Rocky Mouth Waterfall Hike: Sandy, Utah

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Jun 17, 2021 | Hiking, Mountains, Utah, Water

Rocky Mouth Waterfall Hike: Sandy, Utah

The Rocky Mouth Waterfall Hike is brief family-friendly hike, against the mountains of Sandy, Utah. This 0.8-mile, round-trip hike gains around 280 feet and to leads to a small, but beautiful waterfall that most anybody can do.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy EASY Moderate Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Hiking Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
Hiking Elevation Gain: 240 ft
Terrain: Wood steps, sidewalk, dirt and rock trail, wet rocks by the falls
Time Needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
When to Go: Spring, Summer, Fall

COST

Free

AMENITIES

No bathrooms or water at trailhead. However, this hike is in Sandy, Utah where there are nearby gas stations and grocery stores.

THINGS TO BRING

Water
Snacks
Good walking/hiking sandals or shoes
DO NOT BRING DOGS – Not allowed here due to watershed

DETAILS

Rocky Mouth Waterfall hike is a short, heavily used trail. This is a great hike for people who don’t like to hike much, but still want to enjoy a beautiful and brief hike. It took us only 30 minutes, including the time we took to explore a little at the top. Since the waterfall is small and the trail is crowded, this is probably not the best for avid hikers.

The water level does fluctuate throughout the year and we visited the waterfall when the water volume was relatively low. I rated this as a 3 star hike for our family. I think we would have enjoyed this hike more if we would have visited when it was less crowded and when the water level was higher.

Trailhead

The trailhead is accessed from a small parking lot off of Wasatch Blvd in Sandy Utah. There is some street parking available, but watch signs for the allowed areas of street parking. Dogs are NOT allowed due to the watershed in the area.

The Hike

The trail begins right off the parking lot, is well marked and starts with a series of large wood steps. After the wood steps you will come to a neighborhood and sidewalk.

Follow the signs upward through the neighborhood about another 0.1 miles to a dirt/rock path and more wood stairs in between two fences.

After another 0.1 miles, you will come to a fork in the path where the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) connects in. Do not follow BST, but take the trail upward to the left, which leads to the waterfall.

Rocky Mouth Waterfall

The waterfall is small, but really pretty. The area around the waterfall has several rock faces and boulders my kids enjoyed climbing on. The small stream coming from the waterfall is a fun place for kids to wade and play in if desired.

The waterfall area got more crowded after we got there, and social distancing guidelines were still in place from COVID-19, so we did not take the time to enjoy the area around the waterfall as much as we might have liked. Going back, the trail was a bit more crowded as well.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Easy for kids and non-hikers
Fun rocks for kids to climb on
Well shaded

CONS

Crowded
Waterfall is smaller than we expected
Have to walk through a neighborhood

NEUTRAL

Short

DIRECTIONS

Rocky Mouth Waterfall trailhead is on the east side of Sandy Utah on the east side of Wasatch Blvd and is located at 11248 Wasatch Blvd, Sandy, UT 84092. You can search the address or Rocky Mouth Waterfall Trailhead to get to the right location. DO NOT put Rocky Mouth Waterfall into your maps app–it will lead you up a private road, which is what happened to us. You must include the word “trailhead” to get to the right location.

MAPS

MORE INFO

All Trails

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Draper Suspension Bridge (10 minutes)

Horsetail Falls (35 minutes)

Alien Tower hike (20 minutes)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

My goal is to inspire you to get outside and create your own amazing memories as a family. Life is precious and there are too many adventures to be had to spend life on the couch or in front of a screen.

Grand Teton National Park with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Jun 3, 2021 | Featured Posts, Hiking, Mountains, National Parks, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park with Kids

Create memories that will last a lifetime in Grand Teton National Park with kids. This incredible national park in Wyoming features majestic views, hiking for all ages and abilities, wildlife viewing and water adventures. This family guide to Grand Teton National Park will help make your trip with kids a success.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy Moderate Hard Very Hard
(Activities range from very easy to hard depending on what you are doing)

KEY FEATURES

Hiking Distance: Short to long depending on the trail, many trail options for all skill levels
Elevation Change: Flat to steep depending on trail

Terrain: Mountains, rocks, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, dirt trails
Time Needed: A few hours to several days (I recommend at least 2 days, we spent a week)

WHEN TO VISIT GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK WITH KIDS

I recommend visiting Grand Teton National Park with kids in late spring, summer or early fall. The summer is busiest so be prepared for crowds. We spent a week in the park near the end of July. If you decide to visit in the summer plan ahead and visit the busy areas such as Jenny and String Lake in the early evening, late afternoon or morning before 10am.

You also need to plan your lodging ahead of time if you plan to visit in the summer – I recommend six months in advance.

If you are visiting Grand Teton National Park in the spring or fall be prepared for all weather including possibility of snow. Bring coats for those kiddos!

