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. 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).
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.
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.
Scenic places to spot lupines in the state also include Olympic National Park, Skagit Valley, and the Fitzner/Eberhardt Arid Lands Ecology Reserve (ALE).
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Washington to witness the lupine bloom?
The lupine bloom season in Washington starts in April and lasts through summer months. Although it peaks in late May, lupines bloom later into summer at higher elevations. To appreciate lupine at its best, visit Washington between May and September. Show more
What are the common varieties of lupine that grow in Washington?
Washington has roughly 20 varieties of lupine. Large-leaved lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) and Canyon lupine (Lupinus latifolius) are the two most common types. Other varieties that can be found include Russel lupine, dwarf lupine, silky lupine, and others. In the Columbia River Basin on the border of Washington and Oregon, you can find eight species of lupine. Show more
Where are the most scenic lupine fields in Washington located?
There are numerous scenic areas in Washington where you can spot lupine. Mount Rainier National Park, Skagit Valley, and Olympic National Park are among the state's most scenic places to find lupines. The best trails to explore and see millions of flowers and stunning views include Grand Park, Berkeley Park, Dege Peak, the Trail of the Shadows, Rampart Ridge Trail, Skyline Trail, and Reflection Lakes. Show more
How does lupine enrich soil fertility?
Lupine's most significant environmental contribution is nitrogen fixation, which results in enriched soil fertility. This occurs due to special bacteria living in the nodules of lupine roots. By converting atmospheric nitrogen gas into a plant-usable form, these bacteria improve soil fertility. Show more
Apart from Mount Rainier National Park, what other places in Washington are famous for their lupine bloom?
Skagit Valley is another popular destination to witness lupine fields. Also, the Fitzner/Eberhardt Arid Lands Ecology Reserve (ALE) offers a range of lupine varieties. You can spot eight species of lupine in the Columbia River Basin on the border between Washington and Oregon. Finally, you can find plenty of flowers near Dalles Mountain Road, west of Goldendale, and by Rowland Lake on public lands east of Goldendale. Show more
