Local Nature Walks Voted Top in the Country

December 31, 2023 at 9:43 p.m.
Snowshoe tracks meander through the snow-covered meadows of Paradise. National Park Service photo
Snowshoe tracks meander through the snow-covered meadows of Paradise. National Park Service photo

A recent poll ranking the top easy and accessible nature hikes in the country listed three in Washington state.

The poll of 3,000 families commissioned by Sustainable Jungle looked to discover the best nature walks in the country suitable for those seeking easy, accessible hikes that can immerse you in nature. "These walks are a vivid reminder of our planet's beauty, encouraging us to step outside and explore the natural splendor that awaits us," writes Amber McDaniel, who penned the report.

 While the poll took aim at walks to take on New Year's Day, these walks are great any time of the year!

Photo courtesy Discovery Park staff

 

The Discovery Park Loop Trail in Seattle came in at 7th place in the nation on Sustainable Jungle's poll. "The 2.8-mile loop trail in Seattle's largest park offers a mix of forest and beach with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It's an easy, well-maintained trail that's perfect for families looking for a nature escape within the city." Discovery Park - Parks | seattle.gov 

Photo by Joe Mabel, courtesy Wikimedia Commons

 

#13 on the list are the trails at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge north of Olympia. The easy, flat loop trails are ideal for all ages, including the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail that extends over a mile into the estuary. The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a popular outing for birdwatchers and lovers of nature. fws.gov/refuge/billy-frank-jr-nisqually 

Washington state's third walk on this national poll is the Paradise Trails in Mount Rainier National Park, which came in at #59 on the list. Year-round, the area near the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center is great for easy hikes.  Families can visit in winter for snowshoeing adventures including ranger guided outings. The roads to Paradise are plowed (whenever possible). Visitors are advised to check in advance on road closures. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling in the park from November 1 through May 1. Winter Recreation - Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) 

The #1 rated hike in the country was Lanikai Pillbox hike in Oahu, Hawaii followed by Lookout Mountain Trails in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens Trail in Oahu rounding out the top three.


Read the full article here: Top Nature Walks of 2024
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