[:)][:)] On the Smith river between Eugene and Reedsport. A two mile hike through a magnificent coastal forest with about 300 feet elevation change. These woods are inhabited by magical creatures- the "too too tunies"

"TOO TOO TUNIES'

[:)] [:)]One of my favorite trails. This one travels through an old growth forest on a beautiful river near the Opal Creek Wilderness. So close to Salem and available year round. This 3 mile RT hike has little elevation change

3 Pools

[:)][:)][:)]Perfect gorge waterfall loop. About a 2 mile hike with 500 feet elevation change. Other caches on this trail.

Billy Goats Gruff

BoardWalk Beat

[:)][:)]Pretty little park in the coast range. Waterfall at the end. About 1 1/2 mile total hiking with little elevation gain.

Booty by the falls

[:)] Easy if you start from the upper trailhead. Unfortunately the  upper TH is only available from 8/1-12/31. If you start from the lower TH, it's pretty steep and only appropriate for fit kids who like climbing up steep hills. The views are abslutely incredible up there!

Cascade's Head

[:)]It's a short hike with no elevation change near Mount Hood. This hike connects to a wonderful wide flat trail system at Timothy lake that is great for the kids to mountain bike on comfortably. Several campgrounds nearby.

Crater Lake Jr

[:)]Just east of Salem. Learn about recycling at the dump!

Earth Walk 2000 

[:)]On the South Santiam. Easy 1/3 mile hike in the woods to two mountain lakes and a great campsite.

Gordon Lakes

[:)]1 mile flat loop hike through old growth near Santiam Pass

Hackleberry Huckerstraw

[:)] Near McKenzie pass. just look at the picture

High Mountain Lakes Trio: I Gotta Hand It To Ya

[:)]Elkhorn valley, on the way to Opal Creek Wilderness area

King Tut's II

[:)][:)][:)]Gorgeous seasonal alpine lake/wetland near Santiam pass. The hike is about a mile and a half, the trail is a bit rocky and there is a bushwack to reach the final cache site. A fun challenge for the whole family.

Lava Lake Lolligagging

[:)][:)] A mellow 300 feet elevation change and 3 miles RT

Magnificent Gordon Meadows

[:)][:)]Beautiful waterfall in an old growth forest. Just over half a mile on an easy trail. Combine this with the nearby "Spirit of the Game" cache- another short hike to a beautiful waterfall.

Moon Falls Revisited

[:)][:)]Paved path in the gorge through two old highway tunnels. About 2 miles RT from the east side, with a bit of elevation gain. This is a great place for a family bike trip.

Mosier Tunnels Re-Revisited

A wide flat trail that circles Lost Lake north of Mount Hood. I haven't done this one yet, but is known to be a great kid's hike- the cache hunt is only 1.3 miles hiking, but going around the lake is supposed to be an easy 3 miles!

Old Growth Forest Trail Cache

[:)] Flat loop tail in a small pocket of coastal forest near Lincoln city.

ORMB:Swamp Things Lair

[:)] On the Oregon Coast trail. Hike through a Sitka spruce forest and look down on the waves crashing against the Cape Perpetua headland. 

Perpetual Kodak Moment

[:)]Visit some pumice in Central Oregon. The hard part is driving there!

Potholes

Getting tired of suburban playground park caches? Why not take those kids to the great outdoors and enjoy mother nature!  These hikes are chosen as best for families with little ones. I'll include information on elevation gain, distance and terrain .

Ratings for kids:

[:)] = easy, even toddlers and couch potatoes will not complain.
[:)][:)]= intermediate, distances are over a mile and/or have some elevation gain.
[:)][:)][:)]= challenging, longer hikes, rougher terrain and steeper elevation for older and/or fit kids who have some hiking experience.

Family hiking caches.list-details-1ub8b9x{text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;}@media screen and (min-width: 600px){.list-details-1ub8b9x{font-size:1.25rem;}}.list-details-1ub8b9x.shareable{color:#87705a;}.list-details-1ub8b9x.public{color:#00b265;}Public

Family hiking cachesPublic