Best time to travel to Seattle

Wildflowers Bloom in Seattle

With the arrival of spring, valleys and mountain slopes get covered by wildflowers

Best time: March–August

Wildflowers Bloom
Wildflowers Bloom
Wildflowers Bloom
Wildflowers Bloom
Wildflowers Bloom
Wildflowers Bloom

Residents of Seattle are lucky to have so many stunning natural preserves and wilderness right next to the city. Early spring is the perfect time to hit the trail to see balsamroot, delicate calypso orchids or bright salmonberry bushes in bloom. If you missed it, don't worry, many wildflowers bloom all over the state of Washington until August, providing hundreds of opportunities for scenic hikes.

Visit the Sugarloaf Mountain near Puget Sound & Anacortes. A moderate elevation of 890 feet (300 m) ensures you will find plenty of interesting mountainous flora. Not far from it, Fidalgo Head Loop Trail is one of the most scenic places. Or go higher to the central Cascades. The area near Leavenworth Bavarian village is often called Washington Alps due to its similarity to the European mountains. Visit Fourth of July Creek trail to Icicle Ridge to observe the maximum of wild plants.

Chelan Lakeshore Trail in Central Cascades features beautiful snow-capped peaks in spring that surrounds a sapphire-blue lake, where the banks are covered with wildflowers—lilac, lupine, popcorn flowers, balsamroot, and miner's lettuce.

Mima Mounds Preserve on the Olympic Peninsula features vast fields of camas in bloom. This destination is great for families as trails are paved and comfortable.

Practical info

When is the best time to see wildflowers in Seattle?

From March to August, visitors to Seattle can expect to witness the blooming of many wildflowers along various hiking trails. Trails like the Sugarloaf Mountain near Puget Sound & Anacortes, the Chelan Lakeshore Trail, and the Fourth of July Creek trail to Icicle Ridge are home to plants like balsamroot, delicate calypso orchids, or bright salmonberry bushes, and make for enjoyable and scenic hiking trips that let you experience them firsthand. Show more

Where can I go for a scenic wildflower hike near Seattle?

The area surrounding Seattle, Washington, has many trails that offer gorgeous views of wildflower blooms. Some of the most popular trails are Sugarloaf Mountain near Puget Sound & Anacortes, the Fidalgo Head Loop Trail, Chelan Lakeshore Trail, the Fourth of July Creek trail to Icicle Ridge, and Mima Mounds Preserve on the Olympic Peninsula. These trails allow you to feast your eyes on various wildflowers like lupine, lilac, popcorn flowers, balsamroot, miner's lettuce, and camas that bloom from March to August and are highlights for hikers throughout spring and summer. Show more

What types of wildflowers can I expect to see in Seattle?

Seattle is home to extensive fields of wildflowers that bloom during the months of March to August. These wildflower sightings can include popular flowers like lupine, lilac, popcorn flowers, balsamroot, miner's lettuce, and camas. Additionally, visitors can spot delicate calypso orchids and vibrant salmonberry bushes if they're lucky. The flowers' peak bloom times and exact locations tend to vary from trail to trail, so it's essential to choose the right hiking trail for the best experience. Show more

Where can I find the most stunning views of wildflowers near Seattle?

Trails like Chelan Lakeshore Trail, Sugarloaf Mountain near Puget Sound & Anacortes, and Fourth of July Creek trail to Icicle Ridge provide the most breathtaking views of wildflowers in the area near Seattle. Hikers are rewarded with fantastic views of mountains, lakes, and wildflowers in full bloom as the trails wind through stunning vistas. The Sugarloaf Mountain hike, in particular, is steep but boasts views of three islands, including the Cypress Island, Guemes Island, and Orcas Island. Show more

Are there any family-friendly spots to see wildflowers in Seattle?

One area in Seattle that's perfect for families to witness the beautiful wildflowers is the Mima Mounds Preserve on the Olympic Peninsula. Easy-to-navigate, paved trails feature vast fields of camas in bloom. The flat terrain of Chelan Lakeshore Trail makes it another great family-friendly spot. It's a 17-mile round trip, but the trail is relatively flat, so your children can turn back at any point without missing out on the incredible views of wildflowers. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin