also makes it appealing for different family needs.

For families looking for a longer, more active hike, the Headquarters Pond – Stubblefield Trail loop from Winslow Dike Dam is a moderate 10.5-kilometer (6.5-mile) route that takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. It offers varied landscapes around Headquarters Pond, providing a good challenge for older children and active families.