Looking for wildflowers in Washington? Here are 8 hikes with beautiful blooms
When the weather warms up in Washington state, wildflowers begin to bloom along local trails.
You can find colorful wildflowers at locations across the state.
“Washington’s mountains offer a rainbow of wildflowers, from shady forest floors to the highest alpine meadows,” the Washington Trails Association said on its website.
Here’s where to find wildflowers on your next hike:
Which wildflowers are native to Washington?
According to the Washington Trails Association, 57 species of wildflowers can be commonly found in Washington mountains.
These include tiger lilies, lupines, red columbines and alpine yellow monkey-flowers.
“Washington wildflowers provide floral beauty while feeding pollinators, birds and mammals,” Jerad Bryant wrote in a July article on the Epic Gardening website, noting that there’s “no shortage of native plant options. “These perennials grow wild in natural spaces from Spokane to Seattle.”
When are wildflowers in bloom in Washington state?
Wildflower season begins in April and end in August, according to Washington State Parks.
During this time, “Several state parks have impressive shows,” the state agency added.
In addition to popular destinations Dog Mountain and Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State Parks singled out “lesser-known wildflower explosions” at spots including Columbia Hills Historical State Park, Mount Spokane State Park, Sauk Mountain and Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.
Where can I find wildflowers in the Olympic Pennisula?
Many outdoor enthusiasts embark on hikes in Washington state with the specific goal of seeing Washington wildflowers, according to Jessi Loerch, magazine editor for the Washington Trails Association.
The hiking group has put together a guide of the top hikes for wildflower fans.
The 17.4-mile Hoh River Trail hike is in Olympic National Park and goes up to the Glacier Meadows.
“You’ll find shade-loving understory flowers, including vanillaleaf, false lily-of-the-valley, foamflower and trillium,” the Washington Trails Association said, adding that the best time to see flowers in May through August.
Marmot Pass is “one of the most beautiful hikes in the Olympic mountains,” the trail association said. “While you’re taking in the views, be sure to look for harebells, tiger lilies, phlox, fireweed, agoseris and yarrow.”
The best time to see these flowers is in late June through August, according to the group.
Where can I find wildflowers in Central Washington?
Umtanum Ridge in central Washington features a 6-mile hike that promises to be “a workout,” according to the Washington Trails Association.
“The wildflower bonanza peaks in May,” the trail group said. “Arrowleaf balsamroot, shootingstars and the rare, flowering hedgehog cactus are to be found.”’
Where can I find wildflowers in Western Washington?
Esmeralda Basin in Snoqualmie is “a wonderland of flowers,” the Washington Trails Association said.
Columbia lewisia and scarlet gilia can be found along the 7-mile-long trail, the hiking group said, noting that the best time to see beautiful blooms is June through August.
The 8.6-mile Scorpion Mountain/ Johnson Ridge hike in the Central Cascades is “filled with lupine, paintbrush, penstemon, aster, harebells,” said the Washington Trails Association, which recommends visiting in June through August.
Juniper Ridge, an 8-mile round-trip hike in the south Cascades, takes you through Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
“In addition to savoring the views on this high ridge, look down near your feet for paintbrush, lupines, penstemons and mariposa lilies, among others,” the Washington Trails Association said.
Naches Peak Loop, near the Chinook Pass, offers views of Mount Rainier as well as western pasqueflower, monkeyflowers, bistort and lupine in July and August
You can spot wildflowers on the stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail near the Canadian border that goes from Slate Peak to Windy Pass, the Washington Trails Association said.
The trail association recommends tackling the 7-mile hike in July or August.
This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Looking for wildflowers in Washington? Here are 8 hikes with beautiful blooms."