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Spring is a great time to get out and immerse yourself in nature – the flowers are blooming, and the weather is mild. Washington is beautiful any time of year, but spring is when some of its best natural beauty really shines.
With so many hikes in Washington, it can be difficult to decide which one best suits your needs.
There are many great spring hikes around Washington for every fitness and experience level. The best spring hikes in Washington that are easy include Barclay Lake Trail. If you want a moderate level of difficulty, consider Twin Falls Trail. But if you’re up for a hard hike, try Mount Storm King.
Check out our picks for fifteen of Washington’s best spring hikes, all guaranteed to blow you away with their beauty. There’s something for everyone here, no matter your fitness level.
Table of Contents
Easy Difficulty Hikes
If you’re new to hiking, then maybe you should not start with the most challenging trails. You may want to try some of these easy hikes that are still beautiful and enjoyable but require less physical effort and time commitment than what a difficult hike would take.
And if you’re new to hiking, check out our post on essential gear you should wear.
Barclay Lake Trail
The Barclay Lake Trail is located in the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It’s an excellent hike for beginners because it’s not very long (around 4.4 miles or 7.08 km in total), doesn’t cover any difficult terrain, and there’s no risk of losing the trail. This hike rewards your efforts with picturesque views of the lake and pine forest.
Hoh River Trail
This Hoh River Trail meanders through the striking trees that make up the Hoh rainforest. The trail is great for beginners and has options to extend it, such as hiking to Mineral Creek Falls or Cedar Grove. Hiking all the way to the Blue Glacier moraine is an 18.5-mile (29.77-km) hike one way, but there are plenty of beautiful camping spots along the way (you’ll need to pay a $5 fee per night).
Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail
For a nice leisurely walk among the tall trees and running water, try Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail. Part of Olympic National Park, this is a great out and back trail for all skill levels. 1.6 miles (2.57 km) makes this a short track which is great for kids. It’s the perfect way to stretch your legs in the beauty of nature.
Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop Trail
A trail with a fantastic beach view, the Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop Trail is located close to Seattle for a quick getaway. This trail is 4.4 miles (7.08 km) of ocean air hiking for all skill levels. Adding to the trail’s appeal are great opportunities for bird watching, and dogs are also allowed on the trail as long as they’re on a leash. You can also check out the Discovery Park Education Centre and the amazing old lighthouse.
Horsethief Butte Trail
Roughly 1 mile (1.61 km) in length, the Horsethief Butte Trail is located in Columbia Hills State Park. It’s a great hiking option for all skill levels. Reasonably flat, the trail is best traveled between April and October because there will be plenty of wildflowers to enjoy.
The trail offers interesting rocky views, and there’s also a river to admire. The trailhead itself is easy, but there’s also a more challenging option for those wanting a bit more of a challenge.
Moderate Difficulty Trails
Do you want to take your hiking experience up a notch? If so, these moderately difficult trails in Washington are the perfect answer. These can be the perfect mid-level trail for someone who is looking to challenge themselves but doesn’t want to go too far outside their comfort zone.
Heybrook Lookout Trail
Located close to Seattle, the Heybrook Lookout Trail is great to do after work when the days start getting longer. The trail is 2.6 miles (4.18 km) in total, and it starts off easy but does get more strenuous as you go on (you’re essentially hiking up Heybrook Ridge to get to the lookout and then back down again). The spectacular views of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is your reward for hiking this trail.
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail at the Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area is one of Washington’s most popular hikes. It begins at Rattlesnake Lake and is a fairly moderate 4-mile (6.44-km0 round trip hike.
The views are absolutely spectacular, but do be wary around the cliff edges, as there are sheer drops. Because this hike is so popular, be prepared to come face-to-face with many fellow hikers (in other words, this isn’t the hike to do if you’re seeking a moment of quiet solitude and reflection).
Rialto Beach
The best hikes in Washington don’t just take place on a mountain! The Rialto Beach hike will take you past the refreshing views of blue ocean waves and also beautiful wildflowers in the springtime. Walk along the pebbled beach and pass the ancient driftwood that has washed up with the tides. The hike is accessed from Olympic National Park and is 13 miles (20.92 km) there and back in total, but you don’t have to walk the whole way.
Heather Lake Trail
The Heather Lake Trail is 4.9 miles (7.89 km) of beautiful trail that surrounds Heather Lake. Going in spring offers a great opportunity to see wildlife and wildflowers, and there are also amazing panoramic views of Mount Pilchuck. The trail is located on Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest.
Twin Falls Trail
Hike along the Twin Falls Trail, and you’ll be rewarded with 2.5 miles’ (4.02 km) of lush forest culminating in astounding views of two waterfalls. The hike does get steep in places, so be prepared. It can also be muddy (in fact, part of the trail was actually washed away in 2014 and had to be repaired), so do make sure you’re wearing appropriate footwear. The trail is located in North Bend.
Hard Difficulty Hikes
Do you enjoy a challenge? These hikes are not for the faint of heart. If you want to take on some serious elevation gain and prolonged exposure, these hikes are perfect for your next adventure!
Washington is one of the best states in America for hiking, with mountains that stretch from east to west. The Cascade Mountain Range offers so many beautiful views it’s hard to pick just one favorite. For those who like their hike difficult and long, this list has some great options!
Heather-Maple Pass Loop
This is an exquisite trail that changes with the seasons. In spring, expect to see beautiful wildflowers everywhere. The Heather-Maple Pass Loop is a 7.2-mile (11.5-km) roundtrip hike located in the North Cascades. It takes you past the gorgeous Lake Anne and through both Heather and Maple Pass. This hike is steep in several places, so do make sure you’re appropriately prepared.
Mount Storm King
Mount Storm King is an out-and-back trail near Port Angeles, inside of Olympic National Park. The trail seems short, at only 5.2 miles (8.37 km), but keep in mind that it’s almost 2076 ft (632.76 m) of elevation gain, and it’s very steep.
There’s a detour to see the falls, and there are also ropes to take you to the summit (although it’s tricky). Hiking boots are highly recommended for this trail, and some parts are quite narrow and can only be traversed by one person at a time.
Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene Trail
Located in the Central Cascades, the Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene Trail is about 7.3 miles (11.75 km) and very popular with other hikers. The trail can be windy, but the rocky passages and stunning lake views definitely make it worth checking out. You can also take a detour to see Lunch Rock, a large, smooth rock that’s perfect for taking a break.
Hidden Lake Lookout Trail
The Hidden Lake Lookout Trail is 8.3 miles (13.36 km) near Marblemount. As you hike this trail in spring, you’ll see many different kinds of beautiful wildflowers in the meadows and the green hills covered in the old forest. It’s a beautiful trail but can also be unforgiving. Make sure you’re properly prepared before undertaking this hike.
Mount Ellinor Trail
The Mount Ellinor Trail is a difficult trail, but there’s so much to see! The Olympic Mountains, Lake Cushman, and the Puget Sound can all be admired from this challenging hike, and it passes through a mix of different landscapes – forest, rocky slopes, and river. This trail is just over 6 miles (9.67 km) long one way and can be found in the spectacular Olympic National Forest.
Final Words
Hiking in Washington in the springtime is a spectacular experience. There are so many beautiful trails to enjoy that we’ve barely scratched the surface with our fifteen picks, so get out there and start hiking so you can see all of Washington’s natural beauty for yourself!
