Corvallis is a great place to live if you love being outdoors! It was hard picking which hikes to feature, but I narrowed it down to some favorites. Here are some kid friendly hikes in and around Corvallis that our family loves. If you’ve got a different favorite, I’d love to hear about it!
7 Kid Friendly Hikes in Corvallis Your Family Will Love
Kid Friendly Hikes Corvallis
Fitton Green Natural Area
Fitton Green is a family favorite. I love it for hiking and for photographs because it’s simply gorgeous. From what I’ve read, you can hike all the way from Fitton Green to Bald Hill. But we usually just enjoy the panorama loop at the top. It takes us less than an hour, which gives my kids plenty of time to climb their favorite climbing tree when we’re done. It’s fantastic with a huge trunk and lots of branches to climb and explore. The view during the hike is outstanding, and you can see Mary’s Peak from the top. We did go once in the winter after it rained a lot, and I found some parts to be muddier and slicker than I like, so I recommend it on dry days. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
Jackson-Frazier Wetland
The Jackson-Frazeir Wetland is perfect for a quick hike with littles. It’s pretty, and my husband and I stop when we’re in the area for a short walk even without the kids. It’s in wetlands, and the path consists of a wooden boardwalk loop that is about ⅔ of a mile. Park at 3600 NE Lancaster Street, Corvallis for this hike.
Finley Wildlife Refuge
Finley Wildlife Refuge has lots of trail options ranging from one to several miles. The Woodpecker Loop Trail is popular for kids, and it’s just over one mile. Just make sure you watch for poison oak if you or your kids are allergic!
Chip Ross Natural Area
This hike is steep, but short-only about a mile and a half. And once you reach the top there’s a gorgeous view of the city and Willamette Valley. Dogs can be off-leash, so the whole family can enjoy this one.
Beazall Memorial Forest
I love the peaceful feeling as soon as we pull into Beazall Memorial Forest. We’ve spent many happy hours exploring here. There are a few trail options, and they’re all beautiful. Check out the map when you park to decide what’s best for you and your kids. We sometimes do an out-and-back, and we’ve also enjoyed the full loops. There are lovely trees, ferns, a creek, and wildflowers in the spring. There’s also a 1930s barn that’s been converted into the Beazell Forest Education Center. It can be rented for weddings and events.
Green Peak and Alsea Falls
The trail to Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls is beautiful. This is the perfect place to experience a true Western Oregon hike with beautiful old-growth trees and two waterfalls. Alsea Falls is close to the parking lot, and it’s about a 2.5 mile round trip to Green Peak Falls. There’s some elevation gain, so if you have littles who aren’t used to hiking they may enjoy just seeing the first falls. You’ll see red cedars, maples, and Douglas firs. There are also camping and picnic areas.
McDonald Forest
I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but we’ve hardly explored the McDonald Forest. We’ve heard great things about it and it’s on our adventure list! I’ve heard the hike to the lake is beautiful and a great place to find frogs, salamanders, and tadpoles. Dogs are welcome, too.
Kid Friendly Hikes Corvallis
We love hiking as a family. Well, most of us do. And some just come along because mom makes them. But we all have great memories we’ve made hiking together. If you explore these kid friendly hikes in Corvallis, I’d love to hear about it!
Looking for more fun hikes for the family? Check out this post about hikes near Albany:
Kid Friendly Hikes Near Albany, OR (jenwhitephoto.com)
And if you’d like your family photos in one of these gorgeous spots, send me a message. I’d love to work with your family to create beautiful portraits.
And here are my 2 favorite resources for Oregon Hikes:
AllTrails.com
Oregonhikers.org
