Shooting for the Stars

For anyone interested in shooting a photo like this, it was pretty easy to set up, especially if you have a tripod & remote shutter.  I have super cheap versions of both & they work great!

Getting started:
1. Select a lens with a wide angle & lower f-stop capability.  I used a 18-55mm lens that goes down to 3.5, although I likely would have used a wider angle lens that doesn't distort too much if I had one.
2. Set the camera and the lens to manual mode (don't forget to move the lens switch back to "A" when you're done.)
3. Set the shutter speed to 30 seconds (30".)
4. Set the f-stop to the lowest possible setting (on a Nikon hold the +/- button while scrolling the command dial/wheel)
5. If you have a remote, set release mode to remote.
6. Set ISO high at first, like 3200 or even as high as it can go.  If photos look too exposed, step down ISO to reduce noise.  Look in your camera's manual to see if it has a "long exposure noise reduction" or "noise reduction" setting.
7. Set camera on tripod, set lens to widest angle, and make sure to focus.  Since you're focusing to infinity, things will likely look best turning the focus ring all of the way (or close to.)  A cheat is to focus at the distance when the camera is still in automatic mode, although it's easy to focus to infinity in manual mode.)
8. Point at stars and shoot. Adjust shutter speed and/or ISO as necessary.  A longer shutter speed allows in more light, but stars may look too large if they're elongated by 30 seconds of the Earth's rotation. A faster shutter speed takes in less light but results in less distortion.  A higher ISO allows more light but also introduces noise.  A smaller ISO results in less light but also less grainy noise.  The darker the sky, the more options you'll have with which to play.

Tips:
*Besides getting away from city lights as much as possible, try to find a location with a low horizon (like a field) to the east.  Residual sunlight lingers to the west, even after "official" sunset so having a clear view to the darker east will make for crisper photos.
*If you want to test out settings during the day (with easy access to a computer to look up questions) try going to a room in your house with no windows, like a laundry room or the garage. Although it isn't exactly the same, it will give you an idea if your camera can make dark scenes look light.  If the test shots aren't working, try making sure the camera is zoomed out all of the way - it will take in more light that way.
*A new moon or a night with minimal moonlight is best for star gazing.
*Any patch of starry sky can look cool, but if you have a wide enough lens, the Milky Way can look amazing! It can be found from the southern to northeastern part of the sky.
*In the field, play with exposure time and ISO to find the right balance of light & noise for your setting. Even if you think something is working, try playing around just so you can view quality difference later.  Also, if you're start before midnight, there may be a hint of sunset in the sky that your eye can't see but the camera can.  It's possible that something that worked well at 11:00 PM won't look as nice at 12:30 AM so keep checking to see what works.
*Long exposures can drain batteries.  Make sure your battery is fully charged before heading out.  It's great to have a backup battery.
*Make sure you have a clean SD card before heading out. It's hard to really gauge success in such dark shoots so you don't want to delete any photos until you're back on a good computer monitor.  Consider bringing a backup SD card if you're out on location to a dark sky.
*After reviewing your photos from your first outing on your PC, one easy way to see what settings worked for you is to right-click a favorite photo, select "properties", and select "details."  Use these as a starting point for your next time out.
*If you don't have a tripod and want to know what to get, a totally basic one that tilts is all that's needed.  Here's an example of a $12 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Samsung-Panasonic-eCost-Microfiber/dp/B00J8RM35Q.  In the meanwhile, try placing camera directly on the ground or table (on a towel or blanket) pointing straight up.  See what happens!
*If you don't have a remote, here's something like my $8 remote from Amazon, although make sure to check model numbers, etc. first: http://www.amazon.com/ML-L3-Wireless-Remote-Control-Nikon/dp/B00M2PSPHG/.
*A colder night will result in slightly clearer photos as molecules in the atmosphere are slower.  Warmer nights are much more comfortable, though, and are more likely to be warmer than the dew point.
*On a related note, if you lower the f/stop, increase the shutter settings, and point your camera exactly at the North Star, you can try for one of those photos with rings around a star!  I forget how long the exposure time is for this, but it's pretty long.

Every camera, lens, and lighting situation is different, and sometimes the lighting situation differs at the same location as the sun and moon rise and set.  Hopefully these tips will help you find a launching off point for some fun, new starry photos!

 

 

Traditional Knowledge Trail in Snoqualmie

After reading about the Traditional Knowledge Trail http://snovalleystar.com/2013/06/19/snoqualmie-tribe-unveils-two-new-trails, a trail created by the Snoqualmie Nation to teach people about native plants and preserve some of the Snoqualmie dialect of the Lushootseed language, I wanted to check it out.  WTA page: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/traditional-knowledge-trail

This .5 mile trail would be interesting for school-aged kids and older who are interested in local plants.  However, because of the narrow path with nearby stinging nettles, the youngest botanists should skip this one.

