We spent Saturday soaking up nature during our Franklin Falls hike. I thought I'd review it and our kiddo pack in case you're interested in adding it to your Bucket List.
REI's hike review is below --I thought it was helpful enough to copy in this post.
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Hike : Franklin Falls Trail
Rating: Easy
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip, 250 feet
elevation gain.
Hike Description: The Franklin Falls Trail follows the south fork of the Snoqualmie River. It’s an easy walk that rises gradually through old-growth forests, with views of Denny Creek. There are several spur trails along the way, but these aren’t recommended for kids because the terrain on the spurs is steep and there are no guardrails. The trail ends at the base of Franklin Falls. You may hear the traffic on 1-90 in the distance, but the sound you’ll really notice is the squeal of delighted children playing in the cool water. As you approach the falls, give little ones a hand, as the rocks can be slippery from the spray. A good twomile
loop can be made by turning right 0.25 miles before reaching the falls. A right turn at this junction will take you back to the Wagon Road trailhead. This short connecting trail joins the Wagon Road Trail.
Driving Directions: Take I-90 east to Exit 47. Turn north, drive across the overpass and turn right at the “T.” In 0.25 miles turn left on Denny Creek Road #58. Follow this road 2.5 miles. Just beyond the campground, turn left on a paved road. In 200 feet, parking is on the left and the trailhead starts on the right. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking.
Tips: Very popular on the weekends in the summer, this trail is sure to have a fair amount of traffic.But kids absolutely love the cool water at the end.
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Now that you've read that please re-read the last sentence because we didn't.
Parking can be really difficult, especially with it's proximity to the campground if you don't go in the early morning/afternoon. We got there at 12:30 (total fail) and it was packed. Luckily we found parking near the trailhead but it can get REALLY backed up.
There are 2 bathrooms by the trailhead (this is very nice!)-- one is handicapped accessible. The other is the one I used. It is disgusting, in my words to B "It smells like you're inside Isla's diaper bin"--but it's really nice they have them there if you really 'gotta go' before you head up to the falls.
I wouldn't expect a kid younger than 4 or 5 to walk the entire way because of the uphill climbs. If you do, be ready to bribe them with snacks and treats (I saw one lady who gave her kiddo a ring pop to keep them busy- brilliant). Isla rode in the pack the whole way and did great. She loved all the bridges, shaded trail with big trees overhead and of course the falls.
Bring lunch! The Falls are perfectly flat and lovely to sit down and picnic while the kiddos romp in the water.
Pack bathing suits and water shoes! The waters cold but the Littles we spotted didn't seem to mind.
The road to find the trail is really easy! Enjoy the drive on I90--it's so pretty :)
and now.....a quick little review on our baby pack.
The pack is awesome! It has tons of little spots to pack goodies for the trail--snacks, water, diapers, wet-bag (I forgot that!) etc. It's fully adjustable so it fits my smaller frame and B's bigger one nicely. It has the handy-dandy sun cover included which conveniently zips out of the backside and slips back in when you don't need it. The sun cover is something you think you'll never need in Seattle but we used it both times this weekend. Isla wasn't so sure about the pack at home but once we were on the trail she loved it. She seemed really comfortable and loved being up 'high' to check everything out.
The pack also has little stirrups on the sides for kiddos to slip their little feet in.
Obviously we're big fans around here--check it out!!
xo.
S
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