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15 of the Best Spring Hikes in Washington
15 of the Best Spring Hikes in Washington
In this post: Check out our suggestions for some of the lesser-known and best spring hikes in Washington — from lush forests and bright green moss, to sand dunes, island views, waterfalls, and more.
Updated April 2, 2022
There’s nothing quite like those first spring days to lift your mood after a long, dark winter. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll be itching to head out to some of the best spring hikes in Washington to enjoy the longer days and warmer temperatures. High-elevation hikes located within and closer to the mountain passes continue to have tons of snow throughout the spring and even into the summer, but lucky for us, there are many great spring hikes in Washington to explore (no snow shoes required)!
Below we’re sharing our roundup of 15 of the best spring hikes in Washington, as well as a few tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable time. We’ve provided some lesser-known options and purposely left out the super popular ones (read: over-crowded), which can easily be found with a quick Google search.
Spring Hiking Tips and Gear Suggestions
- While we’ve specifically selected some of the best spring hikes in Washington that should have little-to-no snow, it’s always good to be prepared! If visiting a non-coastal hike (ie: Snoqualmie Region, North Cascades, Central Washington, or Olympic Peninsula), we suggest bringing a pair of micro-spikes which are a game changer if you encounter snow or ice on trail.
- It’s so exciting when the days start getting longer, but they’re still much shorter than in the summer. Be aware of sunset time and pack a head lamp just in case. I recently had to replace mine and went with this model from Black Diamond, which was a good balance of price and quality.
- Always bring the 10 essentials, even if it’s just a short or easy hike.
- Layers, layers, layers! You may feel super hot when you’re climbing up that hill, but once you stop moving or head back down, you’ll quickly cool off. My favorite item for spring hiking is a Smartwool base-layer pullover, which keeps you just warm enough without being too hot (men’s option here).
- Spring trails are often wet and muddy. Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes and avoid leaving the trail, even if that means you have to walk through some water or mud.
- Spring weather can be unpredictable. Check trip reports and weather forecasts before heading out. This also includes the mountain passes if your trip includes passing through them. It’s very much still winter in the mountains, and you’ll want to ensure that the pass is open, safe to drive, and that you have chains to use if needed.
- While it’s tempting to always chase epic mountain views . . . sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate. If in doubt, we always head to the water (coast, rivers, waterfalls), which never disappoints even on the dreariest, foggiest of days.
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And without further ado, our roundup of some of the best spring hikes in Washington:
Boulder Garden Loop
Stats: 2.5 miles, 800’ gain
Area: Snoqualmie Region – North Bend Area
Pass: Discover Pass
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Notes & Features:
- Only 35 minutes from Seattle.
- Trail is forested, lush, and green with giant stone boulders the size of houses.
- View of Cascade Mountains only .25 mile into the hike.
- Note that while this trail is much less traveled than the neighboring Little Si Trail, they share a parking area so you’ll want to arrive early on the weekends. The plus side is that you have the option to extend your hike by completing the loop and then continuing up to Little Si Summit.
Pratt-Connector to Pratt River Trail
Stats: 6.5 miles roundtrip, 800’ gain
Area: Snoqualmie Region – North Bend Area
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Notes & Features:
- Less than an hour from Seattle.
- Enjoy views right away of the beautiful Gateway Bridge and crystal clear, turquoise water flowing below.
- Trail is mostly flat with some slight rolling hills and a few manageable switchbacks.
Deception Pass State Park - Lighthouse Point via Bowman Bay/Rosario Head
Stats: 2.4 miles roundtrip, 321’ gain
Area: Puget Sound and Islands – Bellingham Area
Pass: Discover Pass
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Notes & Features:
- 1.5 hours from Seattle.
- Trail starts out with a steady decline but then mostly flattens out.
- Vibrant blue water looking out over Lottie Bay to your left (south) and expansive views to the right (north) looking across Bowman Bay.
- Great picnic spot on a grassy knoll looking up at the Deception Pass Bridge and out at Puget Sound, also another good picnic spot shortly after this knoll. Nice spot for sunset!
