Wildflower Hikes

Mount Rainier and South Cascades
Art Kruckenberg, Karen Sykes, and Graig Romano -- Photos by Ira Spring	Charles Gurche
33 to 39 (see next section)	Hike 23, Noble Knob Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, southeast of Enumclaw [7 miles r.t.; 311' gain] peak bloom: July to late August -- Mt. Rainier views, ridge-top forest, meadows
40 Rainier View Trail Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, east of Enumclaw [3 miles r.t.; 300' gain] best wildflowers: June thru Sept -- forest, boggy meadow, open meadow, views of mountain peaks, wildflowers (peak in mid-July)	Hike 24, Berkeley Park Mount Rainier National Park, south of Buckley [6 miles r.t.; 1000' gain] peak bloom: mid-July to mid-August -- Mt. Rainier views, meadows, stream, sub-alpine flowers, marmots, elk
41 Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, near Chinook Pass [6 miles r.t.; 1100' gain in, 200' out] best wildflowers: June thru August -- forest, lake, meadows w. flowers (peak bloom: late July thru early Aug).	Hike 25, Spray Park Mount Rainier National Park, southeast of Enumclaw [8 miles r.t.; 1800' gain] peak bloom: late July to late August -- Mt. Rainier views, forest, meadows, sub-alpine, & alpine flowers, waterfall, marmots
43 Burroughs Mountain Loop Mount Rainier National Park, White River/Sunrise entrance [6 miles r.t.; 1200' gain] best wildflowers: July thru August -- tundra-like terrain, glaciers, morrains, Mt. Rainier views, ground squirrels, wildflowers (peak in late July).	Hike 26, Van Trump Park Mount Rainier National Park, southeast of Tacoma [7 miles r.t.; 2200' gain] peak bloom: late July to late August -- glacer views, deep forests, alpine meadows, wildlife, and waterfalls
44 Paradise Flower Trails Mount Rainier National Park, Nisqually or Stevens Canyon entrance [1-5 miles r.t.; 500'-1700' gain] best wildflowers: July thru August short trails thru subalpine meadows, Myrtle Falls, Mt Rainier & glacier views, (peak in late July/early August) (Sunny's note: flowers peak early to mid-Aug; try for avalanche lilies in mid- to late July)	Hike 27, Paradise Meadows Mount Rainier National Park, southeast of Tacoma [4.7 mile loop.; 1650' gain] peak bloom: late July to late August -- meadows, 100+ species of subalpine wildflowers, glacer views, marmots, deer, birds, waterfalls
	Hike 28, Mazama Ridge (4th Crossing Trail) Mount Rainier National Park, southeast of Tacoma [6 miles r.t.; 800' gain] peak bloom: late July to mid-August -- meadows, lush subalpine & alpine wildflowers, mountain views, waterfalls
42 Naches Peak Loop Mount Baker-Snoq. NF & Mt Rainier NP, near Chinook Pass [4.5 miles r.t.; 600' gain] best wildflowers: July thru August loop trail around Naches Peak, tarns, lush wildflowers, Mt Rainier views (peak bloom - late July thru early Aug; fall color & berries - Sept).	Hike 29, Naches Peak Mount Rainier National Park (east edge), north of Packwood [4.5 mile loop; 550' gain] peak bloom: late July to mid-August -- meadows, tarns, great variety of subalpine wildflowers, Tipsoo Lake views
45 McCoy Creek Flower Walks Gifford Pinchot National Forest, south of Randle [3.5-8 miles r.t.; 1300'-2000' gain] best wildflowers: early July to mid-August Juniper Peak [8 miles r.t.; 2000' gain] forest & ridge-top meadow flowers, dramatic views (snow-free by mid-June) Dark Meadow [8 miles r.t.; 1000' gain in, 500' out] Mt Adams view, mountain goats, wildflower fields (peak in late July).	Hike 30, Tatoosh Ridge Tatoosh Wilderness, north of Packwood [6 to 10 miles r.t.; 2700' or 3410' gain] peak bloom: July to mid-August -- forest, meadows, streams, subalpine wildflowers
