At the start of summer 2025, my good friend I go backpacking with texted me: she had found a trail that would be perfect for taking the littles backpacking for the first time. Just 1.5 miles to a beautiful alpine lake, not too far a drive from the Bay Area.
I immediately replied, "Yes!!"
Why we finally said yes
I'd been wanting to take the kiddos backpacking (since I love it so much), but had held off because I hadn't found a great spot, and because I knew I would have had to carry my younger son along with a large pack.
This year, though, I knew my 5-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son could hike at least 2.5 miles (my daughter much more), with no carrying needed, as long as there were plenty of trail treats to keep little legs moving and motivated!
Packing light, kid edition
We had done plenty of car camping and the kiddos loved it, so I wasn't worried about them sleeping in a tent. As I was packing, though, I quickly realized we couldn't bring their white noise machine, or lots of books, or much of anything except what we truly needed!
All good. We had a chat about it, and the kiddos understood that when you carry all your camping stuff on your back, you pack as light as possible.
A leech, a lake and a first backcountry bathroom
Everything went surprisingly smoothly, considering it was the first backpacking trip for all four children who came along! The hike was uneventful, and they had a blast playing and swimming in the lake.
My son even ended up with a leech stuck to his foot, and held perfectly still while my husband got it off. Yes, I know some people find leeches icky, but I grew up with them in ponds in Vermont, and honestly I find them much better than ticks. No diseases!
The kiddos also had their first backcountry bathroom experience (plenty of nature pees before, but never #2!). They thought it was hilarious, and had great fun digging a hole and finding rocks to put on top afterwards.
Next time: eight nights?
I can't wait to take them again. My daughter has already announced she wants to go on an 8-night trip (maybe we'll work up to that one), and everyone is excited to go back. It won't always go smoothly, but it's guaranteed there will be fun memories!
— Sarah Wilson, Family Adventure Squad guide