11 Amazing Spring Hikes in Washington
If you were a Washington wildflower, you’d be a daaammmn-delion. 🌼 *takes bow* “thank you thank you, ill be here all week!”
Spring is the perfect time to explore Washington’s stunning hiking trails. With a bazillion blooming wildflowers (yes, that’s a real number) and mild weather, (meaning bipolar weather) below I’ll share 11 hikes throughout Washington that offer breathtaking views, & unforgettable experiences in Spring! (I’ve even organized them for you by region! *Wow, Jess. You really are doing a good job.*
Firsts lets make sure you’re preparing for your hike properly. It only takes a few minutes but for some reason we (as in myself included) get excited to head out & forget to double check a few things that will make the adventure the best it can be. So here is a quick little honorable mention of how to prepare for your hike.
Step one: Check the trail conditions & weather. This is as simple as going to AllTrails or WTA.org for the latest information on the trail conditions on the particular hike you’re wanting to check out. It will help with deciding proper footwear, (i.e. trail runners, or waterproof hiking boots) as well as if there are any hazards you should avoid or be ready for.
And please do not trust that garbage weather app on your phone. In my experience it is often inaccurate and doesn’t reflect what is going on at higher elevations. I prefer to go to — and look at the area ill be exploring and also reference what its like at the particular elevation ill be at. This tends to give the most accurate information for the day. Just make sure to look at the weather information of when you plan to arrive as well as how it will change throughout the day. This will help you dress properly and be prepared for any sudden or aggressive weather changes.
Step Two: Get your gear together. While I have once or twice been known to hop up, throw a water bottle in my pack & just head out.. I have since learned the hard way this is stupid & irresponsible. (Think the morning coffee hits and there’s no outhouse at the trailhead.. disaster!) So here is a quick list of essentials that will make your life easier and avoid mishaps
A good pack (duh.) Here is the day pack I am currently using.
Nemo Resolve Day Pack
Water, but not just enough for the day. You want back up incase you run out or something unfortunate happens. Having a cheap and light weight water filter on hand will give you that security. Here are two options depending on what works best for you. LifeStraw is great to just keep in your pack forever. It lives there now, and hopefully you’ll never need to bring it out. Platypus Water filter is great if you want to refill your water bottle/bladder and carry on. (Its also my favorite for backpacking)
Safety first.. or for the purposes of this blog post, third. Let someone, ANYONE (well not anyone) know where you’re going and when you plan to be back. Shooting a message off to your mom or bestie is quick and makes sure someone knows where you were and when things might have gone wrong if you don’t turn up. And with that being said I highly recommend getting yourself a personal location device. Incase of disaster this will allow rescue teams to know where to find you & is an invaluable piece of equipment that saves lives.
The Ten essentials plus your potty kit! Stuffing your pack with the right gear will keep you comfortable and ready for almost any hike. Want the full day hike packing list? Check it out here.
Step Three: Plan your route. So often I encounter people on trail with no clue as to where they are, how far they have to go, or how long it will take. STOP IT RIGHT NOW!! This is the most minimal and basic information you should be aware of before you hit the trail. And I know, I know, we all want to be epic Trail Blazers. That is, until we run out of snacks, have feet full of blisters and wet socks. Ew.
This behavior not only puts you at risk, but the potential search and rescue people that have to come out and haul you home. So spend five minutes before you head for your hike looking at the trail details. How many miles is it round trip? Whats the elevation gain and loss? Are there important hazards or features I should make mental note of?
If you use AllTrails or another map to track your progress awesome. But make sure you have a backup plan when those fail. A printed map, or screen shots of the trail information are really, really, super helpful when the apps fail you.
Now without further ado, lets get to the hiking trail list shall we?! Here are 11 bucket list worthy Spring hikes in Washington
Central Cascades
1. Rattlesnake Ledge
- Location: Snoqualmie Region, WA
- Trail Details: 4 miles round trip, 1,160 vertical gain
- Highlights for Spring: This popular well maintained hike Fresh green foliage, scenic views of Rattlesnake Lake
- Parking: Large parking area at Rattlesnake Lake; very busy on weekends
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed on leash
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
2. Lake 22
- Location: Mountain Loop Highway, WA
- Trail Details: 5.4 miles round trip, moderate
- Highlights for Spring: Picturesque lake, melting snow creating waterfalls
- Parking: Trailhead parking available; Discover Pass required
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed on leash
- Best Time to Visit: April to June
3. Lake Serene
- Location: Mountain Loop Highway, WA
- Trail Details: 8.2 miles round trip, difficult
- Highlights for Spring: Beautiful lake surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls
- Parking: Parking at the trailhead; fills up quickly
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed on leash
- Best Time to Visit: April to June
4. Mount Pilchuck
- Location: Mountain Loop Highway, WA
- Trail Details: 5.4 miles round trip, moderate to difficult
- Highlights for Spring: Stunning views from the fire lookout, melting snow
- Parking: Parking at the trailhead; requires a Northwest Forest Pass
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed on leash
- Best Time to Visit: May to June
5. Heybrook Lookout
- Location: Index, WA
- Trail Details: 2.6 miles round trip, moderate
- Highlights for Spring: Panoramic views from the lookout, lush forest
- Parking: Limited parking at the trailhead
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed on leash
- Best Time to Visit: April to June
Leavenworth Area
6. Sauers Mountain
- Location: Peshastin, WA
- Trail Details: 5 miles round trip, moderate
- Highlights for Spring: Wildflowers, views of the Wenatchee Valley
- Parking: Limited parking at the trailhead
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed on leash
- Best Time to Visit: April to June
Columbia River Gorge
7. Dog Mountain
- Location: Columbia River Gorge, WA
- Trail Details: 6 miles round trip, difficult
- Highlights for Spring: Stunning wildflower displays, panoramic views of the Columbia River
- Parking: Limited parking at the trailhead; requires a permit on weekends during peak season
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed on leash
- Best Time to Visit: May to June
Eastern Washington
8. Dalles Mountain Ranch
- Location: Columbia Hills State Park, WA
- Trail Details: Varies, easy to moderate
- Highlights for Spring: Wildflowers, views of the Columbia River
- Parking: Parking available at the trailhead; Discover Pass required
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed on leash
- Best Time to Visit: March to May
Olympic Peninsula
9. Mount Storm King
- Location: Olympic National Park, WA
- Trail Details: 4 miles round trip, difficult
- Highlights for Spring: Panoramic views of Lake Crescent and the Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Parking: Parking available at the Storm King Ranger Station
- Restrictions: Dogs not allowed
- Best Time to Visit: April through Fall
South Cascades
10. Red Mountain Fire Lookout
- Location: Closest town Carson, WA
- Trail Details: 6.6 miles round trip, 1610 vertical feet
- Highlights for Spring: Panoramic views from the fire lookout, Mount Adams, Rainier, Helens & Hood are all visible on clear days.
- Parking: Limited parking at the trailhead
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed on leash
- Best Time to Visit: May to June
11. High Rock Lookout
- Location: Near Ashford, WA
- Trail Details: 3.2 miles round trip, moderate
- Highlights for Spring: Spectacular views from the lookout & close ups of Mount Rainier, wildflowers
- Parking: Limited parking at the trailhead
- Restrictions: Dogs allowed on leash
- Best Time to Visit: May to June
Affiliate disclosure: Many posts contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from any qualifying purchases through clicks on these links (which I greatly appreciate, and at no extra cost to you). All opinions are, as always, completely my own.