The 9 Must-Do Hikes To Add To Your Washington Bucket List This Spring

There's an embarrassment of riches here in the Evergreen State, as evidenced by the following list of best hikes in Washington -- which, in our opinion, aren't just some of the most superlative treks in the state, but also the country! While hiking is a year-round activity in Washington, there's just something so wonderful about lacing up our boots when the snow and ice of winter begins to thaw, welcoming the sublime season of spring in the PNW. Here are nine of our favorite hikes to take in Washington in the spring!

1. Trail of the Cedars, North Cascades

This beautiful hike in Washington is less than two miles in length, and every bit of it is gorgeous. And since it's a nice, easy walk, it's a perfect pick for a first spring hike.

2. Old Sauk River Trail, Darrington

The Old Sauk River Trail near Darrington, Washington, is six miles of pleasant trail, and it's a nice, mostly flat walk through some stunning natural scenery. You'll spend plenty of time walking along the Sauk River.

3. Crab Creek, Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

This beautiful trail (a favorite in the winter, as well) really shows off the beauty of the 17,000 acres of the Crab Creek Wildlife Area. Located near the town of Othello, this hike has it all: broad, rolling sand dunes, peaceful lakes, a wide, gurgling creek, and mountain peaks.

4. Summit Lake Trail, Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest

You might want to save the beautiful Summit Lake Trail, located in Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, a five-mile hike for later in the spring when more of the snow has melted. It's well worth waiting for -- you'll see 360-degree views of the Cascade Mountains, Seattle, and several volcanos along the way.

5. Hall of Moss, Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park

Spring is all about fresh air, and it doesn't get much fresher than this. If you've never visited the Hoh Rain Forest, make this the year you check out the Pacific Northwest's only rainforest.

6. Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, Anacortes

Depending on when you visit, Sugarloaf Mountain could be full of vibrant wildflowers. But even if it isn't, you'll still take in these stunning views on your 2-mile trek.

7. Klickitat River Trail, Lyle

Spring is a great time for a Columbia River Gorge hike, and despite being a pretty lengthy one (just shy of 11 miles), this trail is ranked as easy. The wildflowers bloom early here, and the oak-filled valleys are lovely.

8. Snow Mountain Ranch, Cowiche

This underrated 5.9-mile loop is located near Yakima, and the former ranch has some of the best wildflowers in the state. Keep an eye out for bright hedgehog cacti, bitterroot, and more.

9. Mima Falls Trail, Capitol State Forest

You'll find this hidden gem of a trail near the mysterious Mima Mounds in the Olympia area. The 4.7-mile trail leads to a peaceful waterfall, and by the end of March, the snow has typically melted.

Do you make it a habit to hike every spring? What are your picks for the best spring hikes in Washington? Share them with us in the comments below! And if you're a beginner hiker, these trails for mere mortals offer some great spots to get started.