In this post I will be talking about some of the best hikes and trails in Washington State you need to take this spring.
Washington offers some incredible hiking opportunities in the spring season!
Early season spring can be a great time of year to visit this beautiful state; but so is later on in the season, such as late April or late June.
Below I will highlight some of my favorite hikes to take; including miles of trails, short hikes, day hikes, popular trails, and all around good options depending on your skill level and desired attributes.
These hikes are in no particular order. Every one of these beautiful places are worth visiting! From old-growth forests, alpine lakes, alpine meadows, waterfall hikes and epic mountain views, there is no shortage of beauty in the Pacific Northwest.
Each headline links to the official WTA link for that trail if you want to find out more information about that particular hike such as weather, passes, full trail description, directions, parking areas, etc.
Important!
Don’t forget to bring your first aid kit, plenty of water and snacks, a charged phone, a map, and a camera! Be sure to research each area before visiting.
Some links on this page are affiliate.
Safety Tips Before Starting Your Journey
Even the most experienced hikers need reminders of safety while hiking! Experiencing these trails is an incredible and rewarding journey but it is very important to stay safe and aware of your surroundings at all times during the hike. Be sure to check out this list before leaving for any of these favorite spring hikes!
Don’t Forget:
- Water
- Snacks
- Camera
- First Aid Kit
- Extra layers / dry socks
- Bear Bell / Bear Spray
Some Trails Require:
Before You Go:
- Download maps in case of lost service
- Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return
- Charge phone
- Check the weather
- Read recent trail reports
Useful Items I would recommend:
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is less than an hour from Seattle making it a great hike within a short distance from the city that won’t take up your entire day.
This is a popular trail but for a good reason. It is a great option for newbie hikers.
The hike is almost 2 miles each way with steady elevation gain. While continuously heading uphill sounds intimidating its actually not much of a workout as it seems. The way this path is built, the climb is steady and pleasant rather than arduous. Great for beginner or moderate hikers.
There are portapotties here as well as kiosks containing maps, which I recommend you take.
Check weather before planning your hike as spring can bring comfortable temperatures but cold ones as well. In spring, its often damp and rainy. While visiting on a clear day would be best for seeing the panoramic views, fog and haze adds to the beauty of the scenery as shown in the photo above.
This can be a nice area to watch the sunset in the Seattle region.
You can also download a map here.
- Location: North Bend, Washington.
- Parking Info: There’s a large parking lot at the trailhead, but it fills up quickly on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.
- Best Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Price of Admission: There’s no admission fee.
- Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on leash.
- Why it’s Special: Rattlesnake Ledge offers stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley and Rattlesnake Lake below. The trail is well-maintained and relatively short, making it perfect for beginners.
- Skill Level: Beginner to moderate.
Mount Si Trail
The Mount Si Trail is a part of the central Cascade Mountains and only a less than 45 minute drive from Seattle. Round trip this trail is 8 miles long with an elevation gain of 3,150 feet. That being said, it is not for beginners completely new to hiking!
Mount Si is an incredibly popular trail for several reasons. In the spring, there are mountain climbers planning to hike Mt Rainier practicing on this trail. This makes a great day hike in late spring.
At the beginning of this hike is a collection of old growth trees still standing after enduring logging and fire over the years. Take the time to appreciate the immenseness of their size and their resililence. You may encounter some wildlife on these trails but please do not feed them.
In spring, muddy and rainy weather can be expected but the trail is still well-maintained. This hike has beautiful panoramic views but be sure to dress accordingly as higher elevations tend to be cooler.
- Location: North Bend, Washington.
- Parking Info: There’s a large parking lot at the trailhead, but it fills up quickly. Consider carpooling or arriving early.
- Best Time of Day: Early morning to beat the crowds and have clearer views.
- Price of Admission: Requires Discover Pass; $10 per day or $30 for the year.
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash.
- Why it’s Special: Mount Si offers panoramic views of the Cascade Range and the Puget Sound. It’s a challenging hike with a significant elevation gain, but the breathtaking scenery makes it worth the effort.
- Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced.
Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls Trail
These trails are a total of 8.2 miles with Lake Serene serving as a loop 7.1 mile trail and Bridal Veil Falls a 1 mile detour. Total elevation gain is 2,000 feet with the highest point of elevation at 2,521 feet.
