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!
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.
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.
Old Sauk River Trail, Mountain Loop Hwy, Darrington, WA 98241, USA
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.
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Royal City, WA 99357, USA
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.
Summit Lake Trailhead, Unnamed Rd, Carbonado, WA 98323, USA
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.
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, 18113 Upper Hoh Rd, Forks, WA 98331, USA
Hall of Mosses, Hoh Valley Rd, Forks, WA 98331, USA
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.
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.
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.
Snow Mountain Ranch, 2648 Cowiche Mill Rd #2262, Cowiche, WA 98923, USA
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.
Mima Falls Trail, Washington 98512, USA
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.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Washington
June 19, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some of the best short-and-sweet hikes in Washington?
You don't have to be an expert or advanced outdoor enthusiast to enjoy some of the best hikes in Washington — some of the Evergreen state's sweetest and most scenic treks are also the shortest and most accessible! Some of our favorite short-and-sweet hikes in Washington include: the 4.2-mile Icicle Gorge Trail, the 1.5-mile Cape Flattery Trail, the 3-mile Beezley Hills Trail, the 1.5-mile Grove of the Patriarchs Loop, the 2.5-mile Big Rock Trail, and the 2.3-mile Discovery Historic Loop ... these aren't just some of the best short trails in Washington, they are some of the best hikes in Washington — period!
What's the best waterfall hike in Washington?
For those looking for a short-and-sweet waterfall chasing adventure in Washington, the Franklin Falls Trail is an easy, two-mile hike in beautiful Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, and, in our opinion, it just so happens to be the most scenic waterfall hike in the Evergreen State! While this hike is most popular during the summer, it is accessible all throughout the year, and it is absolutely breathtaking in the winter. There’s nothing quite like hiking along this snow-covered path through snow-covered trees, and reaching a magnificent waterfall, which even freezes when the conditions align! So the next time you are looking for a scenic waterfall hike, you'll be glad to check out Franklin Falls Trail in Washington!
Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
