Best spring hikes in Washington
Spring hiking in Washington can be wonderful, but also tricky! Hikers are restless and eager to get to higher mountain trails that are inaccessible in the winter, the sun is shining more regularly, and the promise of summer awaits. However, there is definitely still snow in many mountainous areas. Here is a list of my top recommendations for the best spring hikes in Washington. But first…
What is spring hiking in Washington like?
If I could give spring in Washington one descriptor, it would probably be unpredictable. Some days you can sunbathe when it’s 65 degrees and sunny, or you can get soaked in a torrential downpour. You can experience the beauty of blooming tulips and daffodils on a cute farm one day and ski in the mountains through a snowstorm the next. The weather is highly variable depending on your location and elevation.
This makes spring hiking in Washington an interesting challenge: conditions will vary so greatly! In order to enjoy spring hikes, you’ll need to prepare thoroughly by checking trail reports on WTA or AllTrails, consulting the weather forecast, checking avalanche risk as relevant, researching road conditions, and packing appropriately.
Best spring hikes in Washington
1. Icicle Ridge
Distance & elevation gain: 6 miles roundtrip, 1800 feet elevation gain
Pass needed: none
Trail link: Icicle Ridge Trail
A perfect, pet friendly spring hike, the Icicle Ridge trail is exposed, has wildflowers, and offers wonderful views.
Icicle Ridge is an exposed trail that winds up along a dusty trail to a beautiful overlook above the town of Leavenworth. It’s one of my favorite spring hikes in Washington because you can see wildflowers if you time it right! Balsamroot and lupine grow in abundance here, and they are a sight to behold in the springtime.
2. Sauer’s Mountain
Distance & elevation gain: 6 miles round trip, 2000 feet elevation gain
Pass needed: none
Trail link: Sauer’s Mountain
Sauer’s Mountain is a lovely trail that provides wonderful views of the Enchantments as well as a great wildflower experience in the springtime. You can see bluebells, phlox, balsamroot, and lupine in bloom here. The trail is very narrow and may not be suitable for small children.
Pro tip: the trail is on private land and has very limited parking (~10 cars), so it’s a good idea to have a backup hike planned if you’re visiting on a spring weekend day.
3. Canyon Crest to Rat Creek Ridge Loop
Distance & elevation gain: 3.5 miles roundtrip, 541 feet elevation gain
Pass needed: none
Trail link: Canyon Crest to Rat Creek Ridge Trail
We did Rat Creek Ridge Trail with my sister’s family, including her small children. The four-year-old hiked the whole trail himself. It’s a great trail for everyone!
If you’re looking for a hidden treasure spring hike in Washington, you’ve found it. Canyon Crest to Rat Creek Ridge trail is one of the least populated trails I’ve been on, and I’m not sure why. The views are wonderful, the trail isn’t too challenging, it’s family friendly, and not difficult to access. Climb up through the forest to stunning views of Leavenworth and the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges. Best of all, it’s a loop, so you won’t be backtracking!
4. Rattlesnake Ledge
Distance & elevation gain: 4 miles roundtrip, 1160 feet elevation gain
Pass needed: Discover Pass
Trail link: Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the best spring hikes in Washington. With views like this, what are you waiting for?
Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the most popular hikes in Washington state: it’s not far from Seattle (40 minutes), it isn’t too challenging, and the top provides fantastic views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding mountains. While it’s accessible year round, I like Rattlesnake Ledge as a spring hike because it gives great “summit like” views that I crave during springtime.
5. Lena Lake
Distance & elevation gain: 7.2 miles roundtrip, 1300 feet elevation gain
Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail link: Lena Lake Trail
You can’t find a better trail than Lena Lake!
Lena Lake Trail is a gently sloping adventure through the forest. The trail is impeccably maintained, with beautiful wooden bridges over the water crossings. It never gets too steep and so it’s a relatively quick hike considering that it’s over 7 miles total. You’re rewarded at the end of the trail with a beautiful lake where you can enjoy your trail lunch.
6. Otter Falls
Distance & elevation gain: 11 miles round trip, 650 feet elevation gain
Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail link: Otter Falls Trail
Otter Falls is gorgeous. While it’s a bit of a long trek to get there, it’s worth the effort.
Otter Falls is a very unique waterfall that sprawls widely across a granite rock face into the small Lipsy Lake. You’ll cross multiple creeks as you meander on a fairly flat trail through the trees, encountering the Taylor River, Garfield Peak, and mossy boulders in the second growth forest. This makes it one of the best spring hikes in Washington!
Pro tip: be sure to bring hiking poles and waterproof boots. The water crossings can get very high, particularly in the spring.
7. Little Si
Distance & elevation gain: 3.7 miles roundtrip, 1300 feet elevation gain
Pass needed: Discover Pass
Trail link: Little Si Trail
A total classic, Little Si provides great rewards for the amount of effort. It’s one of the very first trails I hiked when I moved to Washington, and a favorite to repeat regularly. The trail itself is quite pretty, with woods that nearly sparkle with sunshine when the sun is out, beautiful boulders, and a few lookout points where you can see out over the valley. From the summit, you can see various mountains, including Mt. Washington and Mt. Si, and it’s a fantastic place to visit in the late afternoon light.
Pro tip: Parking can fill up at this trail, even with the overflow lot available. Plan to arrive early or after the morning hikers have finished to ensure snagging a spot.
7. Thunder Knob
Distance & elevation gain: 3.6 miles roundtrip, 635 feet elevation gain
Pass needed: None
Trail link: Thunder Knob Trail
May was a great time to visit Thunder Knob.
One of the earliest accessible hikes in the North Cascades National Park area, Thunder Knob trail is a quick jaunt up a small summit to views of the stunning Diablo Lake. There are nice benches along the way where you can stop to take in the views, and some trees provide patchy shade. You’ll be thrilled with the scenery from the top.
Want to learn more about visiting the North Cascades? Check out my complete guide to the North Cascades here.
8. Dirty Harry’s Balcony
Distance & elevation gain: 4.4 miles roundtrip, 1600 feet elevation gain
Pass needed: Discover Pass
Trail link: Dirty Harry’s Balcony Trail
Dirty Harry’s Balcony is a hiker (and dog!) favorite.
Another North Bend Classic, Dirty Harry’s Balcony is a great hike on the I-90 corridor for a quick getaway from Seattle with views. The trail itself is quite lovely as it climbs through the forest, meandering past boulders, offering glimpses of mountain views at a couple points along the way. You’ll also see signs for rock climbing in the area, as there are popular bouldering spots nearby. The top is a rocky outcropping where you can see across the valley and over I-90 into the mountains. This is a great spot to take visitors, too.
10. Goose Rock Summit
Distance & elevation gain: 2.2 miles roundtrip, 308 feet elevation gain
Pass needed: Discover Pass
Trail link: Goose Rock Summit Trail
Goose Rock Summit is an easy option on the coast, in Deception Pass State Park (read more about visiting the park here). The trail is forested, and provides lovely views over the water and islands from the summit. While hiking here, we saw a bald eagle and several deer. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset, too, with great rewards for your effort.
Final thoughts on the best spring hikes in Washington
Spring, like all other seasons, has its rewards and challenges for hikers in Washington. Highlights include wildflowers, abundant water and waterfalls, coastal trails, and lower elevation summit trails that provide stunning mountain views. Be sure to always check the weather and trail conditions before heading out, and get out there and enjoy the some of the best spring hikes in Washington!
Which hikes do you like in the spring? Let me know below.