There is a toilet at the trailhead.
It is important to keep on the trail and practice typical wilderness etiquette as nature can be damaged by doing otherwise. Consider visiting the area on a weekday when it is less crowded to ensure you have no trouble parking.
Along the hike you will find wildflowers who adore the shady areas as well as berries and deciduous trees. While somewhat challenging, this hike rewards you with beautiful views and picturesque waterfalls, making it one of the best spring hikes.
- Location: Index, Washington.
- Parking Info: Limited parking at the trailhead. Consider arriving early or on weekdays to find a spot.
- Best Time of Day: Early morning to enjoy the tranquility of the lake and falls.
- Price of Admission: Requires Northwest Forest Pass; $5 per day or $30 for the year.
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash.
- Why it’s Special: This hike features a stunning alpine lake and a picturesque waterfall. It’s moderately challenging but offers rewarding views throughout the journey.
- Skill Level: Intermediate.
Wallace Falls Trail
Wallace Falls is a 5.6 mile round trip hike with 1,300 elevation gain and the highest point at 1,500 feet. Along the trail you will see tranquil waterfalls and lush greens; a sublime nature experience.
If you plan on bringing your dog please note it is very important to keep your pet leashed at all times. At this location there are strict fines handed out due to unleashed dogs falling and getting hurt (and worse) so please be mindful of this when visiting.
There are bathrooms located along the trail as well as at the parking lot. Although a popular trek this trail is well maintained.
Difficulty is moderate as most of the trail is pretty easy but there some more rugged spots with steep climbs.
- Location: Gold Bar, Washington.
- Parking Info: Limited parking at the trailhead. Arrive early or consider visiting on weekdays.
- Best Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Price of Admission: Requires Discover Pass; $10 per day or $30 for the year.
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash.
- Why it’s Special: This hike features a series of stunning waterfalls, with viewpoints along the way. The trail offers a variety of landscapes, including lush forests and rocky outcrops.
- Skill Level: Intermediate.
Snow Lake Trail
Snow Lake Trail is 7.2 miles long round trip with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet with the highest point at 4,400 feet.
This is a gorgeous trail, boasting beautiful aplines, mountain peaks and crystal clear waters. According to the Washington Trails Association, “the first rule of Snow Lake is to never settle for the early view.” It gets better and better as the trek goes on. You get the best views with a longer hike!
Check weather conditions before visiting this location. Due to its high elevation, snow is more common and as a result avalanches are a risk. Do research on avalance safety and gear needed before exploring this trail.
Due to the remoteness, be sure to download directions ahead of time in case you lose service.
Something I love about this trail is the cabin at the beginning by the lake – can you believe this used to be someone’s private property? Their daily coffee sipping view?
It sure is beautiful!
Just be careful hiking if there is still a lot of snow on the trail. Check Alltrails for continuous updates and trip reports for a more safe crossing.
- Location: Snoqualmie Pass, Washington.
- Parking Info: Limited parking at the trailhead. Arrive early or use a shuttle service if available.
- Best Time of Day: Early morning for calm waters and clear reflections.
- Price of Admission: Northwest Forest Pass or National Parks Pass required for parking.
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash.
- Why it’s Special: Snow Lake is a stunning alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Cascade Range and is moderately challenging.
- Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced.
Mount Pilchuck Trail
This trail is a 5.4 mile roundtrip with 2,300 feet elevation gain with the highest point at 5,327 feet.
This is a fun trail due to its panoramic views and historic fire lookout tower. While difficult, the views are well worth it and experiencing the lookout tower is extremely rewarding.
As with the previous trail, this hike can become perilous in the winter and easy to get lost if the path is buried in snow. Hikers frequently need rescued from this spot so if you visit during early spring be sure to take all necessary precautions, be well equipped and sign the registry at the trailhead.
If there is snow on the trail it is highly recommended to bring poles and traction devices. Keep in mind where you need to be headed while hiking; it is not uncommon for hikers to lose the trail and head towards false summits leaving them in dangerous situations.
If you want a warm up before trying this trail check out the Heather Lake trail instead! It is lower elevation in a similar style yet not as daunting.
Also it is worth noting not to leave any valuables in your vehicle as break ins are common at this spot.
- Location: Granite Falls, Washington.