Adjacent to the Snoqualmie Casino, we found the trailhead by entering SE 93rd Pl and 372nd Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA into the GPS.  Map: http://binged.it/19ZZ4EA.

After finding easy street parking, we found the trailhead.

 Along the way, there are 24 signs that talk about native trees and plants.  Jake liked the photos and asked me to read every one.

 The narrow path goes steadily downhill for a quarter mile.  It made the first half really easy, but then it was a quarter mile walk uphill back.  The trail is too narrow for any stroller.

 There was tons of trillium along the way.  Honestly, I wouldn't have known what it was, but there was a handy sign next to one grove that made it easy to figure out.

 At the end of the path was a little stream that we had heard along the way.  Of course we stopped to throw some rocks and splash around.

 

Examples of some of the signs:

 

 

 

 

 

Easy Eastide Hikes with Kids

Living in the Northwest, we often hear about all of the amazing hikes around us.  However, even for folks interested in trying a hike, it can be tough to know where to start.  Between jobs and busy schedules that can't accommodate long drives, uncertainty about how to deal with potty training while in the woods, uncertainty about kids' endurance levels, or even uncertainty about our own fitness level, it can be easier to put it off the thought until another day.

Here is a collection of hikes around Seattle's Eastside that are very easy, near some sort of restroom facility, and have something interesting for kids.  Many of these even have stroller and wheelchair options.  Because toddlers will generally walk about a mile an hour and school kids can walk 1-2 miles per hour, if a child can play on a playground for a half an hour, they are ready for their first half mile hike!

From bridges to streams to farm animals to a tree house to incredible scenic views, these 10 easy hikes for kids, ordered easiest to hardest, will provide a variety of opportunities to have fun with the family outside!  For families ready to move on to more difficult adventures, this list also includes two challenging hike ideas at the end. 

These hikes are too mild for adults to get a workout and kids 4 years-old and up can do them without being in a carrier.  If you can handle a trip to Costco or Ikea, you can totally accomplish any of these hikes!  Pack snacks, water, a camera, and the spirit of adventure and go out and explore!

#1 Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park (Charlotte's Trail, Lowland Creek Trail) - Redmond, WA

Difficulty: Very easy.  The Lowland Creek Trail has a small hill, but it isn’t too steep.  The entire trail takes about 20 minutes.
Fees: None.  Totally free!
Address: 19545 Redmond Road, Redmond, WA 98053
Website: http://www.redmond.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=4101
Trail map: http://www.redmond.gov/common/pages/UserFile.aspx?fileId=23566
Restrooms: Yes. In the summer the restroom silo is open.  In the winter sani-cans are open so pack hand sanitizer.
Stroller / wheelchair options: Yes
Why you want to go:  Between a very short trail, several fun bridges over tiny streams, and a free visit to a barnyard, Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park is one of the best “first hikes” in King County!  One of the best features of Farrel-McWhirter is checking out the animal barn before and after the hike.  It’s totally free and the goats, chickens, pigs, and bunnies are fun to see up close.  The Lowland Creek Trail is a 15 minute easy walk in the woods, so even though trail strollers can make the trip with ease, so can the littlest of preschoolers.  Several small bridges over shallow, trickling streams will fascinate little explorers.  Allow time to stop and throw rocks in the streams.
Getting there: From the parking lot, head towards the barn and the restroom silo.  To get to the trail, go through the gate just past the silo.  Charlotte’s Trail is the paved path that goes past a horse pasture and tire swing.  Take it out and back for a wheelchair-accessible option.  A minute past the gate, find the trailhead to the Lowland Creek Trail on the right.  Once on the trail, take a left turn at each junction and you will work your way back to the animal barn.

