The first day of spring may not arrive until the end of March, but in Washington state, signs of spring start as early as February, when green shoots, flowering trees, and crocus buds make an appearance.
That means it’s time to enjoy the emerging springtime nature on one of Washington’s many trails. While some trails closer to the Cascade Mountains are still closed in the spring due to snow, there are dozens of other trails that get you back in the wild, appreciating the natural beauty, and reminding you that warmer, longer days are close at hand. Here are some of Washington’s best hikes to welcome spring.
There’s nothing like a burst of yellow daisies or purple lupines to remind you that winter is over and new life is here! Luckily, there are many hikes across Washington where you can catch glimpses of wildflowers.
Dog Mountain is one of the most popular for wildflower viewing, so popular in fact, that you need to obtain a permit if you’re going to visit in the spring. Dog Mountain takes you along the Columbia River, where you can get fantastic views of Mt. Hood as well as green vegetation springing to life along the Gorge.
But that’s not the only place you can find scenes of wildflowers. The Washington Trails Association recommends hikes like Big Huckleberry Mountain (also along the Gorge), Mima Mounds (Olympia) Snow Mountain Ranch (near Yakima), and Puffer Butte (Eastern Washington) to see wildflowers and avoid the snow.
Flowers aren’t the only way to remind you that spring is here. Getting out into nature and soaking in the mossy trees, leafy ferns, and green canopy of evergreens can be enough to restore your soul after a series of dark winter months.
Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is just outside of Seattle and offers 35 miles of trails, from second-growth forests to waterfalls to beautiful nature and city views.
Middle Fork Road near North Bend offers several hikes with paved parking and stunning views. Garfield Ledges, one of the hikes off of Middle Fork road, is a short, steep climb, but well worth the stunning view of the surrounding Cascade foothills. You can enjoy the snow on the distant trees while not having to struggle through the drifts yourself. Down below, you can spend 12 miles walking along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River,
Catch a glimpse of the Puget Sound near Bellingham with the Oyster Dome hike. While a steep climb, the reward of the sparkling water and islands will have you not only appreciating spring, but looking forward to summer!
A general reminder to prioritize safety when looking for spring hikes. Snow and ice can linger in the spring months, so check user reports and weather conditions so you can have a safe journey.
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