46 Sunrise Peak & Jumbo's Shoulder Gifford Pinchot National Forest, south of Randle best wildflowers: early July to mid-Aug Sunrise Peak [5 miles r.t.; 1600' gain] ridge trail, wildflower-covered meadows & slopes, glorious views Jumbo's Shoulder [7 miles r.t.; 1600' gain in, 400' out] -- , ridge trail, wildflower basin, creek, snowbank.	Hike 31, Bear Creek Mountain Goat Rocks Wilderness, east of Naches [7 miles r.t.; 1336' gain] peak bloom: late July to late August -- forest, meadows, streams, subalpine wildflowers, cliffs, glacier views
47 Conrad Meadows Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, east of White Pass best wildflowers: May to early July Tenday Creek Trail [3 miles r.t.; 150' gain] elk in meadows, walk along creek on elk trail, wildflowers peak in June?	Hike 32, Snowgrass Flat Goat Rocks Wilderness, near Packwood [10.2 miles r.t.; 1800' gain] peak bloom: late July to late August -- forest flowers, meadows, streams, subalpine wildflowers, snow fields, Pacific Crest Trail, mountain goats
49 Norway Pass & Mount Margaret Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument, south of Randle best wildflowers: July thru Sept Norway Pass [5 miles r.t.; 900' gain] blown down timber, Spirit Lake, wildflowers at pass Mount Margaret [11 miles r.t.; 2300' gain] continue on to Mt Margaret summit, more flowers , mountain views	Hike 33, Pumice Plain Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument, south of Randle [8.6 miles r.t.; 700' gain] peak bloom: mid-July to early August -- story of post-eruption plant dispersal, succession, & survival; ridge trail with many disturbance species, great views
	Hike 34, Killen Creek & Camp Divide Mount Adams Wilderness, southeast of Randle [8.6 miles r.t.; 1560' gain] peak bloom: late July to late August -- forest, flower-filled meadows with rushing streams, Mt Rainier views
48 Adams Creek Meadow Gifford Pinchot National Forest, southeast of Randle [8 miles r.t.; 2300' gain] best wildflowers: mid-July thru August -- forest, meadows, stream, moraines, lava flow, ridge, wildflowers, view.	Hike 35, Hellroaring Meadow Yakima indian Reservation, northeast of Trout Lake [2.4 miles r.t.; 240' gain] peak bloom: late July thru late Aug -- open douglas fir forest, Heart lake, wet meadows w. moisture-lving flowers, views of Mt Adams & cascades plunging from cliffs above
	Hike 36, Bird Creek Meadows Yakima indian Reservation, northeast of Trout Lake [5.6-mile loop; 70' gain] NO - 900' gain peak bloom: late July to late August -- waterfalls, subalpine meadows with rushing streams, abundance of water-loving flowers, Mt Adams views
50 Dog Mountain Gifford Pinchot National Forest, east of Carson [7.5 miles r.t.; 2900' gain] best wildflowers: April thru June -- steep trail to open slopes on summit, forest flowers, carpets of balsamroot on open slopes near summit (June).	Hike 37, Dog Mountain Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, east of Carson [7.4 miles r.t.; 2758' gain] peak bloom: April to late May -- mixed forest, vast flower-filled meadows on the high mountain slope, Columbia Gorge vistas
	Hike 38, Catherinie Creek Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, east of White Salmon [1.6 miles r.t.; 250' gain] peak bloom: April to late May -- Garry oak habitat w. meadows & seasonal stream
	Hike 39, Columbia Hills State Park Columbia Hills State Park, north of The Dalles, Oregon [7 miles r.t.; 1950' gain] peak bloom: April to early June -- hillsides of wildflowers (spectacular after a wet winter), Garry oaks, Mt. Hood views

Columbia Basin & Eastern Washington
Art Kruckenberg, Karen Sykes, and Graig Romano -- Photos by Ira Spring	Charles Gurche
33 Umtanum Ridge L.T. Murray Wildlife Recreation Area, Yakima Canyon, south of Ellensburg [6 miles r.t.; 2000' gain] best wildflowers: April thru June (peak in May) -- prolific wildflower displays on trail to ridge, wildlife, impressive views.	Hike 40, Sawtooth Ridge, Blue Mountains Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, south of Dayton [8 miles r.t.; 530' gain] peak bloom: late June to late July -- alternating lodgepole pine forest & meadows, best flower display in Blue Mountains, elk, expansive views
34 Black Canyon Oak Creek State Wildlife Recreation Area, west of Selah [4-6 miles r.t.; 900' - 1300' gain] best wildflowers: April thru June -- black basalt outcroppings in canyon, excellent birdwatching in spring, grassy meadow, steep trail to ridge w. wildflowers.	Hike 41, Grizzly Bear Ridge, Blue Mountains Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, southeast of Dayton [6 miles r.t.; 500' gain] peak bloom: late June to mid-July -- ridge trail thru ponderosa pine forests & meadows, thick with wildflowers
35 Dusty Lake Quincy Wildlife Area, southwest of Quincy [3 miles r.t.; 400' gain] best wildflowers: May thru June -- great birdwatching in spring; lakes w. rocks, cliffs & wildflowers (peak in May).	Hike 42, Squaw Spring, Blue Mountains Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, south of Pomeroy [5.4 miles r.t.; 450' gain] peak bloom: late June to mid-July -- forest, meadow, tabletop mesa, & springs; both sagebrush and subalpine mountain wildflowers
36 Ancient Lakes Quincy Wildlife Area, southwest of Quincy [8 miles r.t.; 100' gain] best wildflowers: April thru June -- small lakes in potholes Coulee, cliffs of columnar basalt, wildflowers (peak in May), birds.	Hike 43, Jelly Spring, Blue Mountains Umatilla National Forest, south of Pomeroy [8 miles r.t.; 450' gain] peak bloom: late June to mid-July -- ridge trail, sweeping views, open forest & meadow
37 Blythe Lake & Coulee Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, northwest of Othello [1-5 miles r.t.; 350' gain] best wildflowers: May -- fresh green hills, lakes, rich geology of buttes & coulees, basalt columns, birds & small mammals in spring, wildflowers. (Sunny's note: sandhill crane migration in early April)	Hike 44, Puffer Butte, Blue Mountains Fields Spring State Park, south of Clarkston [3-mile loop; 740' gain] peak bloom: May to early July -- forest, sagebrush, and subalpine mountain wildflowers; expansive views of Grande Ronde Canyon & Wallowa Range
38 Saddle Mountains Wahluke National Wildlife Refuge, east of Mattawa, Columbia River [3 miles r.t.; 718' gain] best wildflowers: April thru June -- broad ridge w. outcroppings, sprawling views, wildflowers (peak in May).	Hike 45, Pine Ridge Kamiak Butte County Park, east of Colfax [3-mile loop; 1141' gain] peak bloom: late April to mid-June -- ridge trail, 170 forest floor & open ridge plant types, 130 bird & 30 mammal species, stupendous views of rolling green hills
39 White Bluffs Wahluke National Wildlife Refuge, southeast of Mattawa, Columbia River [4-6 miles r.t.; 300' gain] best wildflowers: April thru June -- trail along crest of bluff above Col R., wildflowers (peak - late April thru May)	Hike 46, Fishtrap Lake BLM, southwest of Spokane [4.5-mile loop; 175' gain] peak bloom: May to mid-June -- overlap of Ponserosa pine and sagebrush habitats, channeled scablands, ponds, birds & amphibians
	Hike 47, Bluebird Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, south of Cheney [3 miles r.t.; 0' gain] peak bloom: late April to early June -- sagebrush to ponderosa pine habitats, pond, lake, waterfowl, amphibians (Sunny's Note: bluebirds in field south of Environmental Education Center)
	Hike 48, Little Spokane River Little Spokane River Natural Area, near Spokane [3.6 miles r.t.; 70' gain] peak bloom: May to early June -- open ponderosa pine forest, small meadows, & wetlands; eagles, osprey, & waterfowl; river w. trout
	Hike 49, Twin Lakes BLM, west of Harrington [8.4-mile loop; 240' gain] peak bloom: late April to late May -- dry scablands, sagebrush flowers, lake, springtime ponds, aspen grove (Sunny's note: multitudes of birds in May)
	Hike 50, Steamboat Rock Steamboat Rock State Park, south of Grand Coulee [5.6 miles r.t.; 680' gain] peak bloom: late April to late May -- channeled scablands, cliff-top trails above Banks Lake, wide variety of shrub steppe wildflowers, canyon wren (Sunny's note: swallows in cliffs)

