Vacation Ideas Washington State: View our Trip Ideas

From lupine and aster to balsamroot and alpine daisies, Washington is home to a variety of wildflowers. Hiking trails pop with color come spring and summer. While some well-known destinations experience a surge of hikers, there are plenty of other Washington wildflower hikes that still offer a peaceful escape. Best Time to See Wildflowers in Washington Wildflower season in Washington occurs from late March through August, with different flowers blooming at different times. April and May are solid months for Washington wildflower hikes at lower elevations, while June through August are better for higher-elevation trails. To get a sense of bloom times and current wildflowers, check recent trip reports on the Washington Trails Association. Trip reports can also provide details about trail conditions and potential closures. If you want help identifying wildflowers, check out WTA’s handy guide to peak bloom months. Travel Tip: All trails can get busy on weekends, so plan to arrive early in the day or travel mid-week when possible. Washington Wildflower Hikes Looking for alternatives to some of the most popular wildflower hikes in Washington? Check out these spots recommended by locals, land managers, and destinations. Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, Yakima Valley Photo Credit: David Hagen The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy Trails in the Yakima Valley are home to grasslands, meadows, and more. For spectacular seasonal blooms, the conservancy's executive director Celisa Hopkins recommends the aptly named Wildflower Trail. At under one mile but with an uphill grade, the route connects to other trails in the Snow Mountain Ranch area. There’s also the South Uplands Loop, dotted with fragile onion, balsamroot, and lupine. Flowers typically bloom between late March and mid-May here. Travel tip: Early spring conditions can sometimes mean mud, slippery trails, and temporary closures. Always check the status of your trail before heading out and pack proper footwear. High Drive Parkway Trail and Rocks of Sharon, Spokane Photo Credit: Craig Goodwin For a longer, more moderate wildflower hike, consider the High Drive Parkway Trail just outside Spokane. This 10-mile hike boasts abundant arrowleaf balsamroot from April to May. This is a great option if you don’t have a hiking pass since parking is free. Nearby, the Rocks of Sharon trail in the Dishman Hills Conservation Area is around 3 miles round-trip. Popular among hikers and climbers, you’ll see Big Rock and other granitic monoliths along the way. Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park Courtesy of Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau Looking for a short wildflower hike in Olympic National Park? In contrast to well-traveled trails like Upper Big Creek Loop Trail, the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau recommends Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge, a 3-mile trail with 700 feet of elevation gain and panoramic views. In addition to lupine and avalanche lilies, you may spot deer and marmots on the trail. A National Park pass is required. Also See: Less-Visited Hikes in Olympic National Park Lyle Cherry Orchard, Columbia River Gorge Photo Credit: Cate Hotchkiss Rather than head to popular (and crowded) Dog Mountain, consider other stellar wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. Friends of the Gorge recommends the 6.5-mile Lyle Cherry Orchard trail for birding and views. For the best chance of seeing wildflowers like lupines and daisies, time your hike for mid-March through May, with peak blooms in mid-to-late April. Along the way, you’ll find interpretive trail signs. Note: The Washington Trail Association recommends wearing long pants and staying on the trail, as poison oak may be present. Another option in the gorge is the Weldon Wagon Road trail. Meadows of balsamroot and lupine wildflowers bloom in April and May. Take in views of the White Salmon Valley as you make your ascent. Travel Tip: To protect Washington’s outdoor spaces, some hikes have implemented a permit system. A Dog Mountain Trail System Vehicle Reservation is required for weekend visits from mid-April through early June, as well as Memorial Day. A permit does not guarantee a parking space at the trailhead. Also See: Columbia River Gorge to Coast Road Trip Lakes Trail and Butte Camp, Mount St. Helens area Courtesy of Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance For water, mountain, and wildflower views, check out the Lakes Trail. At around 9 miles round-trip, this moderate, dog-friendly route follows the shoreline of volcano-created Coldwater Lake. Here, you’ll likely find scarlet paintbrush, yellow bee plant, and forget-me-nots, as well as colorful butterflies attracted by the blooms. Bring water, plenty of sunscreen, and a hat since most of this trail is exposed. To visit, you’ll need to pay to park or have a valid pass like the Northwest Forest Pass. The Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance also recommends Butte Camp, an 8-mile, out-and-back hike with breathtaking wildflower meadows. The trail climbs gently through pine forests and old lava flows, with excellent views of Mount St. Helens. Lake Ann, Cle Elum area A quieter alternative to nearby Lake Ingalls, the Lake Ann Trail offers switchbacks and meadows of scarlet paintbrush, columbine, and lupine. Access the lake from the Esmeralda Basin Trailhead. This challenging hike clocks in at just over 8 miles round-trip. Beyond spring wildflowers, consider visiting in the fall for golden larches. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. Berkeley Park and Reflection Lakes, Mount Rainier National Park Berkeley Park | Photo Credit: Janelle Walker Reflection Lake | Photo Credit: Deby Dixon If you’re looking for an alternative to Skyline and other popular trails at Mount Rainier National Park, Meilee Anderson with Visit Rainier recommends Reflection Lakes, which offers stunning views of Mount Rainier over the water. In the summer, you can find wildflowers like rosy spirea, fireweed, and lupine along this 2.75-mile loop. Come fall, the area transitions to warm hues and vibrant foliage. If you want to see flowers, creeks, marmots, and maybe even mountain goats, Anderson also recommends the 7.7-mile round-trip hike to Berkeley Park. It’s less heavily visited and will take you along parts of the Sourdough Ridge Trail and Wonderland Trail. A National Park Pass is required for both hikes. How to Hike Responsibly Wildflower hikes in Washington are popular for good reason, and each year brings more visitors who hope to experience the state’s colorful blooms and scenic landscapes. Help protect these outdoor spaces by following some simple guidelines: Always stay on the marked trail to avoid trampling wildflowers and other plants. Don’t pick the flowers or remove vegetation. Leave no trace by packing out all your trash. If you’re bringing dogs on a dog-friendly trail, please keep them on a leash so they stay on the path. About the Author Aleenah Ansari is a Seattle-based writer covering travel, entrepreneurship, mental health and wellness, and representation in media for Insider, The Seattle Times, Byrdie, and more. You can usually find her searching for murals in Seattle and beyond, reading a book by a BIPOC author, and planning her next trip to New York. Learn more at aleenahansari.com. Featured Image: Andy Porter

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