COST

$35 per vehicle for a 7 day pass

Free if you have a 4th grader with Every Kid Outdoors program

AMENITIES

Campgrounds
Cabins
Hotels, restaurants and grocery stores in Jackson, Wyoming nearby
Bathrooms at visitor’s centers and most trailheads
Convenient stores and gas stations scattered throughout Grand Teton National Park

THINGS TO BRING

Camping gear if camping
Hiking gear (water, snacks, sturdy shoes)
Hiking carrier for young kids
Bear Spray! A must! We almost ran into a bear while hiking.
Water gear if desired (kayaks, paddle-boards, water shoes, googles, life jackets)
Sunscreen
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Jackets (weather can turn quickly) or coats (if visiting in spring/fall)
Water bottles/water packs

OVERVIEW

We absolutely love Grand Teton National Park. It has everything – Mountains for hiking and exploring, water for paddling, swimming and boating and excellent wildlife viewing. The views are absolutely stunning no matter what viewpoint you are looking from. We spent a week in Grand Teton National Park with kids and we were not ready to go home. There are so many adventures to go on in this 300,000+ acre park.

THINGS TO DO AT GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK WITH KIDS

Hiking

There are endless hiking opportunities ranging from very easy to very hard within Grand Teton National Park with kids. We hiked trails that were very easy to moderate. Here are a few we did with an 11, 10, 7 and 3 year old.

String Lake Loop: 4.4 miles, 400 ft. elevation gain – Gorgeous views of Tetons up close and lakes below.

String Lake

Moose Ponds: 2 to 3.2 miles, 150ft elevation gain: Complete the loop or hike an-out-and back to the moose pond. Keep your eye out for animals near the ponds. Hike earlier morning or evening to avoid crowds around Jenny Lake and to see more wildlife.

Moose Pond

Hidden Falls Trail: 4.9 miles or 1 mile (if you take the boat), 600 ft elevation gain: Popular hike half way around Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls. You can opt to take a paid boat ride across the lake making the total hike only 1 mile to the falls. Will be crowded in the summer months.

Hidden Falls

Jackson Lake Shoreline Trail from Signal Mountain Marina: 0.25 to unknown miles, rolling hills:

I can’t find this hike on All Trails or Google, but it was my favorite in The Tetons. It feels like you are walking the ocean shoreline in Oregon with incredible mountain views of The Tetons in the distance. It starts from the south side of Signal Mountain Marina near the beach and heads south. I’m not sure how far you can follow this trail, but we did about 2 miles total.

Bristlecone Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

String to Leigh Lake: 2 miles, flat: Easy, very family friendly hike next to that follows String Lake to Leigh Lake. We started at the north end of the String Lake parking lot, but you can make this longer by starting at the south parking lot or continuing further around Leigh Lake. Great views of Tetons and String Lake. Take a few minutes to wade in String Lake. Great for all ages and abilities.

Heron Pond-Swan Lake Loop: 3.2 miles, 150 ft elevation gain: Flat and easier hike for kids that begins on the south side of Colter Bay. Views of Jackson Lake in beginning followed by hike through forest trees. Beautiful swans in Swan Lake.

Schwabacher’s Landing: 1.8 miles, flat: Drive the the end of Schwabacher’s Landing Road off Highway 89 and walk along the trail near the calm river for spectacular views of all the Tetons and wildlife. Keep your eyes out for beavers at the beaver dam. Perfect hike/walk for all ages and abilities. Our toddler just wanted to throw rocks in the water the entire hike. Its an out-and-back trail so go as far or as little as you want.

Swimming and Floating

From the larger Jackson Lake to small streams, you can find a water adventure that suits you and your family at Grand Teton National Park. Boat permits are required for motorized boats and non-motorized boats such as kayaks. Permits can be purchased at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center and the Colter Bay Visitor Center.

Jackson Lake

Jackson Lake is the largest lake in Grand Teton National Park. Motorized boats are allowed. Signal campground and Colter Bay both are next to Jackson Lake in different areas. We stayed at Signal Mountain campground and loved having close access to Jackson Lake. There is a large boat ramp and dock as well as beach area to swim in. We brought googles, paddle-boards and kayaks and spent hours enjoying the lake. The views are breathtaking.

Jenny Lake

The Jenny Lake area is a central hub for hiking and water craft of 10 horsepower max. Get here first thing in the morning or later afternoon in order to get a close parking spot and avoid the crowds.

String Lake

String Lake is narrow, shallow, clear lake that connects Leigh Lake and Jenny Lake. This was our favorite place to kayak because of the crystal clear water. Get here early or late afternoon to get a parking spot. There are a couple docking areas — One at the south end of the lake and another at the north end of the parking lot. There are also great swimming areas and a large rock to jump from.

