50 Best Spring Hikes in Washington
Spring in Washington
Spring can be a difficult time to find safe and enjoyable hikes in the Pacific Northwest — roads and trails at higher elevations haven’t melted out yet and it can still be rainy in the lowlands, but there are plenty of beautiful things to see! This list shares where you’ll find the best spring wildflowers, waterfalls, trails that are free of avalanche danger, and hikes with the highest odds of sunny weather.
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Avalanche danger
The trails listed here do not have avalanche dangers present, but we wanted to include this bit because they are still a very real danger in the mountains throughout spring. If you’re considering hiking trails at higher elevations not listed here, you’ll need to have avalanche training.
We recommend starting by taking the Northwest Avalanche Center’s free avalanche awareness class regardless of whether you plan on hiking in avalanche territory. At the very least, the class will help you identify the terrain you should away from!
Trip reports
No matter where you plan on hiking, look at recent trip reports before heading out (find them at the bottom of the Washington Trails Association page). You’ll find information on road conditions, trails, bugs, and even when wildflowers are blooming.
If a hike doesn’t have recent trip reports on it, it may not be accessible yet due to seasonal road closures and/or avalanche dangers. To get more information, check the trip reports in the years prior. If none exist during the timeframe you’re looking to go, roads may be closed, or the trails may not be safe to venture on yet. When this happens, we usually opt for another trail and check the trip reports later for more updates.
Parking pass
Most trails in Washington require you to hang a parking pass on your windshield. There are three different passes, with some overlap in coverage. Each vehicle that you have parked at a trailhead will need a pass. Most trailheads don’t have places to purchase passes, so get them beforehand at your local ranger station, REI, or online.
Free days: There are free days for Washington state and national parks too. Check here to see the list of dates for state parks, and here for national parks, or visit your local library to borrow a Discover Pass.
Bonus: You can feel good about purchasing these passes because the money goes towards supporting the trails and employing park/trail staff.
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The Discover Pass covers all of Washington’s state parks. They’re $12 for a day pass or $35 for the annual pass. This is the only pass that covers state parks.
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The America the Beautiful Pass covers parking in all U.S. national parks, but also national forests as well. This is the pass we use most often because it covers such a broad range of areas. It costs $80 for an annual pass.
You can also buy national park passes specific to the national park you’ll be visiting. This costs $30 for a seven-day pass or $55 for an annual pass per park. These passes don’t provide national forest coverage, and since there are three national parks in Washington, the America the Beautiful Pass is a great investment.
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The National Forest Pass is $10 for a day pass or $30 for the annual pass. They’re valid in Washington and Oregon and are required for so many hikes. If you plan on buying an America the Beautiful Pass, it covers national forest land too, so you don’t need both.
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Wildflower hikes
Since higher-elevation hikes in the mountains still have snow, you’ll find spring wildflowers at lower elevations, like the Columbia River Gorge. The most common varieties are balsamroot (they’re heliotropes so they follow the sun with their blooms), lupine, scarlet paintbrush, subalpine daisy, spreading phlox, and trillium. Check this map for status of blooms around the state.
Eastern Washington
Sage Hills
Sage Hills, near Wenatchee, offers rolling hills filled with wild sage, balsamroot, scarlet paintbrush, and lupine. Visit in the morning or evening to avoid the heat.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 5.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 650 feet
Season: April to November
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Cowiche Canyon
Located near Yakima, there are approximately 20 miles of interconnected trails throughout this area. You’ll find sagebrush and desert scrub blooming from early April to the end of May.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: Trails average 1 to 3 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: Unknown
Season: April to November
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Columbia River Gorge
Stacker Butte
The drive to reach this trail is “chassis-rattling” according to Washington Trails Association. If you can make it here, you’ll have great views of the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood in the distance, and rusted-out car surrounded by yellow balsamroot.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,150 feet
Season: March to November
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Coyote Wall
Located just past White Salmon, Coyote Wall is just far enough east into Washington that it’s significantly drier here than other trails to its west along the Columbia River Gorge. This makes it a great spot to go if rain is predicted everywhere else in Washington, but it also showcases different landscapes than the usual PNW hikes. You’ll find desert scrub, grassy meadows, oak groves, and basalt columns — all with views of the river below and Mount Hood off in the distance. Beware of poison oak along the trail.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 7.7 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Dog Mountain
Dog Mountain is so popular in the springtime that hiking here is by permit on weekends (and Memorial Day) between April 23rd and June 12th for the 2023 season. Permits are available beginning March 1st.