* Best Wildflower Hikes Washington contains detailed descriptions of
50 wildflower hikes covering 6 geographical areas in Washington State.
Wildflower descriptions for 10 different habitats.
Hikes tend to be longer, with more elevation gain.
Great appeal to the serious hiker who is also looking for beautiful wildflowers.
Chapters often include history plus other flora and fauna.
Excellent photographs of wildflowers and locations.
You can buy this excellent book at: The Mountaineers Books.

Review1
Review2

** Washington's Best Wildflower Hikes contains detailed descriptions of
50 wildflower hikes covering 5 geographical areas in Washington State
50 wildflower profiles.
Hikes tend to be easier, with more emphasis on best places to find wildflowers.
Great appeal to the nature lover or photographer who wants to take time to enjoy wildflowers.
Each chapter has descriptions of wildflowers, exact locations on trail, and when they bloom.
Location-specific, gorgeous wildflower photographs.
You can buy this excellent book at: Amazon.com.

Review

Olympic Penninsula
Art Kruckenberg, Karen Sykes, and Graig Romano -- Photos by Ira Spring	Charles Gurche
1 Rialto Beach Olympic National Park, west of Forks [3 miles r.t.; 100' gain]
2 Hoh River Nature Trails Olympic National Park, south of Forks [variable] old growth forest, shade-loving wildflowers	Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park, south of Port Angeles [peak bloom: mid-July to early August] Hike 1 Hurricane Hill [2.8 miles r.t.; 657' gain] open subalpine terrain with fabulous views & flowers (Sunny's note: panoramic views, great for sunset/afterglow)
3 Hurricane Ridge Olympic Nat. Park, south of Port Angeles [best wildflowers July thru August; peak in mid-July] Hurricane Hill [3 miles r.t.; 750' gain] Also Big Meadows & Obstruction Pt , including meadows of Badger Valley [walks, hikes - varying lengths, gain] meadows w. subalpine wildflowers, marmots and black-tailed deer (Sunny's note: Deer Park, Olympic NP, also has good wildflower hikes and walks -- same season; same flora and fauna)	Hike 2 Cirque Rim [1.5-mile loop; 231' gain] meadowlands and subalpine fir (Sunny's note: blacktailed deer with fawns) Hike 3 Grand Valley [9-mile loop; 2430' gain] Grand Lake, Moose Lake, meadows, panoramic views (Sunny's note: marmots& deer on Obstruction Point Rd; fields of avalanche lilies just after snow melts in early July)
4 Marmot Pass via Big Quilcene Trail Olympic National Park, south of Quilcene (Hood Canal) [10.5 miles r.t.; 3590' gain] best wildflowers July cool forests w. shade flowers, open slopes, meadows w. rich flower gardens
5 Staircase Olympic National Park, west of Hoodsport (south Hood Canal) [best wildflowers: late April thru August] Camp Pleasant trail [3 miles r.t., forest flowers galore, elk Also Staircase trail [2 miles r.t., 150' gain] spectacular rapids, moss-draped trees, forest flowers