Camping

As of January 26th, 2021 you can now book campsite on a six month rolling basis at reservations.gov. I saw fights break out over first-come, first-served camping spots our week at Signal Mountain. The reservation system was definitely needed. In 2020, we arrived at Jenny Lake at 5:45 A.M. with 4 kids to get a spot but we were too late. However, we were able to get a spot at Signal Mountain at 7 A.M. (which we absolutely loved) and stayed an entire week.

Plan ahead and book your site six months ahead of time if you would like to stay within Grand Teton National Park.

Campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park

Gros Ventre

Gros Ventre Campground is the furthest south campground within the park and allows for tents, trailers and RVs. It is has 300+ sites. It is near the Gros Ventre River and a bit further away from the major hiking and hub of The Tetons.

Signal Mountain Campground

I absolutely love Signal Mountain Campground! We stayed here for a week and absolutely loved the scenery as well as its central location. Signal Mountain sits on the south end of Jackson Lake. It is next to the Signal Mountain Marina allowing quick access from the campground to water recreation at Jackson Lake. It is only a 10 minute drive to the hiking hub of Jenny Lake.

It is a medium sized campground at 76 sites consisting of tent, RV and trailer sites. There is a gas station, convenient store, laundry facilities and pay showers. There are several camp sites close to the lake with gorgeous lake views. The sunsets are magical. Make sure to follow all the food regulations for bears. There is a bear box at every site. We had few bears walk through camp while we were there.

View of Jackson Lake from Signal Mountain Campground

Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake Campground sits right under The Grand Teton. It is central hub for hiking. This is a smaller campground that is tent only. It is probably the most sought after campground within the park due to its location and atmosphere.

Colter Bay

Colter Bay is a larger campground with 300+sites for tents, RVS and trailers. It is closer to Yellowstone so if you are hitting both parks this might be a good campground for you. It is also a great place if you are bringing a motorized boat due to the large docking area and bay. Colter bay has a larger gift shop/convenient store, gas station, laundry and pay showers. There are a several great hiking trails from Colter Bay.

Lizard Creek

Lizard campground is on the North end of Jackson Lake and is only 11 miles south of the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It is further away from the central hub of the Tetons which gives it a more secluded and rustic feel. Great place to stay if you want a quieter location close to Yellowstone.

Headwaters

Headwaters Campground is the furthest North campground and is only a couple miles from the south entrance to Yellowstone. It offers 100+ camping sites plus an additional 40 camper cabins. Showers are available to every camper.

Wildlife Viewing

We saw more wildlife in at Teton National Park than we did in Yellowstone – yep, it’s true. Bears, moose, elk, deer, bison, swans, squirrels, and a variety of birds. I don’t know that there is really a special spot to see wildlife – we saw wildlife wherever we went. I just suggest keeping your eyes peeled and look around while driving and hiking. Bringing binoculars would be a plus.

Visit Mormon Row Historic District

Mormon Row contains old homes and barns from around 1900 of the early settlers of the area from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This area offers incredible views of The Tetons that many photographers seek. It is also fun to explore the area and look into the old buildings and imagine how life was 100+ years ago.

Scenic Drive to Signal Mountain Viewpoint

Signal Mountain Viewpoint is just off Teton Park Road just south of Signal Mountain Campground. Follow Signal Mountain road for 5 miles for an elevation gain of about 1000 feet. No trailers or RVs allowed. At the top you will see panoramic vistas of the valley below.

Explore Cunnigham Cabin

John Cunningham built this cabin in the 1880s and was a rancher/farmer in the area until around 1930. He played an essential role in the preservation of the the Teton area. We had fun exploring the cabin and finding prairie dogs.

Visitor’s Center and Junior Ranger Program

We love going through National Park visitor’s centers for learning opportunities and to get Junior Ranger books. The Junior Ranger program keeps the kids busy while we drive and helps them learn about each park and how to preserve it. Grand Teton National Park has four visitor centers: Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center, Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center, Jenny Lake and Colter Bay. Junior Ranger books can be picked up at any visitor center location.

Star Gazing

Grand Teton National Park has an incredible night sky where you can easily see the Milky Way. We were lucky enough to visit when we could see the comet NEOWISE. Check the Visitor’s Center for ranger led astronomy programs.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Beautiful scenery
All ages will enjoy
Variety of activities: Hiking, water fun, scenic drives, ranger programs, wildlife viewing etc.
Mild temperatures in the summer
Near Yellowstone National Park
Great opportunities to see wildlife
Many hiking options from short to long

CONS

Popular areas within the park can become overcrowded (if visiting the Jenny Lake area, arrive before 10am or after 4 pm)
Campgrounds fill quickly

DIRECTIONS

Grand Teton National Park is located in the north-western corner of Wyoming, just below Yellowstone National Park. There is a north, south, and east entrance into the park. Put your desired location within the park in your GPS to get to the right location. At the park entrance you will receive a map of the park which is great to have in areas where there isn’t great cell phone reception.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Grand Teton National Park

Boating and floating park regulations

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Yellowstone National Park

Town of Jackson

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Grand Teton National Park with Kids

Mount Rainier National Park with Kids

Olympic National Park with Kids

Discover tranquil beaches, sea-life, majestic rain forests, lakes, serene waterfalls and hot springs at Olympic National Park with kids. Olympic National Park is a gorgeous and diverse area, covering the majority of...

Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids

Adventure to Bryce Canyon National Park with kids! This awe inspiring park with its red and white hoodoos and green pines will create memories that last a lifetime. From hiking to exploring the western themed shops...

Willis Creek Slot Canyon with Kids

Willis Creek Slot Canyon in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a family-friendly hike for any skill level. With a meandering stream and towering walls, your family will be enthralled by this unique Utah...

Mount Rainier National Park with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 25, 2021 | Hiking, Mountains, National Parks, Washington

Mount Rainier National Park with Kids

Visit Mount Rainier National Park with kids for an awe-inspiring trip your family will always remember. Mount Rainier stands as a majestic icon in the State of Washington that can be seen from many miles away. This unique National Park allows visitors to get up close to an active volcano and glaciers, as well as breathtaking hikes that include beautiful wildlife, waterfalls and wildflowers all around.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy Moderate Hard Very Hard
(Activities range from very easy to hard depending on what you are doing)

KEY FEATURES

Terrain: Dirt trails, paved trails, rocks, bridges, glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, volcano
Time Needed: A few hours to a few days
When to Go: Spring, Summer, Fall

Hiking Distance: Varies depending on trail

Elevation Gain: Varies depending on trail. Some trails are steep and some are flat.

COST

$30 entrance fee per vehicle (valid for seven days)
Free if you have a 4th grader with you through the Every Kid Outdoors program.
Additional fee for camping

AMENITIES

Lodging: Camping or Lodges
General store
Snack bars
Two restaurants
Water and bathrooms at visitor’s centers and campgrounds

THINGS TO BRING

Camping supplies if camping
Food/Snacks
Good hiking shoes
Hiking backpack
Water for hiking
Sunscreen

DETAILS

Exploring Mount Rainier National Park with kids is a must for families looking for a mountain adventure near Seattle, Washington.

Mount Rainier National Park was our last stop on our two week road trip through Oregon and Washington. We spent just under 2 days in the park with a 10, 9, 6 and 2 year old. It was definitely not enough time to see it in entirety, but we did get a good taste. My 4th grader had one goal at this park — to touch a glacier — which we did.

Mount Rainier hasn’t erupted since the 1800s, but it is still considered an active volcano. We enjoyed learning more about volcanos in the parks visitor’s centers and googling info on our drive. The views of Mount Rainier are stunning as you drive through the park.

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

Hiking

There are over 260 miles of maintained trails within the park. Most trails can be shortened if desired.

Family Friendly Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park

(Hiking information found on the National Park Service website and All Trails)

Longmire Area

Trail of Shadows: (0.7 miles, 40 ft elevation gain) Hike through the forest and meadow to a spring and cabin replica.

Twin Firs Loop Trail: (0.4 miles, 100 ft elevation gain) Hike through the Evergreens of Mount Rainier

Ohanapecosh Area

Hot Springs Nature Trail: (0.5 miles, 50 ft elevation gain) Walk along a meadow and board wat to the Ohanapecosh Hot Springs. You can’t go in the hot springs.

Grove of the Patriarchs Trail: (1.2 miles, 45 ft elevation gain) Hike amongst some of the oldest trees in the park and walk across a suspension bridge over the Ohanapecosh River on this lush green hike.

Box Canyon Loop Trail: (0.3 miles, 20 ft elevation gain) Walk on a bridge to see a narrow slot canyon below.

Sunrise Area

Shadow Lakes Trail: (3 miles, 300 ft elevation gain) Views of Mount Rainier and White River Valley

Carbon River and Mowich Area

Carbon River Rainforest Nature Trail: (0.3 miles, 60 ft elevation gain) Explore the only inland rainforest in Washington.

Old Mine Trail: (3 miles, 300 ft elevation gain) Hike through a lush forest to the entrance of an old mine.

Paradise Area

Nisqually Vista Trail: (1.2 miles, 180 ft elevation gain) View Nisqually Glacier as you walk through the stunning meadows of Mount Rainier. This is a paved trail so bring a stroller if you need to.

Bench and Snow Lakes Trail: (2.2 miles, 450 ft elevation gain) Hike through meadows and forest paths to explore two stunning lakes.

Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls: (1 mile, 160 ft elevation gain) Walk to Myrtle Falls along a paved path.

There are several trail options ranging from short to long from the Paradise area. The shorter hikes are paved and are great for strollers. There is also a short easy 1 mile round trip hike to the Myrtle Falls that the Skyline trail hooks into.