- Parking Info: Limited parking at the trailhead. Arrive early, especially on weekends.
- Best Time of Day: Early morning to enjoy sunrise views from the summit.
- Price of Admission: Northwest Forest Pass required for parking.
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash.
- Why it’s Special: Mount Pilchuck offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Puget Sound from its fire lookout tower. The trail features rocky terrain and is moderately challenging.
- Skill Level: Advanced.
Lake Twentytwo Trail
Lake 22 Trail is an alpine covered, rainforest mountain oasis boasting 2.7 miles (one way) with 1,350 feet in elevation gain and the hightest point at 2,400 feet.
It is recommended to wait until all snow is melted on the trail before hiking so be sure to check your weather forecast for current conditions.
Be prepared for a damp path on this journey, which allows the ferns and low growth plants to flourish in this enviournment. There is gorgeous plant life here; roaring with hemlock, cedar, bleeding heart, salmonberry, thimbleberry, bunchberry, alder, and arnica throughout the trail. Water is found continuously throughout the trail in the form of rivers and waterfalls.
“WTA Pro Tip: There is a trail around Lake 22, but please keep to it. The boulder field above may be tempting to scramble, but it is dangerous to navigate. Fatalities have occurred when groups of hikers have ventured up the boulder field.”
- Location: Granite Falls, Washington.
- Parking Info: Limited parking at the trailhead. Arrive early or visit on weekdays to find a spot.
- Best Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the tranquility of the lake.
- Price of Admission: Northwest Forest Pass required for parking.
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash.
- Why it’s Special: Lake Twentytwo is nestled in a basin surrounded by old-growth forest and towering peaks. The trail features waterfalls, bridges, and boardwalks, offering a diverse hiking experience.
- Skill Level: Intermediate.
Ozette Loop Trail (Cape Alava – Sand Point Loop)
This trail is one of my favorites during the spring season. Right along the olympic peninsula!
This is a unique option as it is technically two trails in one: a beach hike and a forest hike.
This trail is technically located in Olympic National Park so you will need a park pass to enter or pay the vehicle pass fee.
Making a great springtime hike, you can see an abundance of wildlife like sea otters and eagles along the coast. The low elevation also means warmer temperatures compared to the previous hikes. If you chose to do the combine hikes it is a 9.4 mile loop; this consists of taking Cape Alava trail to the beach going south then connecting with the Sand Point Trail.
Lots of evergreen to be spotted along this hike. Be careful as many parts of the trail may be slippery.
There is also a museum close by about the Makah tribe that once lived in the area. Along the trail you will see petroglyphs carved by the tribe at Wedding Rocks. Please respect this history as you pass on your journey.
- Location: Olympic National Park, Washington.
- Parking Info: Parking available at the trailhead.
- Best Time of Day: Any time of day, but early morning or late afternoon for wildlife sightings.
- Price of Admission: National Park entrance fee required.
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash on the coastal portion of the trail.
- Why it’s Special: This coastal hike features sea stacks, tide pools, and stunning ocean views. It’s relatively flat and offers a unique experience along the Pacific coastline.
- Skill Level: Beginner.
Mount Rainier Skyline Trail (Paradise Area)
This is one of my favorite hikes on this list. The views on this trail are hard to beat; with its stunning vista of Mt Rainier, epic wildflowers in the summer, and beautiful alpine landscapes year round it is a must see for sure.
Skyline Trail is 5.5 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1,450 feet and the highest point at 6,800 feet.
Remember to stay on the path as to not disturb any plants or wildlife.
Visiting in late spring gives you the best chance to see blooming wildflowers.
Between May 24 and September 2, visitors to this trail need a reservation to enter the park as well as a national park pass.
Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington.
Parking Info: Parking available at Paradise Visitor Center.
Best Time of Day: Any time of day, but early morning for clear views of Mount Rainier.
Price of Admission: National Park entrance fee required.
Dog Friendly: Dogs are not allowed on trails in Mount Rainier National Park.
Why it’s Special: The Skyline Trail offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, wildflower meadows, and alpine landscapes. It’s a popular trail in the summer months when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate.
Conclusion
These hikes offer a variety of experiences, from serene lakes to rugged mountain peaks, showcasing the diverse landscapes of Washington state. Enjoy your outdoor adventures!
Remember to hike responsibly and leave no trace!
