The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Millersylvania State Park
4.5
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Family friendly hiking trails in Millersylvania State Park traverse a diverse landscape of old-growth cedar and fir forests, creating a tranquil, cathedral-like canopy. The park encompasses 903 acres, featuring the 66-acre Deep Lake with freshwater shoreline and wetlands accessible via boardwalk sections. This varied terrain offers a blend of natural beauty and historic charm, providing accessible outdoor experiences for families.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Millersylvania State Park
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Perimeter and Maple Hollow Loop Trail, a 5.2 miles (8.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 10 minutes to complete. This route showcases the park's varied ecosystems, including forests and wetlands.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Fen Way Boardwalk – Lakefront Boats and Bites loop from Millersylvania State Park, an easy 3.2 miles (5.1 km) path. This loop features an elevated boardwalk crossing a wetland area, offering unique views of the park's natural features.
- Local hikers also love the Public Beach on Deep Lake – Millersylvania State Park loop from Millersylvania State Park, a 2.6 miles (4.3 km) trail leading through forested areas and along the lakefront, often completed in about 1 hour 5 minutes.
- Hiking in Millersylvania State Park is defined by old-growth forests, tranquil lakefronts, and wetland boardwalks. The network offers options for different ability levels, with several easy routes suitable for families.
- The routes in Millersylvania State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from 5 reviews. More than 40 hikers have used komoot to explore Millersylvania State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
5.0
(3)
15
hikers
8.44km
02:10
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
From kayaking, sup boarding... you can even fish! Both catch and release and take home. There's a parking lot and restrooms at the pier and if that lot is full there are several others near by.
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This park is popular for everything from hiking to canoeing, swimming, and fishing. For runners, the web of interconnected, mostly flat trail loops means you can piece together exactly the run you want. Even better, most of the trails are well-signed — so it's not too hard to find your way out! You either need a $35 annual Discover Pass to enter the park, or you can pay an $11.50 day use fee.
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This boardwalk through the marsh leads to the Millersylvania Retreat Center, located apart from the main park.
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This is one of a couple beaches open to the public on Deep Lake. This picnic spot with a sandy shore is just off the side of the trail, and there is even a swimming area marked off in the water. The lake is a popular fishing spot, but it works just as well as a photo backdrop.
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This is one of a couple beaches open to the public on Deep Lake. This picnic spot with a sandy shore is just off the side of the trail, and there is even a swimming area marked off in the water. The lake is a popular fishing spot, but it works just as well as a photo backdrop.
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Millersylvania State Park is best known for its quiet camping options and the sizable Deep Lake, but it also has some great trails for hiking and easy mountain biking. The trails are mostly smooth dirt with lots of twists and turns. It's best to keep your speed down, especially on the narrow boardwalk sections.
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A seasonal concession stand sells food and drinks in addition to renting out non-motorized boats for use on Deep Lake. A fun way to end the day! For hours and info, check: https://lakefrontboatsandbites.com/
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This boardwalk through the marsh leads to the Millersylvania Retreat Center, located apart from the main park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Millersylvania State Park?
Millersylvania State Park offers a good selection of routes suitable for families. Our guide features 5 carefully chosen family-friendly hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate adventures.
What kind of terrain can we expect on the family-friendly trails?
The trails in Millersylvania State Park wind through diverse landscapes. You'll find paths under a 'cathedral-like canopy' of old-growth cedar and fir trees, alongside the freshwater shoreline of Deep Lake, and through wetlands, some of which feature elevated boardwalk sections. The terrain is generally gentle, with minimal elevation changes, making it ideal for families.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Millersylvania State Park?
Yes, Millersylvania State Park is pet-friendly! Dogs are welcome on the trails, provided they are kept on a leash. It's a great place to enjoy the outdoors with your furry family members.
Are there any easy, short trails suitable for families with young children?
Absolutely! For a gentle and scenic walk, consider the Fishing Pier – Lakefront Boats and Bites loop, which is just over 3 km. Another excellent option is the Public Beach on Deep Lake – Millersylvania State Park loop, offering beautiful lake views over approximately 4.2 km.
What are some natural features or points of interest we can see along the trails?
Millersylvania State Park is rich in natural beauty. Along the trails, you can admire magnificent old-growth cedar and fir trees, explore wetland areas with evidence of beaver activity, and enjoy the serene 66-acre Deep Lake with its two swimming beaches. The Fen Way Boardwalk – Lakefront Boats and Bites loop specifically features an elevated boardwalk crossing a wetland.
Are there any circular routes for families who prefer to end where they started?
Many of the family-friendly trails in Millersylvania State Park are indeed circular. For example, the Perimeter and Maple Hollow Loop Trail offers a longer, moderate loop, while the Fen Way Boardwalk – Lakefront Boats and Bites loop and the Public Beach on Deep Lake – Millersylvania State Park loop are excellent shorter circular options.
What is the best time of year to visit Millersylvania State Park with family?
Millersylvania State Park is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions for family hiking with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, especially for enjoying Deep Lake's swimming beaches. During certain seasons, you might also spot charming bird species and lovely wildflowers.
Is there parking available at Millersylvania State Park?
Yes, Millersylvania State Park has ample parking facilities for visitors. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks in Washington. You can find more information about passes on the official Washington State Parks website: parks.wa.gov.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Millersylvania State Park?
The trails in Millersylvania State Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the park's tranquil forest atmosphere, the well-maintained paths, and the beautiful lake views, making it a favorite for family outings.
Are there any historical elements to explore in the park?
Yes, Millersylvania State Park has a rich history. You can find remnants of 19th-century skid roads, logging industries, and railway systems. The park also features well-preserved stone and timber structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, which are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
Can we combine hiking with other activities at Millersylvania State Park?
Absolutely! Beyond hiking, Deep Lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating like kayaking or paddleboarding. The park also offers abundant picnicking facilities, mountain biking trails, and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching.
Most popular routes in Millersylvania State Park
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