- As Washington’s most-visited state park, there’s a ton to explore here including 38 miles of hiking trails, 1.2 miles of ADA hiking trails, 3 miles of bike trails, and 6 miles of horse trails.
Teddy Bear Cove via Interurban Trail
Stats: 1.8 miles roundtrip, 164’ gain
Area: Puget Sound and Islands – Bellingham Area
Pass: Discover Pass
Dogs Allowed? No
Notes & Features:
- 1 hour 20 minutes from Seattle.
- Explore two beaches or take the headland trail for views from above.
- Keep an eye out for seals! We saw two when we visited.
- Such a relaxing spot, consider bringing some snacks and a hammock to hang out for a bit!
Sharpe Park - Sares Head
Stats: 2.1 miles roundtrip, 440’ gain
Area: Puget Sound and Islands – Bellingham Area
Pass: None
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Notes & Features:
- Just under 1.5 hours from Seattle.
- This park has several interconnected trails to explore (this map is quite helpful). For a quick hike, we recommend heading straight to Sares Head Viewpoint, but if you have the time, definitely explore Porpoise Point as well.
- Our route was: Sares Head trail –> Porpoise Point trail –> Sunburst trail –> Sares Head trail –> Sares Head and Machin Viewpoints.
- Porpoise Point overlooks a rocky cove with beautiful blue water — again, keep an eye out for seals (we saw three).
- The trails through the forest have lots of coastal Madrona trees (we love them!) and lots of unique plants, textures, and colors to take in.
- Sares Head Viewpoint boasts expansive views of the ocean and islands,
Ebey's Landing Loop
Stats: 5.6 miles, 260’ gain
Area: Puget Sound and Islands – Whidbey Island
Pass: Discover Pass
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Notes & Features:
- About 2 hours from Seattle, with options to take a ferry onto Whidbey Island or drive up and around (we suggest taking your car onto the ferry then drive off the island to make a big loop and make a full day of it!)
- Great mix of views out across Puget Sound (including Mount Rainier on a clear day!) and the surrounding cliffside farmland.
- The loop will give you time on a bluff trail and end with a walk back to your car via the beach – never a boring moment with ever-changing views. This has to be one of the best spring hikes in Washington — you really can’t go wrong here!
- There were abundant wildflowers when we visited in July (pictured).
Oyster Dome
Stats: 5 miles, 1,050’ gain
Area: Puget Sound and Islands – Bellingham Area
Pass: Discover Pass
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Notes & Features:
- Just under 1.5 hours from Seattle.
- Beautiful views immediately from the parking lot if you start from Samish Overlook. We even saw some paragliders taking off!
- Trail is mainly through the forest with occasional peak-through views.
- You’ll end at a rocky overlook called Oyster Dome with incredible views out over the water overlooking Samish Bay; Lummi, Orcas, and Vancouver Islands; and the Olympic Mountains.
- This can be a pretty popular trail but made for a nice after-work hike, reaching Oyster Dome right at sunset for vibrant views.
Heybrook Ridge
Stats: 3.3 miles, 775’ gain
Area: Central Cascades – Stevens Pass
Pass: None Required
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Notes & Features:
- Just over 1 hour from Seattle.
- A nice alternative to the nearby, and more crowded, Heybrook Lookout.
- Moderate hike up through a lush forest setting with a small waterfall along the way.
- On mostly-clear days you can enjoy in-your-face views of Baring Mountain, Philadelphia Mountain, and Mount Index and Bridal Veil Falls.
Baker Lake - Maple Grove
Stats: 8 miles roundtrip, 500’ gain
Area: North Cascades – Mt. Baker Area
Pass: NW Forest Pass/America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Notes & Features:
- Just under 2 hours from Seattle.
- Easy, mostly flat hike through a lush forest.
- The full Baker Lake trail is 14 miles, so you could make this an even longer journey.
- Great views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan across the lake on a clear day with photo-worthy reflections if the water is calm.
