Pine Valley Ranch Park
Type … Woods Wander, Drive-up
Highlights … Views, Ponds, River
Seasons … Spring, Summer, Fall
Difficulty with Kids … Easy
Closest Town … Pine
Shade … Plenty
Parking Situation … Plenty
Potty Situation … Flush Toilets at Trailhead
Map/Location… Google Map HERE
This is my go-to spot close-by if I want to get my kids out in nature but it doesn’t seem like the kids have it in the tank to hike any sort of distance. Pine Valley Ranch Park is a perfect place to pull up for an easy afternoon by the river.
There is a beautiful picnic area riverside right by the parking lot - it’s a large area with plenty of shade so perfect for a large group if you have family in town.
From the park entrance, there are family friendly trails to wander, but to be honest, we rarely make it past the main trailhead area. It is worth checking out the pond a few hundred yards into the park - there’s an easy loop right around it if you want to get some energy out!
DRIVE-UP TIPS
Great for babies + groups. There is plenty of shade, picnic tables, and flat land here.
Fishing. There are several river spots to fish from or you fish the pond near the entrance of the park.
Flush toilets! I love the large bathroom with actual toilets - such a rarity and a big bonus if you similarly have a kid that’s scared of pit toilets.
Water, water everywhere! Pack extra clothes/socks or water shoes for the littles if they’ll be in the water; if you aren’t planning on hiking far and have a few sand toys, they’ll be great here!
Perfect summer hang spot
Always in the water
Tons of little places to explore around the park
Wintertime hang at Pine Valley
