Washington Trails
Association
Trails for everyone, forever
Washington Trails
AssociationTrails for everyone, forever
Three trails to hike in spring — plus nearby fun to extend your trip. | Washington Trails magazine, Spring 2026 issue.
These three spring hikes offer sweeping vistas — from saltwater views to ponderosa pine forest — as well as plenty of reasons to stop and enjoy the small details.
Hike through coastal forest to a stunning saltwater cove, then climb to a wide viewpoint over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
By Jessi Loerch
This trail can be hiked as an out-and-back or turned into a loop. For a shorter trip, check out the spur trail about a mile in that leads steeply down to a stunning, deep green cove. When the tide is at least halfway out, there’s room to explore the rugged beach.
To explore farther, return to the main trail. From this point, climb more, eventually coming out into an old clearcut and to the top of Striped Peak, with benches and wide views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Crescent Beach.
Look up as you hike. It’s common to see vultures or hawks soaring above you. Bring binoculars for bird and wildlife watching.
Coming down, you’ll enjoy more views before re-entering the forest and eventually ending up at old WWII bunkers. Bring a headlamp if you want to explore!
If you’re hiking with kids, the cove or the bunkers make good destinations. (The map at the trailhead can help orient you.) Just beware of steep bluffs along the trail. There’s a playground near the trailhead.
>> Read more about Striped Peak in WTA's Hiking Guide
Moments in Time Interpretive Trail
Lake access, interpretive signs, old-growth forest, kid-friendly, no dogs.
1.6 miles roundtrip • 25 feet of gain
Lyre Conservation Area
Saltwater access, river, wading, wildlife viewing, kid-friendly.
2.5 miles roundtrip • 235 feet of gain
Little River TrailLittle River Trail
River access, lush forest, kid-friendly for first few miles.
16 miles roundtrip • 4,500 feet of gain (most on second half of trail)
Salt Creek Recreation Area
Campground, playground, tide pooling, saltwater views, wildlife watching, all close to the Striped Peak trailhead.
Feiro Marine Life Center
Tiny aquarium with touch tank and variety of native species. Port Angeles waterfront.
Welly’s
New Zealand–style ice cream, with vegan options. Port Angeles waterfront.
Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park
Whimsical outdoor sculpture park with a series of short trails. Adjacent to Port Angeles Fine Arts Center.
Enjoy this trail network to observe a changing kaleidoscope of spring wildflowers, as well as sweeping vistas overlooking the south end of the Palouse and into the Spokane Valley.
By Holly Weiler
Mica Peak Conservation Area features a connected network of trails with all the benefits of a backcountry experience — minus a tough drive to the trailhead.
The park is accessible year-round and offers different delights each season. In the spring, come for the wildflower display. It starts early with buttercups and spring beauties and lingers well into June with deerhorn clarkia, larkspur and even the occasional bitterroot.
The early portion of the trail system offers short loop options, but climb higher up the Saltese Ridge Trail for stellar views overlooking the Spokane Valley. California Creek Trail also offers great views but is closed until July through Department of Natural Resources land. Hikers can take the Moonshine Trail to connect to higher portions of the trail.
Mica Peak wildflower. Photo by Holly Weiler.
Connecting trails within the network allow for loops of up to 10 miles, and it’s possible to take a connecting trail all the way to Liberty Lake Regional Park.
>> Read more about the Mica Peak Conservation Area in WTA's Hiking Guide
Iller Creek Conservation Area
Wildflowers, scenic views and wildlife.
5 miles of trails • 1,200 feet of gain
Liberty Lake Regional Park — Split Creek
Wildflowers and wildlife. > Read more
3.6 miles roundtrip • 508 feet of gain
Saltese Uplands
Shrub-steppe, ridgetops, raptors and other wildlife. > Read more
3.6 miles roundtrip • 630 feet of gain
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Excellent wildlife viewing, $3 entry fee. > Read more
5.5 miles roundtrip • minimal gain
Saltese Wetlands and Doris Morrison Learning Center
Limited hours (check ahead of time) for public education. The adjacent trail system offers hiking and birding opportunities. > Read more
Liberty Lake Regional Park
Hike to the Liberty Lake trail system. Park has camping (tent, RV, cabin rentals) from May 15 to Sept. 28. > Read more
Pete & Belle’s Ice Cream Shop
Ice cream, chocolate and caramel apples. Located on Dishman Mica Road in the Spokane Valley.
Wander through two stunning coulees carved by Ice Age floods, complete with beautiful rock formations and an abundance of spring wildflowers. Perfect as a standalone day trip or a stop on your way to the Grand Coulee Dam area.
By Chloe Ferrone
Ten thousand years ago, this was the world’s largest waterfall. Today, it’s home to some of the most unique hiking in Central Washington.
This network of trails can be hiked as a loop circumnavigating Umatilla Rock, or you can piece together side trails to add mileage. From the parking lot, hike 350 feet to a junction and head left to circle Umatilla Rock counterclockwise, leading to sweeping views of the coulee walls and small lakes. Wander up the coulee, passing Perch Lake and Dry Falls Lake, and cross into the southern coulee via a trail that takes you up and between rock features.
For a more laid back adventure, stay north on flatter terrain. Head back toward the trailhead on the trail that hugs Umatilla Rock or on the trail that keeps left toward Green Lake. Trails in this area aren’t always well-signed; use a map app to keep you on track.
Before you leave, drive to the visitor center for stunning views. The visitor center is closed for renovations, but you can access the viewing area and interpretive signage.
>> Read more about Umatilla Rock in WTA's Hiking Guide
Northrup Canyon
Cliff views and a historic homestead site about 1.5 miles up the canyon. > Read more
3 miles roundtrip • 385 feet of gain
Lake Lenore Caves
Shallow basalt caves and opportunities for wildlife viewing. > Read more
1.5 miles roundtrip • 200 feet of gain
Wilson Creek Canyon
Shrub-steppe, sagebrush, wildflowers, wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, especially in the spring. > Read more
0.8 mile roundtrip • 35 feet of gain
Colville Tribal Museum at Grand Coulee
Discover the rich Indigenous culture and history of the region.
Grand Coulee Dam
Tour the largest hydroelectric facility in the U.S.
Steamboat Rock State Park
Enjoy lakeside walking paths, views of basalt cliffs and an ice cream truck during tourist season. Tent, RV and cabin camping available. > Read more
Steamboat Rock State Park. Photo by Emily Rehn.
Sun Lakes – Dry Falls State Park
96 standard campsites and 41 full hook-up sites that can be reserved. > Read more
