School's Out! Latourell Falls kid-friendly hike

With summer break just around the corner, let's plan ahead and get those kids moving! Or just bring yourself. My Ls -- the adorable Lena and Levi-- and friend are ready to kick off their summer break with a little bit of sweat and whole lot of waterfall gawking.

All ages are welcome on this ultra easy hike. You don't even need to bring kids. But if you do, please understand that you are the responsible adult in your party.

The kids will be setting the pace on this one. No grown-up rushing allowed, unless the kids are driving it. Though in true NW Wilderness style, we’re gonna keep everyone moving except at viewpoints, short breaks, and of course, the splash pool at Upper Latourell Falls.

• Difficulty: Easy for adult hikers, and doable for most energetic mini-hikers, too. Kid carrying allowed, assuming it’s your OWN kid
• Hiking distance: 2.3 mile loop
• Elevation gain: 600 feet
• Total hiking time: Probably no more than 2 hours, not factoring in splish-splashing; Depends on the kids
• Total driving distance: 48 miles RT from NE Portland; $5 suggested donation to drivers from Gateway Transit Center, if carpooling
• Permits: None
• Dogs: Bring ‘em!

The Plan:
We will meet at 9 a.m. at Latourell Falls trailhead (If carpooling from Gateway TC, please leave no later than 8:30 a.m.). The trail includes hiking up to Upper Latourell Falls, then down past Lower Latourell Falls, and finally back up to our cars. The emphasis will be on fun, but I’ll also point out some sights from the viewpoints, various points of interest, etc. as we hike.

Bring: Plenty of water for you and everyone you bring, food/snacks, weather-appropriate clothing including a warm layer, a camera, car seats or booster seats as required, and shoes with good traction. No sandals or flip-flops, except maybe to change into at the splash pool or the cars.

Though I won’t be doing a gear check on such a casual hike, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the, um, "ELEVEN" Essentials:

1. Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
3. Insulation (extra clothing)
4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
5. First-aid supplies
6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
7. Knife/tools
8. Nutrition (extra food)
9. Hydration (extra water)
10. Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wild.
11. Chicken jockey!

PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. Also, you are responsible for the safety of any minor you bring along. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.