The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Wrangell

Wrangell offers a selection of easy, family-friendly hiking trails. Our guide features 4 routes that are perfect for exploring with children, all rated as easy.

You'll find a variety of terrain, often featuring boardwalks to navigate the lush, wet rainforest environments. Many trails are gentle, packed gravel paths, making them accessible for families. Expect to walk through forests, marshy meadows, and along coastal areas.

Yes, there are several pleasant loop trails. For example, the Totem Pole Workshop loop from Wrangell is an easy 5.8 km walk. Another great option is the Hiking loop from Wrangell, which is about 5.6 km and also rated easy.

Absolutely! The Rainbow Falls Trail System, located near the Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area, is a fantastic spot. A boardwalk leads to beautiful cascading waterfall viewpoints, perfect for families. More adventurous families can continue on steeper sections to explore further.

Wrangell is rich in wildlife. While hiking, you might spot bald eagles, various birds, and even moose. For a more dedicated wildlife viewing experience, the Anan Wildlife Observatory (about 30 miles south of Wrangell) is renowned for observing black and brown bears, though access involves a moderately strenuous boardwalk trail.

Yes, Wrangell offers unique cultural experiences. The Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site is an easy walk where you can discover ancient rock carvings. Additionally, trails like the Totem Pole Workshop – Shakes Island loop from Wrangell allow you to see impressive totem poles and learn about local Tlingit culture.

The summer months, typically June through August, offer the most favorable conditions for family hiking in Wrangell. The weather is generally milder, and trails are more accessible. This is also a great time for wildlife viewing, including salmon runs and bear activity.

Many trails in the Tongass National Forest, which surrounds Wrangell, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to check specific trail regulations before heading out, and always keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to protect the local wildlife and environment.

For very young children, the Volunteer Park Trail offers two gentle loops totaling 1.5 miles on packed gravel through marshy meadows. The Mt. Dewey Trail is a popular half-mile hike near town with rewarding views, and the initial boardwalk sections of the Rainbow Falls Trail are also very accessible.

Yes, parking is generally available at the main trailheads for popular family-friendly hikes in and around Wrangell, such as those at Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area for Rainbow Falls, and near the town for trails like Mt. Dewey and Volunteer Park.

Given Wrangell's rainforest environment, it's wise to pack layers, including waterproof outer shells, even in summer. Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes are recommended, along with insect repellent, water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Binoculars can enhance wildlife viewing opportunities.

Absolutely! The Mt. Dewey Trail provides a rewarding viewpoint overlooking Wrangell, the Zimovia Strait, and surrounding islands. Many coastal trails also offer panoramic vistas of the vast oceanfront and the Tongass National Forest.

Yes, the Thoms Lake Trail is a 1.4-mile gravel and boardwalk path that leads to a peaceful forest lake. It's known for waterfowl and can be a good spot for fishing, offering a serene destination for a family outing.