Ready to introduce little ones to the big, wide world of hiking? There’s no better place to do it than the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. With waterfalls, gorgeous wildflowers, lush greenery at every turn, giant trees and stunning vistas to reward your efforts, chances are that kids will quickly take to the fun and healthy hobby. So pack some trail mix, fill your bottle and check these out amazing, yet easy waterfall hikes.

Wahkeena Falls

Wahkeena Falls is a respectable 242 feet tall and no slouch when it comes to drama. A nice parking area, restrooms, picnic area and potable water make this hike a great one to add to the beginning or end of a picnic. The short 1.4 mile, round trip hike will take you to the top of the falls, but you’ll climb a heart-pumping 850 feet of elevation gain to do it. Older kids might be up to it. If not, take the short walk to the lookout bridge and return to the parking lot for sandwiches.

Latourell Falls

Latourell is the first official waterfall of the Columbia River Gorge, and therefore the shortest drive from Portland. The hike is a 2.4-mile loop with 540 feet of elevation gain. You’ll get a workout, but it’s definitely doable for little kids. A paved path will take to you a viewing area, then it turns into dirt and starts climbing until you reach a bench at a lookout area.

Oneonta Gorge

When your newly initiated hikers are ready for a little adventure, the 50-shades-of-green slot canyon of Oneonta Gorge will take their breath away. The trail is flat, short and wet. You’ll spend part of the hike wading up a river, so wait for a hot day to attempt it. Word has spread about this gem of a hike and it’s getting more and more crowded, so if you can, visit on a weekday. Hikers should be prepared to climb over a large logjam, walk along rocky, uneven riverbed, and swim to the beautiful waterfall at the end of this canyon. There’s no parking lot for this one; just wide shoulders on the side of the old highway.