Gorgeous Wildflower Hikes for Seattle-Area Families

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 — and always check current conditions before heading out. And don’t worry if you can’t get to all of these trails before the flowers fade; most of these hikes have fabulous fall color as well. Now let’s go!

First up: Lodge Lake