Last January we set out a goal to hike once a month as a family. While we did not reach that goal, we certainly hiked way more this year than last year. And I got into the habit of hiking solo with the kids during the week – something that was new to me!

If you’ve ever talked to me about hikes, you know my overall goal is low to medium effort with a high reward at the destination of the hike. There is nothing worse to me than hiking a grueling trail only to have the reward at the end be… more trees. I want a lookout! A mountain to see! An ocean! I’ll even take a pretty lake! But I need to be hiking to something.

We did a lot of hiking, but below are the seven hikes I’d recommend ranked from lowest to highest. Some are family friendly, and some not so much.

And as a PSA, if you’re looking for a kid carrier backpack, I did a post reviewing which one I use. (It was more of a love letter to this thing, if we’re being honest)

Number Seven: Mosier Plateau in The Gorge

Listen, while this hike is in “last place”, this trail is still amazing. The views are insane. I just don’t know that this is a favorite of mine. I’m not sure I’d do it again. It’s kid-friendly, but very windy at the top (A was able to do the hike as a 4 year old). There are big sweeping views of the Columbia River and it is very beautiful. There are just better hikes, in my opinion. (The Michelle of Chicago is rolling her eyes while gawking at this photo and how beautiful the views are! And she’s thinking present day Michelle should be more grateful for hikes like these that are so close… lol)

Number Six: Goose Rock Trail at Deception Pass State Park

We completed this hike as a family during our trip to Whidbey Island this fall. It was beautiful. When we got to the top we could see Vancouver Island! Which was very exciting as people who watch Alone. The hike was relatively easy and not too crowded. We were able to hike back all the way down to the little beach under the bridge for lunch.

Number Five: Spirit Falls in The Gorge

This hike is the most beautiful hike I did this year. The waterfalls are stunning. Definitely the most blue falls I’ve seen in The Gorge. The only problem is that this hike is, dare I say… treacherous? And we took our two kids on this hike, lol. It is very, very, very steep. We made the most of it and our family really impressed me with our good spirits and can-do attitudes. But yikes, it was pretty dicey!

Number Four: Wahclella Falls in The Gorge

I can’t not mention this hike considering I lost count of how many times we’ve done this throughout the yea. We take all our Oregon visitors here, I take the kids during the week by myself, and we’ve gone with friends several times. It’s basically a park to us at this point. Our kids know it and it’s the perfect length and elevation gain. It’s an absolute must if you’ve got littles you’re hiking with. And don’t forget to check out the monster fish across the street at the fish hatchery. It’s free!

Number Three: Short Sand Beach at The Coast

This beach and hike make my entire body slow down and breathe. It’s only a half mile out to the beach, but then we hiked the whole length of the beach in February and it was raining on and off and almost no one was on the beach and it was just lovely! It was so beautiful and such a fun way to spend a Saturday. We’ve been back during the summer and it’s definitely a different vibe, but still so beautiful.

Number Two: Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain via Mirror Lake

I accidentally did this hike twice this year. C and I snuck away when my parents were in Oregon in July and got to hike this for the firs time. It’d been on our list since we moved to Oregon. It is not kid friendly. Then, when my sister and her husband were visiting this summer, we hiked this trail since the road up to Timberline Lodge was closed due to an accident. (We were supposed to hike Zig Zag Canyon – my favorite hike on Mount Hood. Go do that one too!)

Number One: Clatsop Loop from Indian Beach

The Oregon Coast is unmatched, in my opinion. I love it so much. I’m not sure if it’s because I didn’t grow up near an ocean, but I crave days at the coast. We stumbled upon this hike by accident and since then I’ve told every family I know that enjoys hiking about this spot. I love it because it’s a relatively easy hike, so our four year old could do it. But then, at the end of the hike, we could hang by the beach on the rocks. The rocks! Not sand. And if you’ve ever been to a beach, you know that there are little streams that go into the ocean. So therefore: rocks + beach = endless entertainment without sand for kids! There are also a bunch of boulders at one end of the beach that are perfect for climbing on. I love this hike / beach so much! Please go check it out if you’re local or planning a visit. You won’t be disappointed. PS: do the loop in reverse so you get all the views first!