What to Expect When You're Hiking With Toddlers

Line Lake Montana

Psyche!!!! 

One thing I have learned while raising our boys is that hiking with your toddlers will both exceed,  and fall short of any expectation you have. 

You might not have expectations,  but I did! Even when I thought I didn't... 

Moon Falls Oregon

You might expect to hike at your normal pace while little Tike sleeps in the pack like they did as a baby.  You might expect to relax on the lake shore while your Tot plays with some dirt and sticks right next to you. You might expect to go for a quick and fridgid swim! You might expect to take a collection of beautiful pictures of your adventure. You might expect to be home in time for dinner! 

Dorris Ranch Oregon

And all of this Can happen! 

But you might experience an entirely different adventure! 

Like this....

Your toddler might want to hike on their own two feet and trip on every tree root that crosses the trail. They might scream like a banshee a time or two, but that's OK because it should scare the bears off!  They might have to pee on a tree every 9 minutes. They might stop to pick clovers every 9 seconds.  You might make it to the lake this year!  And if you do,  your husband might disappear around the shore to cast out a fishing line or,  if he is like my husband,  he will just turn into a fish for the next two hours. 😉

Green Peak Falls Oregon

Your Toddler will want to fall in the lake. Repeat. They want to fall in the lake. It is your job to explore with them and convince them they do not want to fall in the lake. You might be brave enough to aim the camera at some rocks and trees instead of just your child. (Don't get me wrong- I Love taking pictures of my kids! But looking at something else means you're looking at something else...remember what I said about the lake?) You might even hope to be featured in a few of these pictures- if your husband transforms back into a land dwelling creature that is!  This is what snack time is for!  Don't forget a snack! Unless you like those uphill battles!  😉

Broken Top Trail Oregon

Here is the awesome part though. 

Coastal Range Oregon

Whether your journey up the trail is fast or slow, your Kiddo will be looking around in fascination at this amazing world God has made. And I truly believe they can see Him in it all! 

Silver Falls State Park Oregon

Whether they scream like a banshee or not,  they're going to test their limits and climb over that boulder or cross that bridge! 

Blue Pool Oregon

Whether they play calmly next to you or make you chase them around the shore like a maniac,  they are going to throw 396 rocks into the lake and enjoy every splash. And so are you! 

Hidden Lake Oregon

Whether they fall into the water or not,  it will be OK as long as you remembered a change of clothes! 

Shotgun Creek Oregon

Whether you get your pictures or not,  you have fantastic memories. Period! 

Broken Top Oregon

Whether they hunt for mushrooms with Dad on the trail back down,  or bounce around in the pack as you run back down the trail on a mission to pick up some food as soon as possible (because a hungry toddler is an angry toddler and Dad probably didnt catch any fish!) those French fries will make the car ride that much better! 

Thunder Rock Cove Oregon

I am not saying not to have expectations, because goals are good!  I am saying that even if you think everything went absolutely wrong,  it went right!  

Line Lake Montana

The one expectation you can be sure will always be met,  is that it will all be worth it!  

Clearwater Park Oregon

Unless you forget the snack and extra clothes!  😉

Sleep good! Your Toddler will!