This Wildflower Trail In Washington Is As Pretty As It Is Easy

Nothing says spring quite like flowers blossoming. That said, in the Evergreen State, many of the best blooms are located in the mountains, where reaching them comes at the cost of your calves. That’s why I think Lake Crescent’s Spruce Railroad Trail may be the best wildflower trail in Washington. This relatively flat route boasts abundant flowers from spring through summer while being remarkably beginner-friendly.

You won't find Spruce Railroad Trail in many flower-specific hiking guides, but that doesn't mean it isn't popular. What makes this busy Olympic National Park route beloved is the dazzling Lake Crescent, which is renowned for its clear blue water.

I'd argue, however, that besides its glorious lakeside views, this trail should be on more people's radar for its seasonal flowers.

Though you won't find the sprawling wildflower fields that brighten Mount Rainier's alpine slopes, beginning in April, you'll enjoy gorgeous pops of color. Visitors regularly encounter patches of lady's slippers, a type of temperate orchid.

Spring hikers might also see trilliums, one of my favorite Pacific Northwest blossoms that can flower as early as March. Summer arrivals will see foxglove and other bright, warm-weather blooms.

Spruce Railroad Trail is an 11-mile, out-and-back trek with little elevation gain. Though its length might intimidate some, remember you can turn back any time. For the contingent of nature enthusiasts who resist any hike that isn't a loop, I find that— far from being redundant— approaching the same path from the opposite direction draws your attention to new sights.

For dog owners, pups are allowed so long as they remain leashed.

With such abundant wildflowers in our state, it's natural to feel drawn to the biggest blooms. But don't overlook the blossoms decorating our state's other trails, which are just as gorgeous while attracting fewer crowds.

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly wildflower trail in Washington, I recommend eschewing the mountains in favor of lower-elevation hikes. Routes like Spruce Railroad Trail boast stunning seasonal flowers without the calf burn or the crowds, making them excellent options for casual outdoor enthusiasts and those breaking in fresh gear. There’s no denying the iconic blooms of places like Mount Rainier’s Paradise, but other blossoms deserve their due, too. Not to mention, Lake Crescent makes a pretty spectacular backdrop in its own right.

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This Easy Trail In Washington Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime

Andrea Verschuyl

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