Cascade Subaru-Wenatchee at Silver Falls & Rocky Reach Dam

Kid-Friendly Outings Near Wenatchee
Another Subaru Outdoor Getaway
#4 Silver Falls and Rocky Reach Dam - Studies in Flexibility
PLUS - Other Outdoor Adventures for Children

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 Silver Falls

Our Silver Falls outing had the prestige of being our farthest away and most challenging Subaru Kid's Club outing. Did that hold anyone back? Heck no! 

We had quite a few families make the hour-plus trek up the Entiat Valley to enjoy the gorgeous, popular hike. Silver Falls is about 30 miles up the Entiat River Road and boasts of beautiful scenery, waterfalls, interesting benches and bridges, and more importantly, SHADE. What can I say; it was a hot summer.
 
As we started out, I let the group know that I might not make the full trip (a 1.8 mile roundtrip with a 700 ft gain in elevation) because my son, Roper, has respiratory issues and was wheezing a bit that morning. Sure enough, Roper's lips started turning a dusky color as we hiked, indicating that he wasn't getting enough oxygen. I felt bad about leaving the group behind, but I needed to head back to the car to give him a breathing treatment.

Back at the trailhead we reunited with another mom, Annie, and her two kids. They turned back earlier when the kids lost interest in walking and she lost interest in being their Sherpa. When I mentioned my reluctance to leave the group, Annie set my mind at ease when she said, "That's what I like about these outings ? that they're open ended. You can go as far as you want, for as long as you want. That way you don't end up with unhappy kids." Another mom later echoed that sentiment in an email.

So there you go. We're flexible. The trips are open-ended and we're all about making it work for you and the kiddos. Show up, meet new people and then customize the outing to fit you and your kids.

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Rocky Reach Dam

Our Rocky Reach Dam outing was also a study in flexibility.  I was not surprised to see that we had more people than usual sign up for the visit to the dam. It's close to town and there are a ton of things to see and do. Goats! Museum! Fish Ladder! Playground!

Imagine my surprise when only one other mom showed up. Roper and I hung out outside, visiting the goats and admiring the massive displays of flowers. Seriously, can their landscaper come visit our property? We had arrived early to greet the throngs of attendees. You know, that ONE CAR. It took us awhile to realize we were to be a very small group that day.

But you know what? It was awesome to hang out solely with Alisha and her kids for the first portion of our self-tour. And then, after we checked out the fish ladder we met up with another mom and her two boys in the museum. The small group was perfect and we decided to take the kids to the playground equipment to burn off some energy.

Here's the deal. We love having a big turnout on our outings, but we also love the increased connectedness of a small group. We just want to provide the chance to play outside, meet new people and learn more about our valley! We understand that some days it doesn't work out. We understand that it's hard to get the little ones ready and in the car on time. We understand that things come up.

We understand. And we're flexible.

Molly Steere
September, 2012 - Wenatchee, Washington

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More Kid-friendly Hikes:

Horan Natural Area
Wenatchee, Washington

You can have quite an adventure at the Horan Natural Area, located at the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers. The paths are gravel and dirt - accessible by most strollers/joggers.

For map and directions to Horan Natural Area see: //www.justgetout.net/wenatchee/17143

Blackbird Island
Leavenworth, Washington

There is a great hike at Leavenworth's Waterfront Park and Blackbird Island, which is about 45 minutes from Wenatchee. The flat trails wind along the Wenatchee River and include interpretive signs, inlets, benches and bridges. It's a popular spot for bird watching and the paths are stroller and jogger accessible.

Directions on how to get to Blackbird Island in Leavenworth:
Go west on Hwy 2 from the Leavenworth ranger station. Turn left at 9th street (traffic light). Turn left at the end of 9th street. Park at the end of the unpaved road.
//www.icicleinn.com/activities/waterfrontpark.htm

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Details and how to get to Silver Falls from Wenatchee, WA:
//www.justgetout.net/Wenatchee/14798

Details and how to get to the Rocky Reach Dam Visitor Center:
//www.chelanpud.org/visitor-center.html

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