Parking is crowded as well, and having a permit doesn’t mean you have a parking spot reserved. It’s advised to shuttle here using the Columbia Area Transit on weekends. It runs every 30 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. picking up and dropping off in the gravel parking lot at 518 Rock Creek Drive in Stevenson.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,800 feet
Season: March to November
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
We hiked Dog Mountain two weeks before the permit season started in this photo. Later in spring, these hills are covered in balsam root flowers.
Central Cascades
Mount Lillian
Somehow this trail is little known, yet beautiful. Located near Cle Elum, it’s just far enough east to have better weather than the west side of the mountain and you’ll be treated to an array of colorful wildflowers against a backdrop of the surrounding mountains.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 4.1 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,100 feet
Season: May to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Sauer’s Mountain
Not to be confused with Mount Sawyer located on Steven’s Pass, Sauer’s Mountain is near Leavenworth on private property made accessible by the owner. Parking here is very limited, so have a backup plan if you can’t find a spot.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
Season: May to October
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Puget Sound
Mima Mounds
If you’re looking for a shorter adventure, there is a mile-long paved trail near the observation deck. For a longer hike, opt for the loop trail that winds its way over the mysterious mounds covered in purple and blue wildflowers.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 2.75 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 10 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
North Cascades
Pipestone Canyon
Check the recent trip reports to see when flowers are beginning to bloom and if you hike here at the right time you’ll be treated to lupine, balsamroot, oases, and other varieties of wildflowers. This area is known for its abundant wildlife too, so you may get a peek at golden eagles, Western tanager, and coyotes. Do be mindful of rattlesnakes here as well.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 9 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 250 feet
Season: March to October
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Waterfall hikes
Spring is our favorite time to check out waterfalls. The Pacific Northwest is especially green and lush during this time, and flows are high with snow melt and precipitation.
Southwest
Lower Lewis Falls
Due to popularity, this hike requires permits from June 15th to September 15th. We recommend visiting before permits are needed to avoid crowds. You’ll see the first, and largest waterfall, at the main viewpoint nearest the parking lot. This is Lower Lewis Falls. Hike upriver to see Middle Lewis River Falls, and our favorite, Upper Lewis River Falls.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 8.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 450 feet
Season: April to November
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Falls Creek Falls
Stopping at this waterfall is part of our road trip guide through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Slow down when you’re near the trailhead because parking is just off the shoulder of the road and it’s small enough that you could miss it.
Trail description: The Outbound
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 750 feet
Season: March to November
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Central Cascades
Bridal Veil Falls
You can get as close as you want to this waterfall! Bring a raincoat because you will be sprayed by its mist. It’s a beautiful waterfall and worth the quick workout to reach. Make your hike longer by continuing to Lake Serene.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Wallace Falls
Parking fills up quickly, so arrive early or late to hike here. The hike meanders through the forest, leading to a viewpoint of the Upper Falls.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 5.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Season: May to October
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Teneriffe Falls
A popular North Bend hike, you’ll need to arrive early to find a parking spot. The lot is gated and opens an hour after dawn and closes an hour before dusk. Make it a longer hike by starting at the Mount Si Trailhead.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 5.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,585 feet
Season: May to October
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Franklin Falls
This is such a fun waterfall hike because the entire trail is beautiful. You’ll follow the South Fork Snoqualmie River to reach the base of the falls and once there you’ll be able to walk right up to the pool below the falls. It’s extremely popular so don’t expect to have solitude.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Twin Falls
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 2.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Season: Year round
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
The forest at Twin Falls seems to be extra lush and the trail follows the river, almost the entire way to the falls. Take the steps down to the Lower Falls viewpoint before heading to the bridge over the falls.
Boulder River Falls
The view of Boulder River Falls is only a mile and a half into this hike. It can only be viewed from above, and after you pass it the trail verges away from the river into the forest and back to the river again.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 700 feet
Season: March to October
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
North Cascades
Falls Creek Falls
Follow gentle switchbacks for a half mile to see this falls from the lower viewpoint. From there, you’ll have the option to hike to see it from a higher vantage point. The trail gets steeper and narrower here. You’ll know you’ve reached the end of the trail when you get to the bridge spanning Upper Creek Falls.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 2.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 750 feet
Season: March to November
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Mount Rainier
Snoquera Falls
This waterfall is so much fun to reach! Bring waterproof boots because you will be crossing a stream. Once you’ve crossed the stream, scramble up to the falls and get as close to it as you like. It is seasonal a waterfall, so hike here before July.