Lowland Creek Trail at Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park

Barnyard at Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park

Farrel-McWhirter's rooster always manages to stay just out of reach

#2 Burke-Gilman Trail and Sammamish River Trail– Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell
Difficulty: Very easy.  This trail is flat and paved.
Fees: None.  Totally free!
Address: Varied.  See below.
Website: http://www.kingcounty.gov/services/parks-recreation/parks/trails/regional-trails/popular-trails/samm-river.aspx
Trail map: http://your.kingcounty.gov/ftp/gis/Web/VMC/recreation/SammValley_150.pdf 
Restrooms: Varied.  See below
Stroller / wheelchair options: Yes.  The entire trail is flat and paved.  This is a multi-use trail popular with cyclists.  This is a great trail for a family bike ride where you don't have to worry about nearby cars.  If you are walking, though, listen for bikers calling "on your left" and make sure to get to the right shoulder of the trail quickly.
Why you want to go:  It is flat, paved, close, and easy.  Although it is an urban trail, the adjacent river provides lots of opportunities to see ducks and other water-friendly birds.
Getting there: The trail spans from Marymoor Park in Redmond up past the intersection of I-405 and SR-522 in Bothell.  Although there are lots of access points (check out the trail map above to see what works for you), here are some popular trail access points with restrooms, from south to north:
*Redmond - Marymoor Park - Park near the west side of the park and head towards West Lake Sammamish Parkway to find the trail.  Turn right and head north.  Remember to pay the parking fee.  http://your.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/library/parks-and-recreation/documents/marymoor/marymoor_park_map_web_09.pdf
*Redmond - Redmond Town Center - Park at Redmond Town Center for free.  There are several restroom facilities.  To the south of RTC, cross the street and find the trail.  Turn right and once you cross Leary Way you will be on the Sammamish River Trail.
*Woodinville - Redhook Brewery - Park at Redhook, work up an appetite on an urban hike or bike ride, then return to the brewery for a great lunch.  Even though it's a brewery, kids of all ages are allowed in the restaurant.  If you have extra time, schedule a brewery tour, also all-ages.
*Woodinville - Wilmot-Gateway Park http://www.ci.woodinville.wa.us/Play/WilmotGatewayPark.asp - The Sammamish River Trail runs right through this park.  With restroom facilities, a playground, and quick access to 405, this is a great place to meet up with friends for a walk.
*Bothell - Bothell Landing http://parkstrails.myparksandrecreation.com/details.aspx?pid=308.  When we last visited Bothell Landing, Jake was just 10 months old and newly walking.  There were restrooms and a great playground.  A picturesque bridge over the Sammamish River connected the park to the Sammamish River Trail.  Since then, there has been a lot of revitalization of the area.  This summer we may go check it out and see what it looks like now.

10 month old Jacob toddles over the bridge at the Bothell Landing

#3 Snoqualmie Valley Trail – Snoqualmie, Carnation, Duvall, WA
Difficulty: Very easy.  Download the trail map to your phone ahead of time so you can keep your baring on the trail.  You can scale your hike to one 5 minute loop or you can wander back and forth for 45 minutes.
Fees: None.  Totally free!
Address:
Duvall: McCormick Park - 26200 NE Stephens Street, Duvall, WA 98019
Carnation: Tolt MacDonald Park - 31020 Northeast 40th Street, Carnation, WA
Website: http://www.kingcounty.gov/services/parks-recreation/parks/trails/regional-trails/popular-trails/svt.aspx, http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/snoqualmie-valley-trail
Trail map: http://your.kingcounty.gov/ftp/gis/Web/VMC/recreation/SammValley_150.pdf
Restrooms: There are restrooms in the parking lot of Duvall's McCormick Park.  There are also restrooms in the middle of the camping field at Carnation's Tolt MacDonald Park.
Stroller / wheelchair options: Yes.  The trail is compacted, crushed gravel.  The old railroad path is flat.
Why you want to go:  Flat and scenic views of the Snoqualmie River.
Getting there: From Redmond Way, be on the lookout for the green and white “Evans Creek Preserve” sign.  Turn onto 224^th Ave / NE 34^th St.

3 year old Jake on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail

#4 Rattlesnake Lake – North Bend, WA
Difficulty: Very easy.  It is .75 miles between the boat launch and the Cedar River Watershed Education Center, or 1.5 miles roundtrip.  To scale it down, just explore one area.
Fees: None.  Totally free!
Address: 19901 Cedar Falls Road SE,  North Bend, WA 98045
Website: http://www.seattle.gov/util/EnvironmentConservation/OurWatersheds/CedarRiverWatershed/RattlesnakeLake/index.htm
Trail map: http://www.seattle.gov/util/cs/groups/public/@spu/@conservation/documents/webcontent/strolling_200312081358153.pdf
Restrooms: Yes.  Check trail map for locations.
Stroller / wheelchair options: Yes
Why you want to go:  The Cedar River Watershed Environmental Center is a destination itself.  Kids will love sending ping pong balls from wall to wall with vacuum tubes (like tubes at a bank drive-through.)  The trail between the Environmental Center is paved and passes by the little Cedar Falls waterfall.  Just below the paved path is a beach full of driftwood, stumps for climbing, and rocks for throwing in the lake.  Unlike most hikes along I-90, Rattlesnake Lake does not require any parking permit so this incredible adventure is totally free.
Getting there:  Just one exit east of the North Bend outlet mall, Rattlesnake Lake is perfect for a quick getaway.  Parking can get crowded weekend mornings, so try for either a weekday or a weekend afternoon.  When entering the Rattlesnake Lake recreation area, parking for hikers heading up Rattlesnake Ledge is immediately on the right.  Stay on the main road and drive down the length of the lake to the Environmental Center parking lot.  If that lot happens to be full, continue down a little further to the overflow lot.  If that happens to be full, too, head back to the boat launch area to find parking.  It will be a .75 mile walk from the boat launch to the Environmental Center, which will only take about 20 minutes.  Point out the impressive Rattlesnake Ledge across the lake and let kids know that they will be able to hike up there someday, too!