Myrtle Falls View from Above

Skyline Trail

The skyline trail is a steep 6 mile loop trail that takes you to the base of Mount Rainier’s Glacier’s. It provides gorgeous views of the volcano, surrounding cascade mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, streams and meadows filled with wildflowers. This is one of the most scenic hikes I have been on. The pictures just don’t do it justice.

This is a hard hike for kids, but I was so proud of my little hikers for sticking it through. They were super motivated to be able to see a volcano up close and to touch a glacier.

Bridge over Sulphur Creek at Capitol Reef National Park

Camping

There are three main campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park: Cougar (SW area of park), Ohanapecosh (SE area of park) and White River (NE section of park). Cougar and Ohanapecosh can be reserved six months in advance and White River is first come first served. Get more information on the campgrounds here.

We stayed two nights at Cougar Rock Campground and enjoyed the Junior Ranger park programs at the amphitheater nearby. We had plenty of space on out site and enjoyed being surrounded by tall pines. I booked our site about 3 months ahead of time. There were still several sites available at that point. For most national parks I recommend booking campsites 6 months in advance, especially post covid.

Scenic Drive

There are many scenic viewpoints along the drive through the park. We entered the southwest entrance and exited on the southeast side. You could honestly spend a day just driving the park and stopping at different viewpoints.

Visitor’s Centers

There are four visitors centers in Mount Rainier National Park: Longmire, Ohanapecosh, Paradise and Sunrise. We were able to visit Ohanapecosh and Paradise. The Ohanapecosh Visitor Center is small and quant. Whereas, the Paradise Visitor Center is large with many interactive displays. We enjoyed learning all about how volcanos are formed.

Junior Ranger Program

Mount Rainier National Park with kids isn’t complete without getting your junior ranger badge! Grab a Junior Ranger Book at a visitor center at the beginning of your visit and let your kids work on them throughout your trip. Before you leave Mount Rainier turn in your finished Junior Ranger book for a Junior Ranger Badge. The Junior Ranger program keeps the kids busy while we drive and helps them learn about each park and how to preserve it.

Kid Activities Outside the Park

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park: View native northwest animals on nature trails or in your own car. Let your kids play on the imagination kindling playgrounds and go on the zipline/ropes course.

Rusty Plow: Pick fresh blueberries with your kids on a 3 acre blueberry farm. This is a little bit of a drive from Mount Rainier, 1 to 2 hours depending on which area of the park you are coming from.

Mount Rainier Gondola: Ride the Gondola up more than 2000 ft to the summit of Crystal Mountain.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Beautiful scenery
Diverse hiking opportunities: short, long, flat, steep.
Glaciers
Volcano
Opportunities for learning at Junior Ranger programs

CONS

Longer, harder hikes to get up close to the glaciers.

DIRECTIONS

Mount Rainier National Park is located among the Cascade Mountain Range and is two hours south and slightly east of Seattle. It is two and a half hours northeast of Portland. Below is a map to the Visitor Center in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Mount Rainier National Park official site.

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park (1 hour)

Mount Rainier Gondola

Seattle (2 hours)

Mount St. Helens (2 hours)

Portland (2.5 hours)

Olympic National Park (3 hours)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Salmon Run at Causey Reservoir, Utah

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 4, 2021 | Mountains, Utah, Water

Salmon Run at Causey Reservoir, Utah

The Kokanee Salmon run is a must see fall outdoor adventure in Utah. Enjoy the beautiful fall mountain scenery while also viewing the Kokanee Salmon run at Causey Reservoir up close in this unique yearly event. This guide will help you plan your paddle or hiking adventure to see the Utah Salmon run up close.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy Moderate HARD Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 2 to 4.7 miles (depending on if you paddle or hike)
Elevation Gain: 800 ft if hiking
Terrain: Water (reservoir and stream), mud, dirt, rocks, mountains
Time Needed: 3 to 4 hours
When to Go: Mid September to Mid October

COST

Free

AMENITIES

Vault bathrooms at Skull Crack Trailhead
Restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores nearby in the Huntsville area about 20 minutes away
Camping at Weber Memorial Park just minutes from Causey Reservoir

THINGS TO BRING

Kokanee Salmon via Paddling:

Paddleboard or kayaks
Lifejacket
Good water shoes/sandals
Snacks and water

Kokanee Salmon via Hiking:

Good hiking shoes
Snacks and water

Disclaimer: My husband and I were able to get away by ourselves for this fun adventure. My ratings are still geared towards families.

DETAILS

I have lived in Utah the majority of my life and never knew that there are Salmon in Utah. I had to check these amazing creatures out once a family member told me about them.

The Kokanee Salmon swim upstream from larger fresh bodies of water to spawn in shallow water of mountain streams. During this time, the Salmon undergo a change from smooth silver color to pink/red. The males also gain a humpback and a snout.

