New to South Hill. Need direction.

[jweber240]

Hi all. My family just moved to South Hill. I like that we are very close to the outdoors. I have a two year old daughter that I would like to start walking logging roads with me to explore and get fresh air. Nothing hunting related just area that is close by that her and I could take a jaunt up to get her legs used to the terrain. Appreciate any direction or help!

[quadrafire]

South Hill of Spokane?
PM me i'll give you some ideas

[GETOUTSIDE]

Born and raised on the South Hill, feel free to PM me as well. There is plenty to do close by. I'm always into even the most basic of hikes/walks since I acquired my desk job.

[jweber240]

I'm sorry fellas. I'm in South Hill, Puyallup. That would've been helpful.

[jackmaster]

Well the best would be to buy a Hancock pass, otherwise Elbe hills has as much ground as a guy can ever hope to cover.. Pac forest just up out of eatonville has alot of hiking trails, even the trail in orting going towards south prairie is a great spot and its paved and you can ride your bikes on it, always animals to see as well.. good luck, welcome to the most congested part of the state..lol.. I was born and raised here as well..

[huntinguy]

For just walking around check out Charles Pac Forest. It is part of the University of Washington. It is a research forest. There are lots of trails, some easy, some not so much. You will find kitties, bears, dear and birds. It is a high use area so you shouldn't be too lonely.

http://www.packforest.org/

[CAMPMEAT]

Orting has a bicycle/walking trail...paved.

[Firedogg]

If you want to get her out on some trails, Wildwood Park has some good paths through it that drop up and down into a few gullies. Drop down Meridian like you are going to the fair but halfway down turn right on 23 Ave SE, about a mile up on the left is the park.

  I second the choice for Pack Forest out of Eatonville. The trail to Hugo Peak right off tbe mountain highway is great for building young and old legs. It also has quite a variety of trails that are not so hilly too.

For the ultimate spot to get hikes of varying difficulties, terrain, and easy access head for Mt Rainier National Park. You can't beat that for the most options to get moving around outside.

  While getting a permit for Hancock might be good, unless you know where you are at in there you could find yourself doing some severe bush whacking. It's not the best just for a general hike.

[Crunchy]

Hancock pass is a good idea if you plan to deer and bear hunt it.  Otherwise spendy for just hiking.  Lots of places near elbe or even Carlson. 

[Firedogg]

 Since you are talking about taking a 2 year old with you and I know they have a short attention span, you may be better off with some of the other local Puyallup parks that are close to you thar have trails in them. Bradley Lake is over behind the Walmart and Sportsmans Warehouse with trails around the lake. In the valley you can hit up the Clarks Creek parks and trails. All local and within 20 minutes of most South Hill locations.

[jweber240]

Hey thanks guys! For some reason I couldn't find a quarter of what you all suggested. This helps a lot thank you!

[Firedogg]

Some links to get you going. 

Also Spanaway Lake Park has trails (and ok fishing), another one is Fort Steilacoom park over by Pierce College in Lakewood.

http://www.cityofpuyallup.org/services/parks-recreation/city-puyallup-parks/


http://www.packforest.org


http://hancockrecreationnw.com

[Smoke]

Capital Forest is another one... just southwest of Olympia... bout a 30 min drive if the traffic aint bad

[gilroym]

I also have little ones 2 and 5 and have the same plans get them outside exploring. Went to Ape Caves by Mt. St. Helens last weekend they had a blast exploring the cave. I would suggest using the Washington Trail Ass. site it has a tone of info and you can search your area. It provides level of difficulty.

I have live here my whole life and no matter how much you see their is always more to explore.

http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes

[Smoke]

ok... try to make it easier for you to find... 
Elby hills... head south on Maridain thru Entenville, and on towards the NP... past Alder Lake you come to Elby... about 30 feet after crossing the RXR tracks is the entrance road to Elby Hills...
Capital Forest... South on I5 to Olympia, onto Hwy101... two ways to go.. exit at Black Lake and go south, keeping to the right at all main choices.. or stay on 101 if ya don't exit turns into 8... up hill be a few miles will be a gas station on the right... next left is the forest (gravel rd)
another place closer to South Hill is go thru Orting, keep going to hwy 165, turn south... about 10 miles is a ORV park, some trails there but watch for dirt bikers and quads.. or keep going on 165.. goes thru private logging area (permit required from Hancock).. just keep going and you'll come into national forest with trails.. about 5 more miles and it enters the NP about 100 yds, ends at a gate with parking area.. lots of trails, along with some fantastic views of the big snow covered hill they have there...