Seasonal Hikes

The forests and parks of Washington offer so many hiking opportunities that sometimes it is hard to pick just one to visit. And every season offers its own set of wonderful destinations.

Looking for spring wildflowers? Try a hike along the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge or a desert hike in Eastern Washington. Photo of Dalles Mountain Ranch by Alan Bauer.

Below you will find past features about where to hike. If you see one that looks like a fit, check out our Trip Reports and Hiking Guide for more detailed information, as well as your own guidebooks at home.  And don't forget to pack the Ten Essentials!

Spring Hiking Suggestions

• Ten Great Waterfall Hikes: Spring is the best time for viewing waterfalls but these hikes are fun all year round.
  
• State Park Hikes: Great hiking across the state in eleven parks you may not have heard about.
  
• Great Desert Hikes:  Six excellent hikes that feature the best spring wildflowers, bird watching and vistas of Eastern Washington.
  
• Wildlife Hikes:  Six hikes in wildlife refuges and wildlife areas all across Washington.
• Weekend Getaway for March: Visit Washington's Pacific Coast during the off-season.
  
• Stepping into the Steppe:  Spring is a great time to explore the wildflowers, geology and history of Washington's shrub-steppe country.

Winter Hiking Suggestions

Western Washington's temperate climate allows cool-weather hikers to enjoy trails all year long! Many of these are good in any season too.

• Balmy Winter Hikes: Places to go when the winter weather is warm!
  
• Winter Hikes with Kids: Guidebook author Joan Burton's picks for hiking with kids during the gray season.
• History Hikes at Cougar Mountain: Walk back in history during a trip to Cougar Mountain in the Issaquah Alps.
  
• Great Snowshoe Hikes: Six excellent snowshoe routes around the state.
  
• Snowshoeing Mt. Rainier:  Three wonderful snowshoe trips in the park.
  
• Winter Hiking Destinations:  Seven usually snow-free hikes throughout the state.
• Walking off the Turkey: Our post-Thanksgiving blog features good hiking options near population centers.
  

Summer Hiking Suggestions

• Fire Lookout Hikes: Seven fire lookout summits with great views from the top.
  
• Wildflower Hikes: Four superb trails for blooms in mid to late summer.
  

Fall Hiking Suggestions

• Rainy Day Hikes: Where to go when it is wet.
  
• Haunted Hikes: Boo! Spooky hikes for Halloween.
  
• Fall Hikes in the Columbia Gorge
  
• Magazine article on Autumn Hikes
  
• Three Fabulous Fall Color Hikes
  

• River Walks of the Olympics: Three hikes up different river valleys of the Olympics.

Other Hikes

• Hikes of the Week Archive - Other hikes and snowshoe destinations across the state.
• WTA Staff's Favorite Hikes - From river walks to ridgetops, our favorite hikes in Washington.