Kokanee Salmon can be found in the fall during the salmon run at Causey Reservoir near Ogden, Utah in the streams that feed into the reservoir. It does require a little effort to get to these smaller streams, but it is such a fun adventure. You can either paddle or hike to the viewing areas.

Kokanee Salmon via Paddling

Paddling to see the the Kokanee Salmon run at Causey provides a more remote experience because hikers can’t reach one of the tributaries.

Kayak/Paddle Board Launch

You can launch your kayak or paddle board at the Skull Crack trailhead at the south end of the reservoir or at the dam. We put in at the dam and it was a pretty steep walk to and from the water but it was doable.

The Skull Crack Trail launch in is a bit more gradual of a walk to get to the water. Water levels each year will impact how far you have to walk to launch.

Causey Reservoir Dam Launch Site

Skull Crack Trailhead Launch

Finding Kokanee Salmon

To view the salmon we preferred the more remote site that can only be reached by paddling. It is the left fork on the south end of the reservoir. After paddling for about a mile and half, the reservoir narrows and you will need to park your paddling vehicle and finish on foot to find the salmon. There is a lot of mud and the creek is freezing!

You will hike about 0.5 miles to the small pools of salmon after paddling. The beautiful scenery continues. As you start approaching areas of the creek covered in trees look for red/pink Salmon in the water. We were able to see about 40 to 50 salmon in the pools that we found.

Getting Back

Our paddle back was rough due to a strong headwind. I think our kids would have had a hard time paddling with the head wind. If paddling with little ones, I recommend starting earlier in the day when the water is calm. We paddled back around 5pm when the water wasn’t calm.

Check out this link for an awesome map from the Standard Examiner on where to find Kokanee Salmon in Causey Reservoir.

Kokanee Salmon via Hiking

You can also view the Kokanee Salmon run at Causey via a 4.5 mile Skull Crack Trail starting from the south end of the reservoir. This is a harder hike for kids due to length and elevation gain. Make sure your kids have done some decent hiking before hiking the Skull Crack Trail.

Skull Crack Trailhead

The trailhead is located at the very south end of Causey Reservoir. More people take the hiking route than the paddling route. There is a map below to the trailhead. The parking lot can become full on weekends. It was full by 9am on the Saturday we were there. There is some parking on the road.

The Hike

This Skull Crack Trail is absolutely beautiful. It follows the skyline of Causey Reservoir and provides beautiful mountain scenery with stunning views of the reservoir. This hike does has some elevation change with a total of 830 feet of elevation gain.The trail is mostly downhill on the way to the Kokanee Salmon and uphill on the way back.

Causey Reservoir view from Skull Crack Trail

Finding Kokanee Salmon

After about 2.2 miles you will reach the stream where you can find Kokanee Salmon. You will need to continue following the trail about another 0.1 to find the pools with the salmon. I recommend trying out the trail on each side of the stream. Each side provides different views of the pools. The hike is worth the work to see the Kokanee Salmon up close. We saw about 20 Kokanee Salmon in this area.

The standard examiner map shows that Salmon can also be seen on the North end of Causey Reservoir. We weren’t able to see any here but we visited early in the Salmon season when they may not have been here yet.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Salmon viewing in Utah!
Beautiful fall and mountain scenery
Two ways to see: paddling or hiking

CONS

Might be rough water when paddling
Parking lots may be crowded
Longer hike for kids

DIRECTIONS

Causey Reservoir is located just off Highway 39 on FR20139 and is 40 minutes east of Ogden and just 20 minutes from Huntsville. Put Causey Reservoir into your GPS device and you will get the right place. To get to the Skull Crack Trailhead put Skull Crack Trailhead into your GPS or follow my map below.

MAPS

MORE INFO

There are several other places to view the Kokanee Salmon in Utah in the fall including Jordanelle, Fish Lake, Flaming Gorge, Electric Lake, Smith and Morehouse Reservoir, Porcupine Reservoir, Stateline Reservoir, Strawberry Reservoir. Here are some other resources if viewing in other areas.

wildlife.utah.gov

utahoutdooractivities

Standard Examiner article and map of where to find Kokanee Salmon run at Causey Reservoir

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Pineview Reservoir (20 minutes)

Snowbasin Ski Resort (30 minutes)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Rocky Mouth Waterfall Hike: Sandy, Utah

Float the Provo River with Kids

Float the Provo River with kids for an exciting Utah County water adventure for the entire family. Escape the summer heat and enjoy the beauty of the mountains and Provo River on a kayak, paddleboard, tube, raft or...

Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids

Willis Creek Slot Canyon with Kids

Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile in Utah

Paul Bunyan's Woodpile in Juab County, Utah is an imagination-kindling adventure for the entire family. This enormous pile of hardened lava looks like purposefully placed logs that only a giant could create....