Rattlesnake Lake

Cedar River Watershed Education Center at Rattlesnake Lake

#5 Mercer Slough West (Blueberry Farm) - Bellevue, WA
Difficulty: Very easy.  The trail is completely flat and takes about 25 minutes to get out to the bridge and back.
Addresses: 2380 Bellevue Way SE, Bellevue, WA
Website: http://parkstrails.myparksandrecreation.com/Details.aspx?pid=471
Trail map: http://parkstrails.myparksandrecreation.com/ParksTrails/UserFiles/file/bellevue_park_info/trail%20guide%202010/trail_guide_map_mercer_slough_nature_park.pdf
Restrooms: There are restrooms in the parking lot.
Stroller / wheelchair options: Yes
Why you want to go:  The flat boardwalk trail is unusual and a fun change of scenery. It keeps little feet mud-free in all kinds of weather.  The bridge over the Mercer Slough is a fun destination.
Getting there: From I-90, head north on Bellevue Way and turn right into the blueberry farm.  From Bellevue, go south on Bellevue Way and go past the blueberry farm because of the median. Turn around in the park & ride then head back to the blueberry farm.  From the parking lot, find the trailhead with the post and blue sign. Continue down the crushed gravel path until the “T.” Take a left on the boardwalk and enjoy the flat walk out to the Mercer Slough bridge and back for a .6 mile hike that is accessible to all.  If you continue past the bridge, you will run into the Bellefields Trail loop. 

Mercer Slough bridge between blueberry farm and Bellefields Trail

#6 Redmond Watershed Preserve (Treefrog Loop Trail and Trout Trail) - Redmond, WA
Difficulty: Very easy.  Either loop takes about 25 minutes.
Fees: None.  Totally free!
Address: 21760 Novelty Hill Rd, Redmond, WA 98053
Website: http://www.redmond.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=4175
Trail map:

Restrooms: Yes.  There is a year-round restroom with diaper changing station.
Stroller / wheelchair options: Yes
Why you want to go:  The Treefrog Loop Trail is a beautifully serene paved trail out to a pond and back.  It is perfect hike in the woods for a stroller or a family member with a wheelchair and the wide path makes it an extra safe option for a new walker on a trail.  At .6 miles roundtrip (.3 miles each way) kids as young as 2 can walk this hike. 
Trout Loop’s narrow and bumpy trail feels like a real adventure, but since the .6 mile loop will likely only take about 25 minutes, it makes for a great short hike.  While the trail is too narrow for strollers, preschoolers will have a really fun time doing this hike all on their own.  Take time to turn over rocks and look for bugs or check out the colors and shapes of all of the leaves.
Getting there: As you enter the main parking lot, the trailhead for the Treefrog Loop trail is on the right (east) and the entrance to the Trout Loop Trail is near the restrooms to the west.

