The hike to Poo Poo Point via the Chirico Trail in Issaquah, Washington can get a bad rap because of its crowds and steep climb. We recently hiked the trail as a family, and while we found both of these things to be true, we also came away with the conclusion that it’s well worth the effort. Even if you might need to let other hikers pass every couple of hundred feet (we were hiking on a sunny Saturday afternoon) and you might huff and puff on the way up, and be sore on the way down, the payoff is huge. Here’s what we loved:
Poo Poo Point–Chirico Trail
- Stone Steps: The stone steps that make up the first part of the trail are so unbelievably picturesque that you feel as though you are hiking in another country! The steep climb feels a little easier when you are hiking within such a beautiful scene.
- Two viewpoints: If you didn’t know better, you might think the initial viewpoint, the South Launch (Mt. Rainier is visible on a clear day), that you see when emerging from the forested trail is the end of your journey. Not so! The trail continues on another quarter mile or so to an even more impressive view at the North Launch (views of Issaquah, Lake Sammamish, surrounding Issaquah Alps, and more).
- Not too long, not too short: 3.8 miles is such a great distance for a family hike. It’s not too terribly long, so it won’t take up your entire day, but it’s also long enough to feel like you are getting a good workout, and a good dose of Vitamin D & Vitamin N!
- Paragliders! We ran into paragliders as they were hiking up to the top, watched them as they set sail at the North Launch Viewpoint, and then watched as they landed back at the trailhead. Seattle Paragliding is located just north of the trailhead. Seeing the gliders in action isn’t guaranteed. I think it has a lot to do with the wind, so my only suggestion is to check their active twitter feed for updates.
You can get a glimpse of our journey by watching our 2 minute YouTube video here:
Ever tried paragliding? Think you might?
Looking for more Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hikes? Check out our Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hiking Guide!
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Fall Visit to Gold Creek Pond (Snoqualmie Pass, WA) with Kids
Have you ever done the ice caves near Verlot? It’s a wonderful hike though the woods and up to the caves where u can see them from afar. Don’t go into the caves at all. The falling ice has killed people. Also there is another hike in the same area called the Lim Kilm hike. It’s pretty kid friendly till you get to the hard part. You might want to check it out. I have not been up there since the late 90s with my brother Kent Gleason.
Yes! I’ve been to the ice caves, but it was years ago without kids–haven’t taken them yet, but you are right–it would a be a great hike for them! Slaed and I hiked the Lime Kiln trail when I was pregnant with Bergen–another great suggestion! We haven’t been up to that area in a while, so it would be good to get back.