Alien Tower Hike: Draper, Utah

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Apr 21, 2021 | Hiking, Mountains, Utah

Alien Tower Hike: Draper, Utah

The Alien Tower Hike leads to the top of a small peak with an old a-frame, metal structure and amazing 360 degree views of the Wasatch Mountains and valleys below. It is a dog and family-friendly, out-and-back hike, that gains 538 feet over 2.5 miles, and is well worth the trek.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy MODERATE Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Hiking Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
Hiking Elevation Gain: 540 ft
Terrain: Dirt trail, rocks, exposed trail,
Time Needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
When to Go: Spring, Summer (morning or evening), Fall

COST

Free

AMENITIES

There is a single port-a-pottie at the trail-head. The closest gas station is a Chevron, 4.5 miles from the trail-head on Highland Drive in Draper, UT.
There is a water fountain at Maple Trailhead Park just north of the Alien Tower Hike. It is only on during the summer months.

THINGS TO BRING

Sunscreen, trail exposed
Water
Snacks
Dogs allowed. There is an off leash area on the trail.

DETAILS

The Alien Tower hike is a fun, free adventure in Draper, Utah. We hiked to the Alien Tower in early spring with an 11, 9, 7 and 2 year old. We had fun making up stories about aliens and how the tower got to the top of the mountain.

Trailhead

The Alien Tower hike begins from a small parking area at the end of Deer Ridge Drive in Draper, Utah. If there is not enough parking near the trail head, Maple Trailhead Park is directly adjacent on the north side and has a few parking stalls. There is a trail that connects Maple Trailhead Park to the Alien Tower Trailhead if you park there or you can just walk from the park to the Alien Tower Trail via the sidewalk.

There is a chain blocking the large trail to restrict motorized vehicles from entering. This is where the hike begins.

The Hike

There are two main route options to get to the alien tower but they begin from the same place. After a few minutes on the main trail there is a trail to the left that heads south. We followed this route. However, you can continue on the main trail where the off leash dog area is. Each route leads to the alien tower.

There are a few different trails that emerge from the trail that we followed but they do all end up coming back to the trail that takes you to the Alien Tower. The off leash dog area and the most direct route merge together before the final ascent to Alien Tower.

We enjoyed coming up with stories about aliens and what the alien tower might be used for. There is a twin alien tower on the top of Lake Mountain, near Saratoga Springs and maybe aliens use the two towers for communication. 😉

The Alien Tower

The alien tower is a-frame metal structure and marks the turn-around point at the top for the hike. We took a break here for a snack, enjoyed the views and pointed out landmarks that we know.

The views at the top are breathtaking of Utah and Salt Lake Counties, as well as the Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake. The views of Mount Timpanogos and several other mountain tops create a beautiful back-drop. This would be an amazing sunset hike.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on this trail and there is a specific area where dogs are allowed off leash that is well marked. There was a lot of dog waste along the path. Please clean up after your dog if you bring one.

The distance and climb make it a great hike for families. It is not too short and not too steep, but there was still enough climbing to get couple minor complaints from our youngest daughter. According to my GPS, the hike was closer to 2.8 miles. There are not any trail markers along the way so you can follow the All Trails route.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Beautiful views of Salt Lake and Utah County Valleys
Fun destination to Alien Tower
Family friendly: Not too steep or long for kids

CONS

Can become crowded with hikers, mountain bikers and dogs
Lots of dog poo on the trail

DIRECTIONS

The trailhead is officially called Deer Ridge Offleash Dog Trailhead on google maps, but there is not a sign that calls the trailhead this. The address is 1455 Deer Ridge Dr, Draper, UT 84020. Type Deer Ridge Offleash Dog Trailhead in google maps or the exact address to get you to the starting point.

We pulled up the map from All Trails to get directions to the trail head and follow the actual trail to make sure we were going the most direct route.

There are a few different ways to get to the alien tower, we took the most direct route taking a left at the first fork in the road. You can make this hike slightly longer by adding in a loop.

MAPS

MORE INFO

All Trails

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Rocky Mouth Waterfall Hike (10 minutes)

Draper Suspension Bridge (15 minutes)

Horsetail Falls Hike (30 minutes)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

You Might Also Like:

KUHL Freeflex Rollup Pant Review

The KUHL FREEFLEX ROLL-UP pant is a versatile, light-weight and comfortable women's hiking pant that is well-suited for the trail and everyday wear. SIZING & FIT Rating 4/5 The KUHL Freeflex Rollup Pant...

Rocky Mouth Waterfall Hike: Sandy, Utah

10 Tips for Hiking with Kids

Over the years hiking with kids, I have learned a few things that make hiking easier and more enjoyable. We value hiking because it gives us time away from the normal distractions at home, which allows us to bond...