Treefrog Loop at Redmond Watershed Preserve

Treefrog Loop at Redmond Watershed Preserve

#7 Evans Creek Preserve – Redmond, WA
Difficulty: Very easy.  Download the trail map to your phone ahead of time so you can keep your baring on the trail.  You can scale your hike to one 5 minute loop or you can wander back and forth for 45 minutes.
Fees: None.  Totally free!
Address: 3929 224th AVE NE, Redmond, WA 98053
Website: http://parkstrails.myparksandrecreation.com/Details.aspx?pid=577, http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/evans-creek-preserve
Trail map: https://www.sammamish.us/files/document/14764.pdf
Restrooms: Yes.  There is a restroom in the field, across the bridge from the parking lot.  It is a sani-can type of facility, so bring hand sanitizer.
Stroller / wheelchair options: Not really.  The official webpage for Sammamish says that the loop from the parking lot to the center field is ADA approved.  However, the short hill from the parking lot to the field is kind of steep.  It would be best to leave strollers home and just scale the hike as appropriate.
Why you want to go:  Bridges!  There are about a dozen little footbridges over tiny streams.  Kids will love being allowed to throw rocks in the bridge.  This is also a wonderful park to build little ones’ confidence.  Let them chose the path at the numerous intersections – they will feel like such an expedition leader!  Since you’re never more than 15 minutes away from the parking lot, they can’t make a wrong choice.  Make sure to check out the boardwalk between signposts #10 and #13.  The variety of a boardwalk trail always feel fun for kids.  As you wander, note your path.  Later, you can tally up all of the .1 mile and .2 mile stretches on the trail map, see what distance feels comfortable for your family, and use this to plan out future outings.  Another great thing about Evans Creek Preserve is the variety of scenery.  Even though the trails are pretty short, you can experience meadows, a forest, streams, and a boardwalk.
Getting there: From Redmond Way, be on the lookout for the green and white “Evans Creek Preserve” sign.  Turn onto 224^th Ave / NE 34^th St.

#8 Chinook Bend Natural Area – Carnation, WA

Difficulty: Very easy.  It is about a 5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Snoqualmie River.
Fees: None.  Totally free!
Address: There isn't an official address for the Chinook Bend Nature Area.  The closest intersection for GPS is 310 Ave NE & NE Carnation Farm Road, Carnation, WA 98014: https://goo.gl/maps/jfuTS.  The parking lot with blue sign is just across the Snoqualmie River from that intersection.
Websites:
King County official info: http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/natural-lands/ecological/chinook-bend.aspx
Information about artwork on site: http://www.4culture.org/2011/08/chinook-bend-field-day/
King County Parks blog: https://kingcountyparks.wordpress.com/tag/chinook-bend/
Parcel info: http://info.kingcounty.gov/Assessor/eRealProperty/Dashboard.aspx?ParcelNbr=0925079008
Trail map:  There is no real trail map.  However, there’s no real way to get lost, either.  Follow the worn path down to the river.  Throw rocks in the river or play on the driftwood left behind after some flood. 
Restrooms: There is a sani-can facility in the parking lot.  Bring TP (just in case) and hand sanitizer.
Stroller / wheelchair options: No
Why you want to go:  This is an easy path to the Snoqualmie River.  The beach is relatively flat compared to some other local beaches so it’s a safe area to explore while experiencing a change of scenery.  Dogs love this park too, although it’s important to keep them on leashes at all times.
Getting there:  Map: https://goo.gl/maps/jfuTS.  From 203 in Carnation, take the Carnation Farm Road across the Snoqualmie River and look for the parking lot on the north side of the street.  Make sure to bring rain boots, even on a sunny day, so that feet stay dry in the mud and on the beach.

Snoqualmie River at Chinook Bend Natural Area

#9 Mercer Slough East (Environmental Center & Bellefields Trailhead)
Difficulty: Easy.  There is a small hill at the beginning, but the rest is flat.  It takes about 30 minutes to walk around the loop.  If you take the time to jet out to the Mercer Slough bridge (totally worth it) the loop can take about 45 minutes.
Fees: None.  Totally free!
Addresses: Bellefields Trailhead: 2101 118th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA.  Mercer Slough Environmental Center: 1625 118th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA
Website: http://parkstrails.myparksandrecreation.com/Details.aspx?pid=471
Trail map: http://parkstrails.myparksandrecreation.com/ParksTrails/UserFiles/file/bellevue_park_info/trail%20guide%202010/trail_guide_map_mercer_slough_nature_park.pdf
Restrooms: There are restrooms at the Bellefields Trailhead.  There are restrooms with a diaper changing station at the Mercer Slough Environmental Center.
Stroller / wheelchair options: No
Why you want to go:  The Mercer Slough Environmental Centerhas a tree house perched above a tiny .1 mile walking path.  Kids may not spend a lot of time here, but they will have so much fun.  There is also a tiny .1 mile trail under the treehouse.  Since there are stairs, it's not stroller friendly.  However, since it takes about 5 minutes to walk the loop, it would be a short little expedition & wouldn't need a stroller anyway.
The Bellefields Trail, a couple of minutes south of the Mercer Slough Environmental Center, is a fantastic first hike in the woods.  After descending a small hill to a path by a bubbling stream, the .75 mile trail is flat.  It can be marshy so wear rain boots even on sunny days.  The sporadic boardwalks, abundance of plants, and occasional informational signs will keep things interesting.  When a boardwalk path appears pointing to the blueberry farm, take it.  In a few minutes, the trail will cross over the scenic Mercer Slough bridge.  Take some photos then return back to the path to the eastern loop. 
Getting there:  The parking lot for the Mercer Slough Environmental Center is just north of the facility.  The trailhead for the Bellefields Trail is just south of the Bellefields Trail parking lot.  The Environmental Center is just .1 mile north of the Bellefields Trail so it is an option to park at the Bellefields Trail lot, walk down the side of the road to the Environmental Center, then walk back up to the trailhead.  Note that the tree house is only open during ranger hours so check the website before going. 