Bonus: Find the geocache near the waterfall!
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 3.9 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 975 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Silver Falls
Check out our Mount Rainier waterfall road trip guide to see many sights on your way to this hike. This waterfall is best known for its bright blue waters and the beautiful Ohanapecosh Campground nearby.
Note: Stevens Canyon Road is currently under construction until 2024. Check here to see the most up-to-date information.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Season: May to September
Parking Pass needed: Mount Rainier National Park Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Columbia River Gorge
Hamilton Mountain
Rodney Falls is only a mile into the trail, but if you’re up to it, hiking to the top of Hamilton Mountain provides great views of the Columbia River Gorge. Make your hike a loop by continuing the lesser-traveled trail past the summit.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 7.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Olympic Peninsula
Sol Duc Falls
A famous trail in the Olympic National Park, Sol Duc Fall’s trail through the rainforest is just as beautiful as the falls. Stay or camp at the Sol Duc Resort to take advantage of the hot springs too.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Season: May to October
Parking Pass needed: Olympic National Park Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Marymere Falls
Start your hike next to Lake Crescent, one of the most scenic lakes in Washington! From the ranger station, you’ll wander through old-growth forests. The first mile or so of this hike is flat, but then you’ll quickly gain elevation to reach the viewing platform by the falls. If you’re aching for more gains, hike Mount Storm King on your way back — it’s one of our favorite hikes!
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Rainy day hikes
On rainy days, we tend to analyze the weather forecast and hike before or after it’s supposed to rain. If that doesn’t work with the forecast, we head to Eastern Washington, where there is an average of 300 days of sunshine every year, or hike in Washington’s rain shadow. The rain shadow is an area between Port Angeles, the San Juan Islands, and Anacortes that receives significantly less rain than the surrounding areas. Visit any of these areas and you’ll be likely to find sunshine year-round.
Eastern Washington
Ancient Lakes
This area is best known for its geology — the Ice Age Floods carved their way through Eastern Washington, leaving pockets of lakes in its wake. It’s a popular spring backpacking trip because of the favorable weather, but don’t drink the water (even after filtering), and beware of rattlesnakes and ticks.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 12 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 625 feet
Season: March to September
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Steamboat Rock
Surrounded by Banks Lake, this trail treats you to panoramic views of the area. The hike is completely exposed, so bring sun protection so you can take your time. You’ll want to ogle at the basalt columns that were formed by volcanic activity 50 million years ago!
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 650 feet
Season: March to October
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Kamiak Butte
Also known as the “Microsoft XP background,” this is where you’ll find iconic views of rolling fields under blue skies. Spring is the best time to visit — this is when the fields will be green. The towns in this region are very small. Bring plenty of snacks and water because there are very few restaurants and be sure to stop by Palouse Falls!
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 3.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 900 feet
Season: April to November
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Palouse Falls
Hanford Reach/White Bluffs
Did you know that Washington has sand dunes!? Surrounded by rolling hills, Saddle Mountain, and views of the Columbia River, they are quite scenic.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Central Cascades
Red Top Lookout
Short and steep, Redtop Lookout is especially beautiful at sunset. The lookout is currently locked, but you can explore the length of the ridgeline.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 350 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Puget Sound
Lighthouse Point and Lottie Point Loop Trail
Since this hike is in Washington’s rain shadow, it’s the perfect getaway from the grey skies Washington is so well known for. It’s crowded, but this trail is a little lesser known than its neighbor, Rosario Head. You’re likely to see eagles and seals here as well.
Trail description: Alltrails
Distance: 2.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 341 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Sugarloaf
Near Deception Pass, you’ll have beautiful views overlooking the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound from the top of this hike. The trail has a steady incline, so you’ll get a good workout in too.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 890 feet
Season: April to September
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Ebey’s Landing
Hike along the bluff or make your way down onto the beach. No matter where you go, this hike is serene and peaceful.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 5.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 260 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Olympic Peninsula
Fort Worden
Since there are many trails throughout the park, use the map below to wander and create your own route. We love heading to Artillery Hill to wander the old military bunkers. Fort Worden was put in place during World War I to prevent hostile fleets from reaching the Bremerton Naval Yard, so you’ll find remnants where weapons were mounted, bunkers, and rooms that were once filled with radios, maps, and artillery.