Grand Teton National Park with Kids

Mount Rainier National Park with Kids

Draper Suspension Bridge Hike, Utah

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Apr 10, 2021 | Mountains, Utah

Draper Suspension Bridge Hike, Utah

The Draper Suspension Bridge hike is a must for any family along the Wasatch Front in Utah. It offers gorgeous views of the Salt Lake Valley, as well as is a fun destination to Draper’s newer suspension bridge that connects the well-groomed Bonneville Shoreline trail over Bear Canyon.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy MODERATE Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Hiking Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
Hiking Elevation Gain: 440 ft
Terrain: Dirt trail, rocks, exposed trail, suspension bridge
Time Needed: 1.5 to 3 hours
When to Go: Spring, Summer (morning or evening), Fall

COST

Free

AMENITIES

Bathrooms: During the summer and fall months there are 3 bathroom stalls and water available. During the colder months, there is only a single bathroom accessible.
Grass area with picnic tables covered with gazebos
Climbing area for kids
Drinking fountain on in warmer months
Garbage cans

THINGS TO BRING

Sunscreen, trail exposed
Water
Snacks
Hiking shoes with good traction
Dogs allowed

DETAILS

The Draper Suspension Bridge Hike is a perfect hike for adults, kids and dogs. It isn’t terribly steep and mid way through you are able to walk on a fun suspension bridge. The suspension bridge is 185 feet long and was finished in 2015 to connect the Bonneville Shoreline Trail over Draper’s Bear Canyon.

We hiked to the Draper Suspension Bridge in early spring on a Saturday. The weather was perfect and we even brought our dog.

I was a little worried at first when I saw the amount of cars parked on the street with the parking lot full, but there are so many hikes in the area and everyone was well spread out. I felt like the trail was not too crowded and we were able to social distance appropriately during the days of COVID-19.

The Trailhead

The trailhead is at Orson Smith Park just north of the bathroom building. The parking lot can hold 30 to 40 vehicles and there is also some street parking available if the parking lot is full. There are several trails in the area, but you will want to follow signs for the Bridge Loop for the quickest and most direct path to the suspension bridge.

The hike begins with a wood stairs followed by a few quick switch backs and then levels off as you continue north and come to the Aquaduct trail.

The Hike

From here, you can continue on the Aquaduct Trail which is first flat and then you hike upwards to the bridge or you can get the uphill portion done at the first and continue east following signs for Bridge Loop. Either way you will reach the suspension bridge.

We chose to get the uphill portion done first while the kid’s legs were still fresh. We continued on a few more switchbacks following the bridge loop signs eastward and then continued north connecting to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST). Follow BST until you come to the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge. This is about 1.1 miles from the trailhead.

The bridge will slightly rock and move as you cross. This is normal and the bridge is very well built. We had fun walking across the bridge as is swayed slightly beneath us. We enjoyed the beautiful views from the bridge.

From the suspension bridge you can choose between 3 route options to return to Orson Smith Park or continue hiking the BST:

1. Go back the way you came for an out-and-back hike

2. Head west(downward) continuing to follow the bridge loop trail

3. Continue onward on the BST for more mileage.

We choose option 3 and continued along the BST another 0.4 miles to see a small rock tunnel. This area of the BST is flat, easy and goes under several large boulders. My kids enjoyed exploring this area for a few minutes. We didn’t stay long because of the busyness of the trail that day and the bikers who needed to pass us on the trail where we were.

From the rock tunnel, we turned around and headed south until we came back to the suspension bridge, then continued west (downward) on the Bridge Loop Trail. As you connect back to the Aqueduct Trail you head south and will see the Orson Smith Park parking lot below. The hike ended up being about 3 miles with the extra distance we added to the rock tunnel from the suspension bridge on the BST.

This trail in Draper is well trafficked by hikers and bikers. However, we felt like the hike was long enough that people were well spread out. Just be on a look out for passing mountain bikers.

The terrain is fairly easy and the trail is well groomed. I even saw a family on the trail with a running stroller, although I wouldn’t recommend this on the switchbacks. There are also lots of signs and maps along the way to get in in the right direction. If my directions seem a bit complicated, just follow signs for the Bridge Loop and you will get to the bridge pretty easily. It is hard to miss.

Due to the switchbacks, which are actually quite short, I rated this hike as moderate instead of easy for kids. We enjoyed this hike and it is one I would definitely do again.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Beautiful views of Salt Lake Valley
Fun destination to suspension bridge
Family friendly: Not too steep or long for kids
Easily accessible – isn’t far from main freeways/highways

CONS

Hot in the summer months and trail is exposed
Can become crowded with hikers and mountain bikers

DIRECTIONS

The trailhead is located just off Highland Drive in Draper at Orson Smith Park. You can search Orson Smith Park on your maps app to get you to the right location. The trailhead is located at the north side of the parking lot just north of the bathrooms. There is a dirt road to the south of the parking lot —- this is not the trailhead for the suspension bridge.