Skunk cabbage in bloom along the Bellefields Trail

Bridge over Mercer Slough between blueberry farm and Bellefields Trail

Tree house at Mercer Slough Environmental Center

#10 Bellevue Botanical Gardens – Bellevue, WA
Difficulty: Easy.  It is about 1 mile of mostly flat trail. 
Fees:  None.  Access to the gardens and trail are free year round.
Address: 12001 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005
Website: http://www.bellevuebotanical.org/
Trail map: http://bbgcollection.bellevuewa.gov/Search_Map.aspx
Restrooms: There are two restrooms on site.
Stroller / wheelchair options: Likely.  Call them at (425) 452-2750 to inquire about your needs.  On the trail map linked above, the western yellow dotted line has a grade, but it seems mild enough to manage a stroller at least.  The eastern yellow dotted line has a couple of small hills that could be a challenge for a stroller.
Why you want to go:  It is worth going to the Bellevue Botanical Gardens just to look at the large variety of native plants.  Plan a scavenger hunt for kids (call ahead of time for ideas of what would be best to look for at that particular time.)  The suspension bridge at the end of the trail loop is a fun place to explore.
Getting there:  At the front desk, pick up a garden map with the trail map or look at this image on your phone:

#11 Gold Creek Pond – Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Difficulty: Easy.  It is about 1 mile of flat trail around Gold Creek Pond. 
Fees:  *Northwest Forest Recreation Pass Required* The trailhead is patrolled and there is no way to buy one on site.  You can get a $5 daily e-pass here to print out at home and put on your dashboard: http://www.discovernw.org/store_national-forest-recreation-epass-national-forests-in-washington-and-oregon-only_20281.html.
Address: There isn't a great street address, but it is northeast of I-90’s exit 54. Look below for directions.  Try this in a GPS or smartphone: 100 NF-9080, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068.  Map: http://binged.it/1HOlZ1b
Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/?recid=17982, http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/gold-creek-pond
Trail map: http://dotsonstories.blogspot.com/2014/12/gold-creek-pond-winter-hike.html
Restrooms: There is a sani-can facility near the parking lot.  Make sure to pack toilet paper (just in case) and hand sanitizer.
Stroller / wheelchair options: Yes.  The entire loop is paved.
Why you want to go:  The trail is flat and the scenery is incredible.  The teal lake reflects nearby mountain peaks.  The large lakeside field near the parking lot has about a dozen picnic tables, making this an inviting and beautiful hike for everyone.
Getting there:  
Before you go, check out the Washington Trails Association's site https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/gold-creek-pond and check out the latest field reports to get an idea about conditions.  The roads have snow in the winter and the lake may have bugs in the summer.
1. From I-90, take Hyak exit 54.  From Seattle, take a left at the end of the off-ramp.  http://binged.it/1vFnbNn
2. At the "Gold Creek Sno Park" sign, turn right and drive down the road.
3. In about a mile, you'll see a sign for "Gold Creek Pond" on Huckleberry Peak Road.  The parking lot for Gold Creek Pond is up the road .3 miles.  Either drive up to the parking lot or find a spot along the side of the main road to park.
4. From the parking lot, find the trail in the NW corner of the lot. 
5. At the "Y" in the road take a left and take the paved trail around the lake.