- Great backpack for beginners (this was actually our first, and we went in January!). If you’re capable, pack some wood to have a camp fire! (You can find more spring backpacking suggestions here)
Boulder River
Stats: 8.6 miles roundtrip, 700’ gain
Area: North Cascades – Mountain Loop Highway
Pass: None required
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Notes & Features:
- 1.5 hours from Seattle.
- River ramble featuring several waterfalls along the trail.
- Perfect for a rainy day, just be sure to wear waterproof clothes and shoes! The trail can be quite wet in places.
Ancient Lakes
Stats: 4.5 miles roundtrip, 288’ gain
Area: Central Washington – Potholes Region
Pass: Discover Pass
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Notes & Features:
- 2.5 hours from Seattle.
- There are lots of trails to explore in this area as a day hike, or it makes a great easy backpack trip.
- This area is very exposed, so it’s best to avoid super hot days and be aware that it can be extremely windy, especially at night (ensure you stake your tent well!).
- Be aware that snakes are fairly common in this area in the hotter months.
- Expansive views overlooking the lakes from the ridge, and there’s a fun waterfall to explore across the lake.
- It is not safe to drink water from these lakes even when filtered, so pack in as much as you’ll need.
- Another great spot for spring backpacking.
Steamboat Rock
Stats: 6 miles roundtrip, 650’ gain
Area: Central Washington – Grand Coulee
Pass: Discover Pass
Dogs Allowed? Yes (WTA does not list as dog-friendly but several other sources do — perhaps call the state park to make sure)
Notes & Features:
- 3 hours 45 minutes from Seattle.
- 360-degree views of the Coulee below with vibrant blue water, as well as the Canadian Cascades.
- Wildflowers start to bloom in late spring/early summer.
- We did this hike as part of a weekend trip exploring the area and had an incredible time! (Blog post on that coming soon and we’ll link it here).
- There’s a nice campground here if you want to stay overnight.
Baldy Mountain
Stats: 5 miles roundtrip, 1,972’ gain
Area: Central Washington – Yakima
Pass: Parking at Big Pines Campground requires a NW Forest Pass/America the Beautiful Pass (Kiosk Available)
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Notes & Features:
- 2 hours from Seattle.
- 360-degree views at the top, overlooking horseshoe bend of the Yakima River.
- If you’re lucky, you might spot some bighorn sheep (we did not).
- This hike is a real thigh-burner. At the beginning, take the path to the left for a more gradual gain or to the right for a shorter, but much steeper section (up to 70% grade at times). We opted for the steep trail on the way up and the more gradual trail for our descent.
- This hike is very exposed, meaning there is no shade along the entire route. Bring plenty of water and save it for a day that’s a little cooler.
- Note that there are several trails with similar names to Baldy Mountain. Double check you’ve found the right one before heading out!
White Bluffs – North
Stats: Up to 7 miles roundtrip, 500’ gain (first dune reached after 2 miles)
Area: Central Washington – Tri Cities
Pass: None
Dogs Allowed? Yes (WTA does not list as pet friendly but the NPS website does)
Notes & Features:
- Just under 3 hours from Seattle.
- Very unique hike with sand dunes and views of the Columbia River the entire way.
- We went as far as the first sand dune (4 miles RT), but you could continue on to the second dune if you like.
- It was very windy when we were there in December!
- A great early-season or winter option, before Central Washington gets hot. Hike is totally exposed (no trees/shade).
Staircase Rapids
Stats: 4 miles roundtrip, 150’ gain
Area: Olympic Peninsula – Hood Canal
Pass: America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs Allowed? No
Notes & Features:
- Just over 2 hours from Seattle.
- Lush, moody forest walk on a well-built trail with views of the Skokomish River and plenty of the drooping moss for which the Olympic Peninsula is known.
- Large suspension bridge crosses over beautiful blue water.
- There’s a ton more to explore on the Olympic Peninsula if you want to include this hike in a larger itinerary.
Looking for incredible wildflower hikes near Seattle?
You’ve come to the right place! We have an entire post dedicated to those. There are so many beautiful options you won’t want to miss.