There’s one thing about spring that makes hitting the path really feel particularly rewarding. The days are getting longer, the air is simply the precise temperature, and wildflowers are starting to dot the hillsides with colour. It’s that candy spot the place the snow has melted from decrease elevations, however the summer time crowds haven’t but arrived—excellent situations for lacing up your path runners and heading outdoors.
From the misty forests in Washington and roaring waterfalls in Oregon to the sun-soaked ridgelines of California, the West Coast is dwelling to an unbelievable vary of spring hikes. They’re excellent for wildflower bucket-listers and waterfall chasers alike.
So, whether or not you’re in search of panoramic elevation or on the lookout for a peaceable stroll by means of blooming landscapes, we’ve rounded up seven of one of the best spring hikes alongside the West Coast so as to add to your checklist this season. We advocate bringing alongside one of many packs from our new Type II Collection to make sure your gear is prepared for no matter journey awaits.
1. Rattlesnake Ledge Trail in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (Washington)
Photo Credit: Hope Martin
Less than an hour east of Seattle, Rattlesnake Ledge Trail presents a rewarding 4-mile roundtrip hike by means of lush forest to a rocky outcrop with sweeping views of Rattlesnake Lake, Mount Si, and the Snoqualmie Valley. The well-maintained path ascends steadily, making it accessible for many hikers. Its proximity to the town and gorgeous vistas have made it one of the standard hikes within the area, particularly through the spring when many hikers are nonetheless ready on the snow to thaw within the increased mountains. Spring can be a really perfect time to go to given the realm’s vibrant greenery and comparatively fewer crowds.
2. Poo Poo Point in Issaquah Alps (Washington)
Photo Credit: Hope Martin
Located within the Issaquah Alps simply east of Seattle, Poo Poo Point is accessible through a 7.2-mile roundtrip route through the High School Trail on Tiger Mountain. This moderate-to-challenging path meanders by means of lush forests, crosses seasonal streams, and follows outdated logging railroad grades, providing a peaceable various to the steeper Chirico Trail. In spring, the path is adorned with blooming trillium and vibrant greenery. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Issaquah, Lake Sammamish, and, on clear days, Mount Rainier. Poo Poo Point can be a preferred launch website for paragliders, including a dynamic contact to the serene panorama. Facilities on the high embrace picnic tables and a bathroom, however no water supply, so plan accordingly.
3. Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park (Oregon)
Photo Credit: Korrin Bishop
Located a couple of half hour east of Salem, the Trail of Ten Falls is a roughly 7.5-mile loop that guides hikers by means of a verdant canyon adorned with ten picturesque waterfalls, a number of exceeding 100 toes in top. Spring is a perfect time to discover this path, as seasonal rains amplify the waterfalls’ stream, making a spectacular show of cascading water. The path meanders by means of lush forests and permits hikers to stroll behind 4 of the falls, together with the spectacular 177-foot South Falls. With an elevation achieve of roughly 800 toes, the path is taken into account reasonably difficult. It presents a very distinctive alternative to expertise the facility and great thing about Oregon’s waterfalls up shut and likewise sprouts many colourful wildflower varieties within the spring.
4. Ridgeline Trail in Wild Iris Ridge Park (Oregon)
Photo Credit: Korrin Bishop
Tucked into the southwest hills of Eugene, the Ridgeline Trail at Wild Iris Ridge Park presents a serene 3.5-mile lollipop loop by means of restored upland prairie and oak savanna. Springtime transforms the panorama right into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers, with the path’s namesake wild iris blooming in shades of purple and blue. Hikers may additionally encounter different native flora, similar to cluster lilies and checkermallow, including bursts of colour to the meadows. The path meanders by means of oak and madrone woodlands, offering occasional glimpses of Spencer Butte and the West Eugene Wetlands. This section of Eugene’s Ridgeline Trail system is an area gem, particularly vibrant from April by means of June.
5. McCloud River Falls Trail in Shasta-Trinity National Forest (California)
Photo Credit: Discover Siskiyou
The McCloud River Falls Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back hike (3 miles roundtrip) that results in three beautiful waterfalls: Lower, Middle, and Upper McCloud Falls. This simple path is appropriate for all talent ranges and presents close-up views of the falls, which cascade over basalt formations. In spring, the waterfalls are significantly spectacular, flowing closely after seasonal rains. The path is accessible year-round and is a well-liked spot for images, picnicking, and having fun with the pure great thing about the realm. The trailhead is situated off Fowler Public Camp Road, simply off Highway 89. Pro tip: If you’re exploring the Siskiyou space within the spring, plan to move north after your hike to catch the gorgeous wildflowers on the Little Shasta Meadow Botanical Area.
6. Pincushion Mountain Peak Trail in Millerton Lake State Recreation Area (California)
Photo Credit: Emily Schrick
The Pincushion Mountain Peak Trail is a 2.8-mile loop situated north of Fresno that climbs steadily to a summit overlooking Millerton Lake and the rolling Sierra Nevada foothills. Popular for its well-maintained path and rewarding climb, this quick however difficult hike attracts each locals and guests. In spring, the path comes alive with wildflowers—California poppies, fiddlenecks, blue dicks, and goldfields—blanketing the hillsides in vibrant colour. These seasonal blooms make it a favourite for wildflower lovers and photographers alike.
7. Clark Kerr Fire Trail in Claremont Canyon (California)
Photo Credit: Duncan Cheung
Tucked behind U.C. Berkeley’s Clark Kerr Campus, the Clark Kerr Fire Trail presents a brief however invigorating hike by means of eucalyptus groves and native woodlands. The path begins with a steep stair climb, rewarding hikers with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and skyline. In spring, the hillsides are adorned with wild radish, discipline mustard, California poppies, and different wildflowers, making a vibrant show of whites, yellows, oranges, and purples. This accessible path is a favourite amongst locals in search of a fast nature escape with considerate views.
Enjoy the Beauty of Spring Along a West Coast Hiking Trail
Spring is the proper time to discover the gorgeous variety of West Coast trails—from waterfall-filled canyons to wildflower-dotted ridgelines. We hope these seven hikes assist encourage you to seize your pack, hit the path, and soak within the magnificence that solely spring can convey.
Know one other nice path for spring mountain climbing? We’d love to listen to about it! Tag Gossamer Gear on social media (@gossamergear) and use the hashtag #takelessdomore to share your favourite jaunts with our group.
Hungry for extra out of doors journey inspiration and planning information? Check out a few of our different articles on the Light Feet weblog:
Header Photo Credit: Discover Siskiyou