Gold Creek Pond

#12 Around the Lake Trail – Issaquah, WA
Difficulty: Easy.  It is about 1.4 miles of flat trail around Tradition Lake. 
Fees:  *Discover Pass Required* Make sure you have a Discover Pass.  The busy trailhead is heavily patrolled and there is no way to buy one on site.  While it's possible to buy a day pass online here for $11 (make sure to select year 2015 if you choose this option as it still defaults to 2014): http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov, it's totally worth the $30 for the annual pass.  You can pick one up at the Duvall True Value, REI, or vendors on this list: http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/county/King.
Address: There isn't a great street address, but this is an easy trailhead to find.  From I-90, take exit 20.  At the off-ramp, head south and then take a right on High Point Way. 
Website: http://www.seattle.gov/util/EnvironmentConservation/OurWatersheds/CedarRiverWatershed/RattlesnakeLake/index.htm
Trail map: http://www.seattle.gov/util/cs/groups/public/@spu/@conservation/documents/webcontent/strolling_200312081358153.pdf
Restrooms: There is a sani-can facility near the parking lot.  Make sure to pack toilet paper (just in case) and hand sanitizer.
Stroller / wheelchair options: Yes.  The western part of the loop is flat, but because of the frequent rocks and tree roots, it is not great for strollers and impossible for wheelchairs.  A second option is to look at the trail map and find the ADA part of the loop.  Head out to the observation deck by the 4th interpretive sign, turn around, and come back.  It would be about a mile that way and you wouldn't miss out on anything!
Why you want to go:  This serene forest hike around a little lake is a wonderful sample of real Northwest hiking without any real Northwest hills.  This 1.4 mile trail will let you know if your little one is getting ready to handle a 2 mile hike on their own.  The numerous benches along the trail will provide lots of opportunities for breaks, snacks, and encouragement if they’re not quite there yet.
Getting there:  Note that the Highpoint Trailhead is very busy, especially on weekend mornings.  This lot launches several bigger hikes on Tiger Mountain and when people can’t wait to hit the trails, this lot fills up.  Because the 1.4 mile hike will likely only take 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on breaks, try this hike on a weekend afternoon, after some of the early birds have finished their morning hikes.  If the lot does fill up, a backup plan could be to head back out to High Point Way and find street parking.

Around the Lake Trail

#13 Big Four Ice Caves – Granite Falls, WA
Big Four Ices Caves are closed indefinitely due to a fatal accident spring 2015.  They may open summer 2016.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.  It’s about a mile to the caves with about 300 feet of elevation gain.  Most 4 year-olds can make it to the ice cave in about an hour. 
Fees:  *Northwest Forest Recreation Pass Required* The trailhead is patrolled and there is no way to buy one on site.  You can get a $5 daily e-pass here to print out at home and put on your dashboard: http://www.discovernw.org/store_national-forest-recreation-epass-national-forests-in-washington-and-oregon-only_20281.html.  The local ranger station, the Verlot Public Service Center, also has a permit machine on-site that accepts credit cards.
Address: There isn't a great street address, but this is an easy trailhead to find.  Enter the address for the Verlot Public Service Center in to your GPS: 33515 Mtn. Loop Highway, Granite Falls, WA 98252.  At the Verlot Public Service Center, reset your car’s trip meter.  Brown and yellow National Park signs for “The Big Four Picnic Area” “Ice Caves Trailhead” will appear in about 14.5 miles.     Map: https://goo.gl/maps/0TVYM
Websites:
Big Four Picnic Area: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recreation/recarea/?recid=62778
Big Four Ice Caves Trail: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=17728&actid=50
Trip reports - Check out the Washington Trails Association Big Four page: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/big-four-ice-caves.   
Road & trail conditions - WSDOT doesn't have any traffic cameras in the area.  Try to figure out what the weather conditions are like before you go, either by checking out the recent WTA trail reports or calling a ranger station.  The hiking season is June - November and the snow-shoeing season is January - spring.  December to January is a time of transition when the hiking trail gives way to a trail requiring snowshoes.  To get the best info about weather, traffic, and trail conditions, call the Darrington Ranger District: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbs/about-forest/offices.
Trail map: http://alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/big-four-ice-caves-trail
Restrooms: There is a restroom with running water at the Verlot Public Service Center.  There are sani-can facilities at the Picnic Area and Trailhead parking lots, although only the one at the picnic area are open year-round.  Make sure to pack toilet paper (just in case) and hand sanitizer.
Stroller / wheelchair options: No.  While the light incline and narrow path prevent strollers from being viable here,  the incline is gentle enough that many parents wear babies up to the ice caves.
Why you want to go:  Ice caves.  While it is not safe to go into the caves, it’s an amazing experience to go right up near the entrance and peek inside.
Getting there:  Note that there is no cell service on the mountain so download all of your information ahead of time.  From the Verlot Public Service Center, drive 14.5 miles to the yellow National Parks signs reading “Big Four Picnic Area” or “Ice Caves Trailhead.”  The picnic area lot has sani-cans open year-round and the trailhead lot has more parking spaces.  A trail connects both lots.  Both lots have small trails that connect up to the main ice cave trail at about the same distance.  So, it doesn’t really matter which lot you park in.  Find a spot and have an incredible adventure to remember for years to come!  Pro tip:  bring a thermos of hot cocoa and leave it in the car wrapped in a blanket.  After the hike, enjoy a warm and chocolaty treat!

