TO USE THIS GUIDE
This guide highlights fifty hiking destinations across Washington State that offer wildflower-viewing opportunities. The hikes are grouped by geographic proximity, from the rain-soaked Olympic Peninsula to the arid scrublands of Eastern Washington. For each hike, we provide data and descriptions outlining what to expect on the trail, how to get there, what you’re likely to see, and the history of the area.
KEY HIKE INFORMATION
Each hike profile begins with basic information about the hike, including key trail data, such as distance and elevation gain, which topographic map covers the area, and what—if any—permits are required.
Distance: All hike distances are given in miles, roundtrip from the trailhead to the destination and back. They were calculated by comparing and cross-checking several different sources of information so as to be as accurate as possible. The given mileages can, and often do, vary from the mileages seen on signs along the trail or in other sources. In many cases, this is due to trail routes changing over time, coupled with varying methods for measuring trail distances. The result is that posted distances are rounded into the nice, clean tenths of a mile that trail-goers expect but are not always correct.
A pika huddles in the talus near Glacier Basin (Hike 22).
Elevation Gain: The approximate amount of elevation hikers can expect to climb to the destination is given in feet, rounded to the nearest ten. If there is significant elevation gain on the return hike to the trailhead, that figure is also provided. In most cases, the gain is simply the difference between the starting elevation and the highest point on the trail. We do not account for situations in which elevation is lost and then regained farther down the trail. If hikers want to know that information, the recommended topographic map will lend insight into a trail’s ups and downs.
High Point: The highest point of elevation is provided in feet, to let hikers know how high they will be climbing. This approximate figure is useful in assessing whether a trail is above the snow line or likely has lingering snow in spring or even summer. If a hike ends at the top of an officially measured summit, that summit elevation is used.
Difficulty: Each hike is rated for difficulty: easy, moderate, or hard. These subjective ratings are intended to give hikers a rough idea of how much effort a given hike requires for the average hiker. Although the total elevation gain is a good indicator of how much climbing is involved, on some hikes that amount is spread evenly along the trail, and on others it is bunched up in tight, steep bursts. Beyond elevation gain, other factors rolled into the difficulty rating include the quality of the trail, the difficulty of navigating obstacles, and the extent to which the trail is maintained. Depending on your fitness level and what you consider a reasonable amount of effort on a given hike, you may find that, for example, a hike rated “hard” is closer to “moderate” for you.
Hiking Time: The approximate number of hours it will take the average hiker to complete the hike is given, almost always in a range. It is possible that some focused hikers will complete the hikes in less time and just as likely that some hikers will take more time. This entry gives a general idea of the amount of time to set aside for enjoying the hike at a reasonable pace. Hikes that are suitable for overnight trips are called out on the at-a-glance chart.
Best Season: In general, the best season to hike to enjoy the wildflowers along a trail is late spring to early summer. For each hike, a range of seasons is given for when flowers are most likely to be in bloom, not necessarily aligned with the featured wildflower for that hike. These general guidelines may not hold from year to year: Some years the snow melts weeks earlier than expected, and the flowers are not far behind. Other years wildflowers bloom late. Always check the current trail conditions before heading to the trailhead. As a bonus, we mention when a hike has particularly beautiful fall color.
Trail Traffic: This entry is based on typical weekend traffic on the trail during summer and includes foot traffic and livestock traffic (mostly equestrian) as well as mechanized traffic. These subjective ratings, measured as light, moderate, or heavy, give hikers an idea of a trail’s popularity with hikers as well as other users.
A NOTE ABOUT SAFETY
Safety is an important concern in all outdoor activities. No guidebook can alert you to every hazard or anticipate the limitations of every reader. Therefore, the descriptions of roads, trails, routes, and natural features in this book are not representations that a particular place or excursion will be safe for your party. When you follow any of the routes described in this book, you assume responsibility for your own safety. Under normal conditions, such excursions require the usual attention to traffic, road and trail conditions, weather, terrain, the capabilities of your party, and other factors. Keeping informed on current conditions and exercising common sense are the keys to a safe, enjoyable outing.
—Mountaineers Books
Wildflower meadows on the trek up to Lake of the Angels (Hike 5)
From the Wild Goose Trail (Hike 11), admire the Bagley Lakes in a rugged bowl.
Managing Agency: This is the group or entity in charge of managing the forest, national park, or wild area that the hike is located in. This is provided for readers that may have questions or need additional information not otherwise provided in the guide. The entries correspond to contact information listed in Appendix: Managing Agencies.
Permit: The permit or permits required to park at the trailhead are listed here. In most cases this will be either a Northwest Forest Pass, issued by the Forest Service, or a Discover Pass, issued by the State of Washington. Hikes in national parks often require a daily, weekly, or annual parks pass; if you plan to visit more than one national park (or one park multiple times) in a given year, the annual pass may be a good option. Some hikes may require day-use permits, instructions for which will be included in the hike description.
Maps: United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Green Trails maps are listed for each hike where possible. USGS maps are excellent for hiking off-trail and orienting by compass, while Green Trails maps are a better resource for hiking on trails.
Trailhead GPS: The GPS coordinates (in decimal degrees) for the trailhead are intended to allow drivers with navigation systems to plug in the coordinates and have an easier time finding their way to the trailhead. Of course, consult the accompanying driving directions to make sure they generally align with where your navigation device is directing you. The coordinates were calculated based on the WGS 84 datum.
Note: Some trails have significant obstacles or difficulties that hikers must be aware of before embarking on them. A common example might be pet restrictions for certain trails in national parks. Other considerations mentioned in this entry include crowded parking conditions, special permits, or road conditions that require a high-clearance vehicle or four-wheel drive.
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