We find that it’s easiest to find a parking spot near where the blue and purple, Battery Way West and East, trails begin. The bunkers are chilly, so bring an extra layer no matter the forecasted temperature.
Trail description: Friends of Fort Worden State Park
Distance: 2+ miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Source: Friends of Fort Worden
Fort Flagler
Another military fort from World War I, what’s left is a beautiful state park on the edge of a bluff. Dress warmly because it’s usually windy, but you can take cover in one of the many historic bunkers along the way. We like to start our hike at Battery Row and make a loop by walking around the Bluff Trail.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 3.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 242 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Source: Friends of Fort Flagler
Spring hikes with views
These hikes not only offer scenic views of mountains and lakes, but they’re often great workouts too!
Oyster Dome
Parking fills up quickly here, but picnicking on the granite slab in front of the Samish Bay overlooking the San Juan Islands is the best way to spend a spring afternoon. Make this hike a loop by taking the Pacific NW Trail back.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,050 feet
Season: April to October
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Olympic Peninsula
Mount Storm King
Short, steep, and so rewarding! Mount Storm King is one of our favorite hikes and it’s one of the few we tend to repeat annually. There is a catch though — part of the trail is unmaintained. To reach the summit, you’ll use ropes to scale the hillside full of scree. If you’d rather not, turn around here and you can be proud to know that you did most of the hike.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,065 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
The rope section of the unmaintained trail
Mount Ellinor
You’ll earn your views hiking Mount Ellinor! It’s a challenging, but picturesque hike. On your way to the summit, you’ll pass through forests, meadows, creeks, and a steady and steep stair climb. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Be sure to hike here after the snow has melted unless you have mountaineering skills.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 6.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 3,300 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Staircase Rapids
Meghann has a rule of thumb for hikes — any hike that follows a river is going to be a good hike. Staircase Rapids only proves her theory. The water is vibrant, the forest is lush, and the suspension bridge mid-hike only adds to the fun factor.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 2.1 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 575 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Olympic National Park Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Hall of Mosses
Famous and for good reason — this trail is one of a kind. Take a walk here to view moss-covered trees and beautiful streams. Wear waterproof shoes and bring a raincoat because it’s usually damp here, if not raining. It’s worth the drive for this hike alone, but you can easily visit beaches along the coast from here as well.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 0.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Olympic National Park Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on leash: No
Hoh River
If walking a mile in the rainforest isn’t enough for you while you’re at the Hall of Mosses, wander down the Hoh River Trail. With views of Bogachiel Peak, Five Mile Island makes a great turnaround spot.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 10.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Season: April to October
Parking Pass needed: Olympic National Park Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Maple Glade Rainforest Trail
This hike is so beautiful it’s part of our road trip guide to Lake Quinault. It’s like the Hoh rainforest, but without the crowds — seriously, we’ve only ever seen two others hiking here at the same time as us. It’s especially beautiful in the spring when the creek is full, but it’s worth visiting year-round to observe the seasonal changes. Make it longer by visiting the Kestner Homestead.
Trail description: Alltrails
Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 16 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Olympic National Park Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Lower Lena Lake
Although the lake is the destination, I love the trail here just as much. You’ll pass by small waterfalls, huge boulders, and a beautiful dry creek bed. When you reach the lake, you’ll have a great view from above, but wandering down to the lake and exploring the backpacking campsites is worth the time, too.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 7.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,630 feet
Season: May to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Central Cascades
Mt Si
We love hiking Mt Si to see benchmark our fitness level. Time your accent and try to beat your record on the next attempt! When training to summit Mount Rainier, climbers need to be able to carry a 40-pound pack and get to the top of Mt Si in two hours! Realistically, this takes the average hiker about four hours.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 3,150 feet
Season: Year-roung
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Lake Twenty-Two
The hike to Lake 22 is great, but popular, so arrive early or late in the day to find parking. Since most of the hike to the lake is forested, it’s a great option for a rainy day. Once you reach the lake wander the boardwalks and surrounding trails until you find a great perch for a lunch break. This is also a great place to hammock!