Big Four Ice Caves

Both parking lots connect with the Ice Cave Trail.

#14 Franklin Falls- Snoqualmie Pass
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.  It’s about a mile to the waterfall with about 400 feet of elevation gain.  Most 4 year-olds can make it to the falls in about an hour. 
Fees:  *Northwest Forest Recreation Pass Required* The trailhead is patrolled and there is no way to buy one on site.  You can get a $5 daily e-pass here to print out at home and put on your dashboard: http://www.discovernw.org/store_national-forest-recreation-epass-national-forests-in-washington-and-oregon-only_20281.html. 
Address: There isn't a great street address, so check out the directions below.  Try entering this address into your GPS or smartphone: 100 NF-5830, North Bend, WA.  Bookmark the direction below.  Map: http://binged.it/1DIfb7K
Websites:
http://dotsonstories.blogspot.com/2015/02/franklin-falls-easy-snoqualmie-pass.html
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/franklin-falls
Trail map: http://dotsonstories.blogspot.com/2015/02/franklin-falls-easy-snoqualmie-pass.html, http://alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/franklin-falls-trail?
Restrooms: There is no restroom right at Franklin Falls, but there is a sani-can facility at the Denny Creek Trailhead a few minutes past the Franklin Falls trailhead.  Check out the trail map for more details.  Bring TP (just in case) and hand sanitizer.  It might be worth stopping at the North Bend outlet mall to use the restroom before hitting the hike.
Stroller / wheelchair options: No. 
Why you want to go:  Waterfalls up close.  Unlike Snoqualmie Falls, where visitors stay behind fences and railings at a safe distance, Franklin Falls invites explorers to the base and feel the spray.  It is a truly unique experience.
Getting there:  Make sure to bring some water, snacks, shoes with good traction, a coat to wear at the base of the falls, hats for kids, and a change of shoes & pants for the ride home.  From the trailhead, follow the South Fork Snoqualmie River upstream until you reach the falls.  Just past the parking lot is an incredibly fun rocky beach.  Make sure to take some time to allow kids to scamper around, throw rocks in the river.  This will add time to the adventure but it will be so worth it.  Having kids start off the hike on a happy note will make the excursion all the more fun!  Continue following the trail upstream.  About halfway up the trail you’ll see the road almost touch some stairs on the path.  As the roar of the falls grows louder, the trail descends down to the base of the falls for the last .1 miles.  This last stretch is a little treacherous as the path fades away to big rocks.  This requires really climbing down some possibly slippery boulders and even adults may need one hand to steady themselves, so it would be best if there could be a 1:1 ratio of grown-ups to little kids, although bigger kids should be able to climb down the rocks on their own.  Once you’ve reached the base of the rocks at the bottom of the waterfall, it may be necessary for grown-ups to walk in a couple of inches of water, possibly carrying little ones over.  The height of the river varies, so this may not be necessary, though.  Be prepared for wet feet and legs, but even so, this hike is incredible and totally worth it.
Directions:
1. From Seattle, take I-90 East
2. Take exit 47 for Denny Creek & Asahel Curtis. 
3. At the end of the off-ramp, turn LEFT.  Note the brown sign with the left arrow for Denny Creek Rd.
4. After crossing over I-90, you'll come to a T in the road.  Turn RIGHT towards Franklin Falls Trail.
5. After crossing under westbound I-90, take your first LEFT towards Franklin Falls Trail.
6. Continue 2.3 miles.  When you see the sign for Denny Creek Campground, you're getting close, but continue on.
7. Just past Denny Creek Campground, your GPS will show a road that juts off to the left.  Unfortunately, there isn't a sign here that says "Franklin Falls Trailhead", although there really should be.  Instead, you'll see brown signs that say "58" and "Snoqualmie Pass Denny Creek Tr. 1014."  Even though there's no sign for Franklin Falls, take a LEFT here.  You end up in the middle of the small lot for the Franklin Falls Trailhead. 
8. If you drive over the bridge, you'll end up at the Denny Creek Trail trailhead, where there is a sanican.

Franklin Falls

Next Steps
If these are a piece of cake, check out the Washington Trails Association's Hike Finder Map: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/map.  WTA is a great place to scout out all kinds of new adventures!  Also, many of the best hikes around either require a Washington Discover Pass (state lands) http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov or a Northwest Forest Pass (national lands) http://www.discovernw.org/store_recreation-passes_1PASS.  While you can order both online, they need to be mailed to you so it will take a couple of days.  REI sells both at the customer service counter that you can use immediately.