Lupine Bloom in Washington 2025

Every spring, the lupine bloom colors the meadows and slopes across the state of Washington purple. Large-leaved lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) and canyon lupine (Lupinus latifolius) are among the most common of more than 20 varieties growing in the state.

Best Time to Visit Washington to Witness the Lupine Bloom

The first clusters of flowers appear on lower elevations in April, and the bloom continues through May and summer months. This native plant of North America belongs to the pea family and is known for enriching soils with nitrogen, improving their fertility. Lupine typically has purple or blue flowers and grows to 3.2 ft (1 m).

Places to Visit

Columbia River Basin and Columbia River Gorge

Eight species of lupine are found in the Columbia River Basin on the border between Washington and Oregon. Lupines are especially abundant at low and mid-elevations of the Columbia River Gorge. Namely, plenty of flowers grow by Rowland Lake, Dalles Mountain Road, near the Dalles Bridge, and on the public lands east of Goldendale.

Burroughs Mountain

Accessible from the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park, the trails leading to Burroughs Mountain traverse alpine tundra adorned with lupines and other wildflowers during the summer months. The higher elevation means blooms may appear later in the season, typically from late July into August.

National Parks

More scenic lupine fields can be discovered at Mount Rainier National Park in a 1.5 hours drive southeast of Seattle. One of the world's top wildflower watching spots offers many beautiful trails and lookouts with millions of flowers: Grand Park, Berkeley Park, Dege Peak, the Trail of the Shadows, the Rampart Ridge Trail, Skyline Trail, Reflection Lakes, and more. Keep in mind that on higher elevations flowers bloom later into summer.

Van Lierop Park in Puyallup features fields where lupines bloom, offering a more accessible location for those near the Seattle area. The best time to visit is usually in June. Scenic places to spot lupines in the state also include Olympic National Park, Skagit Valley, and the Fitzner/Eberhardt Arid Lands Ecology Reserve (ALE).

Evans Creek Preserve, Redmond

Evans Creek Preserve boasts trails that lead through wildflower meadows, including areas rich in lupine blooms. The preserve's diverse habitats make it a delightful spot for a spring or early summer hike.

Dalles Mountain Ranch

Located within the Columbia Hills State Park, Dalles Mountain Ranch showcases expansive fields of lupines and balsamroot during spring. The contrast of purple and yellow flowers against rolling hills makes it a favorite among photographers. Bloom times can vary, but late April to early May is often ideal.