Warning: The backside of the lake is an avalanche chute. If the surrounding mountains still have snow on them, stay on the near side of the lake.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,350 feet
Season: May to November
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Heather Lake
Separated by a mountain in the Pilchuck State Park, Heather Lake looks a lot like Lake 22. Meghann prefers the look of the more jagged peaks here even though the lake is a bit smaller. However, the trail here should be called a waterfall — expect to trek through mud the entire hike! This is also a well-known hike, so arrive early or late to grab a parking spot.
Warning: The backside of the lake is an avalanche chute. If the surrounding mountains still have snow on them, stay on the near side of the lake.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 4.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,034 feet
Season: May to November
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Heybrook Lookout
With panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains, you should prioritize visiting this hike on a clear day to have the best views. It’s one of the easier fire lookouts to reach in Washington, and after one trip here, you’ll be wanting to visit the rest.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 2.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 850 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on leash: Yes
Heybrook Ridge
This is one of those trails that we say has a “lot of bang for your buck”, meaning it’s minimal to moderate effort with great rewards. The views of the mountains are beautiful, just be prepared for a bit of mud in the early season.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 3.3 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 775 feet
Season: April to September
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Mount Pilchuck
The road to reach this hike is one of the worst in Washington! Get here by going slow (pulling over to let faster cars pass), or better yet, with a vehicle that has high clearance. The hike is busy and steep. When you reach the top, you’ll have 360-degree views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics from the lookout. It’s possible to take shelter and camp in the lookout as well!
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,300 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Mailbox Peak
We like to hike the old, steeper, and unmaintained trail up, and the new, gentler, well-maintained trail down. No matter how you hike it, you’re in for a workout that will test you. Bring plenty of snacks and water. When you’re at the top, grab a trinket someone has left in the mailbox or leave something in it yourself!
Trail description: Washington Trails – Old Trail/Washington Trails — New Trail/Alltrails
Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 4,000 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Rattlesnake Ledge
Rattlesnake Ledge just might be Washington’s most classic hike. It’s also the busiest hike in WA, with over 300,000 visitors annually. The hike has great views for moderate effort, making it a great after work hike. The parking lot is large, but it still fills up, so come early or late in the day to find a spot easily. Begin the trail by walking to the right around the lake.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 5.3 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,459 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Our first hike together!
Columbia River Gorge
Beacon Rock
If you’ve ever driven Oregon’s Historic Columbia River Highway, you’ve seen Beacon Rock. It’s an 848-foot basaltic plug and geological marvel. The trail is steep, but the views are gorgeous!
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Coastal/Beach hikes
Olympic Peninsula
Ozette Triangle
Enjoy hiking by a lake, the forest, and the beach, all in one hike. Enjoy the changes in scenery, but don’t forget to keep an eye out for eagles and sea lions.
Once you’re at the beach, head south along the beach to find petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks, showing whales, hunters, and sailing ships. Please respect them — they belong to the Makah tribe and are under legal protection.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 9.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Olympic National Park Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Shi Shi Beach
The walk through the board walked forest is beautiful, but the rock formations on the beach are what is truly magnificent here. Time your arrival at the Point of Arches with low tide (check the tide chart here) to be able to explore the rocks and tide pools brimming with sea life.
Note: Years ago, to reach the beach, you had to scale down the side of a cliff using set ropes. That’s no longer the case. There are now stairs down to the beach to keep the cliff from eroding.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Olympic National Park Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass AND the Makah Recreation Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Hole in the wall at Rialto Beach
This is Meghann’s favorite Washington beach hike, but the Hole in the Wall can only be reached at low tide (check the tide chart here). Catch the tide right and you’ll be able to go through the hole and see tide pools on the other side. Before you head back, look at the base of the hill (on the south side of the hill) and you’ll find a narrow path that leads to the top.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 3.3 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 286 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Olympic National Park Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes, but only to 0.8 miles down the beach to Ellen Creek
Cape Flattery
This is a top contender for the best coastal views in Washington. There are four viewpoints along the trail, and you’ll be stunned to see how bright and blue the water is on an overcast day.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Makah Recreation Pass
Dogs allowed on leash: No
What to pack for your hike
If you’re wondering what you should pack for a hike, check this list. It has all our favorite hiking gear, with recommendations on what to look for when shopping for yourself.
What are your favorite spring hikes?
Search the blog for more adventures! Try searching for topics such as “mountains”, “road trip”, or “Mount Rainier”.
