Here comes the bloom — late spring and late summer are some of the best times to admire Washington’s colorful side. Don’t miss these stunning wildflower hikes just a few-hours drive from Seattle.
Editors Note: Approximate drive times are calculated from a starting point in central downtown Seattle.
Columbia River Gorge | Washougal, ~4-hour drive
This area along Washington’s southernmost boundary butts up to the Columbia River, offering stunning views of mountains, water, and over 800 species of flowers.
Mount Rainier National Park | ~2-hour drive
The wildflowers here fall into two main categories — forest and subalpine. Experience the forest variety among dense, old growth trees at lower elevations. As you work your way higher, you’ll discover subalpine flowers (our personal favorites) bursting to life in swaths of meadows and parklands.
Yellow Aster Butte | Mount Baker Wilderness, ~3 hour drive
Get better views of neighboring Canadian territories as you climb trails winding between sweeping wildflower meadows. The best part about this trail? The boasting colors don’t stop with the flowers. Check back in during the fall for a fiery fall palette.
Sage Hills | Wenatchee, ~3-hour drive
Great for running, biking, and hiking, the characteristic rolling hills of this spot offer vibrant views of wild sage, yellow arrowleaf balsamroot, purple lupine, and more. You can also catch distant views of the Columbia River, North Cascades, and Wenatchee Valley.
To keep these natural beauties healthy and vibrant, please don’t don’t pick any flowers (we promise pictures do the trick) + stick to the carefully maintained trails.
