Photo:
Indian paintbrush is one of many wildflower varieties you’ll spot along Washington trails
Search for wildflowers on these hikes
Summer in the mountains is a fleeting season. After the snow melts and before the first frost hits, wildflowers race to get their flowering and fruiting done, creating a riot of color and fragrance. While Mount Rainier has legendary wildflower hikes, our iconic local mountain is not the only place to find beauty in the hills.
Pack your water, sunscreen, good snacks and bug spray of choice — then head out in search of the season's most colorful bounty on some of my family's favorite easy hikes. And don’t worry if you can’t get to all of these hiking trails before the flowers fade; most have fabulous fall color as well (Not time for wildflowers yet? Try one of my favorite Seattle-area hikes for families instead) Now let’s go!
First up: Lodge Lake
Editor’s note: This article was originally published many years ago and was most recently updated in July 2024 by ParentMap's managing editor ensuring all information is up to date, and because wildflower hikes are always a late-summer favorite.
