Hemple Creek Picnic Area
Hemple Creek Picnic Area is one of those simple spots that feels like a hidden reward along the Mountain Loop Highway. Tucked right across from the popular Lake 22 trailhead, this peaceful day-use area offers easy access to the Stillaguamish River, making it a favorite stop for families craving a break from the car.
Pack a picnic, spread out under the towering evergreens, and let the kids dip their toes (or plunge right in) to cool off on a hot Seattle summer day. Whether you’re exploring nearby hikes or just need a quick leg-stretcher that comes with a side of riverside serenity, Hemple Creek is a relaxing little gem worth pulling over for.
Hemple Creek Picnic Area – Step by step Guide
The guide is broken down into 2 parts – nature path with picnic tables and river access.
1. Nature Path and Picnic Tables
There is a beautiful nature path by the river that provides access to the Stillagumish river.
This nature path is dotted with ~15-20 picnic tables (See map here). The picnic area is between hemple creek on one side and south fork stillaguamish river on the other side.There are fire pits and grills and many of the picnic tables are right by the river.
From the picnic area, there are multiple access points to the Stillaguamish river and all of them are very easy to navigate.
2. Stillaguamish River Access
We visited Hemple Creek Picnic Area just before Labor Day weekend i.e. towards end of summer. By then, the water flow was not as strong. That made it really easy to go right to the middle of the river where there were small and gentle rapids forming along the big stones.
It was almost like enjoying a personal mini waterfall when you settle at a comfortable boulder spot.
The river bed is full of stones which can make it difficult to walk on. Recommend carrying water shoes such as crocs for your kid. Our toddler had a great time splashing and playing in the water, collecting stones, building small forts out of stone.
The combination of the forest, river, sun overhead and cool water made this time very peaceful and one with nature.
Because the sun was directly on the river and the temperature was in the late 70s, laying in the water was perfect. And these waters were not as ice cold as when we accessed Skykomish or middle fork Snoqualmie rivers.
Getting To Hemple Creek Picnic Area
Hemple Creek Directions
From I-5, you will take Exit 194 to briefly pass Hwy2 and SR9, before you join WA-92 E. Once you hit the city of Granite Falls, you know you have started your drive on the Mountain Loop Highway.
Hemple Creek Picnic Area is ~15 miles / ~15 mins drive from Granite Falls, further east on Mountain Loop Highway.
From Seattle, it is ~60 miles and takes ~1 to 1.5 hours to drive to Hemple Creek.
Hemple Creek Parking
There are ample parking spots available at Hemple Creek Picnic Area. We went on a Friday afternoon, and had no problems getting a spot. You will need Northwest Forest Pass.
Tips For Visiting Hemple Creek Picnic Area
Things We Carry
We’ve tested these essentials on our own trips and recommend them in every riverside post we write—for good reason!
- Water Shoes for the Whole Family – Seattle rivers are rocky, slippery, and COLD—even in summer! A solid pair of water shoes protects little feet (and grown-up toes) from cuts and slips. I use Teva which work as hiking, summer and water shoes for me. Kid alternates between Crocs and water shoes as they size up.
- Microfiber Towels – Bulky beach towels don’t cut it when you’re juggling gear for the whole family. These compact, quick-drying microfiber towels save space and dry fast. It is one of our most used items we carry on every trip.
- Water Toys – A few simple toys and water guns go a long way to keep kids entertained.
- Pop-Up Shade Tent and Hammock – A portable tent creates a home base for naps, snacks, or diaper changes. Hammock is my relaxation station while kids play.
- Ready to go “Water Day Bag” – We keep most of the above packed in one dedicated adventure tote. When a sunny day hits Seattle, we just grab-and-go. It’s a game changer.
Estimated Activity Time
How much time you spend really depends on what you’re going for. We went here to enjoy river time in the last few days of summer and ended up spending a good 1-1.5 hour.
If you are just looking to stretch your legs while on your Mountain Loop Highway drive, then you can have a quick 5-10 min stop.
Hemple Creek Picnic Area would be the prefect place to cool down at, after Lake 22 hike.
Kid And Family Trip Report
- Infants (upto 1 year) – Easy for parents to carry their infants in a stroller or in the carrier.
- Toddlers (1-3 years) and above – Stillaguamish river is slow moving by end of summer and hence this is a great river access for toddlers. We went here with our 2.5 year old. I was watching my kid at all time, but it never felt unsafe. I was able to enjoy without having to stress out too much.
- Pre-school (3-5 years) and above – Can enjoy the water time independently.
- Families – It is a great location for families for a group picnic with all the kids.
Amenities
- Restrooms – Vault toilets at the trailhead.
- Cellular network – Spotty but available once you get close to the city of Granite Falls.
Food
Granite Falls city is the closest for restaurant options. There’s Alfy’s Pizza and then some more options for Mexican, Thai or American food. There’s also a McD nearby to grab a soft serve.
Hemple Creek Picnic Area Trip Planning
- Day trip itinerary – We visited Hemple Creek picnic area on a summer afternoon. After extensive water time, we visited Granite Falls on our way back home. And it made for a simple yet an awesome day trip from Seattle with our toddler. It is a fun yet stress-free family outing.
- Weekend itinerary – There are many easy hikes on Mountain Loop Highway if you are looking for a more activity-filled itinerary. There is Triple Creek Falls, Lake Kelcema (1-1.5 mile hike), Big Four Ice Caves hike, Lake 22 hike (right across Hemple Creek Picnic Area), Boulder River Trail hike, etc. Don’t forget to carry food and water as amenities in this area are limited.
- Best time to visit – Summer. Here’s more kidfriendly riverside swimming holes for the summer.
Stay
If you are looking to spend more time in the area, then you will find many campgrounds on the Mountain Loop Highway.
Final Thoughts
Mountain Loop Highway is a scenic highway that starts from Granite Falls and is paved upto Barlow Pass (~30 miles), continues unpaved for a stretch (~10 miles) and then becomes paved again upto Darrington (~10 miles), and further turns into SR530 upto Arlington (~30 miles). See here for a map.
We love visiting scenic highways around Seattle in the summer. An easy hike, some river water access – all while being surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes – is the perfect daytrip outing for us.
If you like scenic byways like us, then you will love exploring these othe scenic byways and their attractions on a day trip from Seattle –
- Highway 2 – Hike the kid-friendly trail at Deception Falls followed by Skykomish river access at Big Eddy or Eagle Falls.
- Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road – Do the Garfield Ledges hike for expansive views and then hang by the Snoqualmie river at Camp Brown.
- Chuckanut Drive – Enjoy scenic drive by Chuckanut bay with beach time at Larrabee State Park.
- Highway 20 – Explore the beauty of North Cascades National Park on a family-friendly day trip.