North Cascades and Highway 20
Art Kruckenberg, Karen Sykes, and Graig Romano -- Photos by Ira Spring	Charles Gurche
	Hike 4, High Pass Mt. Baker Wilderness, east of Glacier [4.4 miles r.t.; 1570' gain] peak bloom: late July to mid-August -- steep meadows, subalpine flowers, creek, views of surrounding mountains
	Hike 5, Winchester Mountain Mt. Baker Wilderness, east of Glacier [3.4 miles r.t.; 1330' gain] peak bloom: late July to mid-August -- flower-filled meadows, snowfields, fire lookout w. great views
6 Yellow Aster Butte Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, east of Glacier [8 miles r.t.; 2200' gain] best wildflowers: July thru August -- avalanche slopes & forest, then flower-filled meadows w. tarns (possible goats & ptarmigan)	Hike 6, Yellow Aster Butte Mt. Baker Wilderness, east of Glacier [7.5 miles r.t.; 2100' gain] peak bloom: late July to mid-August -- forest wildflowers, then rewarding views, basins w. small lakes, steep meadows lush w. wildflowers
7 Chain Lakes Loop Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Heather Meadows [13 miles r.t. or 7-mile loop; 1500'] peak bloom: July alpine setting w. peak views, rocky slopes w. subalpine wildflowers, lakes, stream w. moss-covered rock garden	Hike 7, Skyline Divide Mt. Baker Wilderness, east of Glacier [6 to 10 miles r.t.; 2100' gain] peak bloom: late July to mid-August -- exceptional wildflower displays (forest & subalpine meadow), expansive mountain views,
	Hike 8, Heliotrope Ridge Mt. Baker Wilderness, southeast of Glacier [6 miles r.t.; 1400' gain] peak bloom: late July to mid-August -- enchanting forest, wildflower meadows, mountain streams, glacier views
8 Railroad Grade Mount Baker National Recreation Area, north of Concrete [7 miles r.t.; 2200' gain] best wildflowers: July thru August -- meadows w. subalpine wildflowers, ponds, marshes, forest, glacier views	Hike 9, Railroad Grade Mount Baker National Recreation Area, north of Concrete [7 miles r.t.; 1940' gain] peak bloom: late July to mid-August -- subalpine wildflower meadows and incredible vistas of Mt. Baker & other peaks (good sunsets)
9 Sauk Mountain Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, north of Rockport [4 miles r.t.; 1041 ' gain] peak bloom: July hanging meadows, rock towers, steep flower meadows, lake, views	Hike 10, Sauk Mountain Mount Baker National Recreation Area, north of Rockport [4 miles r.t.; 1237' gain] peak bloom: July best wildflower displays along Hwy 20 corridor, open meadows all the way, outstanding views from summit
10 Maple Pass Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, North Cascades Scenic Highway [7 miles r.t.; 2100' gain] best wildflowers: mid-July thru mid-Aug old-growth forest, alpine lakes, alpine meadows, open ridges, fantastic floral show, stunning vistas	Hike 11, Green Mountain (see next section)
12 Windy Pass via Pacific Crest Trail Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, northwest of Winthrop [7 mile r.t.; 500' gain in, 1000' out] peak bloom: July one of best wildflower walks in the Cascades, steep slopes, ridges, meadows - wildflowers all along the trial & in the meadows	Hike 12, Windy Pass Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, northwest of Winthrop [7 miles r.t.; 700' gain] peak bloom: mid-July to early August -- trail thru subalpine wildflower meadows w. peak views, moisture-loving plants along Benson Creek
11 Slate Peak Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, northwest of Winthrop [1 mile r.t.; 200' gain] peak bloom: July meadows lush w. wildflowers, summit views, other hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail	Hike 13, Gold Ridge Pasayten Wilderness, NW of Winthrop [10 miles r.t.; 614' gain] peak bloom: mid-July to early August -- ridge trail to Silver Lake, talus slopes, basins w. lush wildflowers, superb views to east
	Hike 14, Maple Pass Wenatchee National Forest, W. of Winthrop [7.1 mile loop; 2000' gain] peak bloom: mid-July to mid-August -- forest flowers, marshy areas, lush wildflower meadows, views down into cirque basins w. lakes, views of peaks
	Hike 15, Twisp Pass Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, northwest of Twisp [9 miles r.t.; 2400' gain] peak bloom: July to early August -- pocket meadows & forest clearings, streams, then meadow-covered slopes
14 Disappointment Peak, Loomis State Forest, west of Tonasket [5 miles r.t.; 1200' gain] best wildflowers: mid-May to mid-July -- transition zone between Cascades & Okanogan Highlands, rare flowers, high altitude lodgepole pine forest, seeps & springs, open sagebrush meadow w. desert plants	Hike 16, Kraule-Sunnyside West of Winthrop [3-mile loop; 250' gain] peak bloom: late April to late May -- ponderosa pine & sagebrush ecosystems w. meadows of showy flowers, forest flowers, hillsides of shrub-steppe flowers, lake & mountain views
15 Copper Butte, Kettle Range Colville National Forest, northeast of Republic [9.5 miles r.t.; 2390' gain] best wildflowers: late May thru July -- old-growth & subalpine forest, alpine meadows w. dazzling floral display, summit views	Hike 17, Patterson Mountain West of Winthrop [5-mile loop; 1111' gain] peak bloom: late April to late May -- trail thru open meadows w. shrub- steppe flowers & stands of aspen & evergreens, spring-fed seep w. wet flowers, superb viewsf rom summit
16 Wapaloosie Mountain, Kettle Range Colville National Forest, east of Republic [6 miles r.t.; 2000' gain] best wildflowers: May to mid-July -- intersection of sagebrush & lodgepole pine habitats, sprawling meadows w. great views & beautiful shrub-steppe wildflowers	Hike 18, Meadowlark-Blue Jay Okanogan National Forest,W. of Winthrop [4.6-mile loop; 300' gain] peak bloom: late April to late May -- mix of open meadow & forest flowers, creek w. riparian habitat (birds & wildflowers),
13 Tiffany Mountain (Freezeout Ridge), Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, NE of Winthrop [6 mile r.t.; 1740' gain] best wildflowers: July thru early Aug -- trail thru open lodgepole pine forest and meadows lined w. flowers in late July; grassy & rocky summit w. alpine & desert-steppe flowers, great views	Hike 19, Freezeout Ridge Okanogan National Forest, NE of Winthrop [6 miles r.t.; 1662' gain] peak bloom: mid-July to early August -- lodgepole pine forest w. shade flowers, broad subalpine wildflower meadows on ridge w. expansive views

The Mountain Loop Highway and US 2
Art Kruckenberg, Karen Sykes, and Graig Romano -- Photos by Ira Spring	Charles Gurche
17 Green Mountain, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, north of Darrington [8 miles r.t.; 3000' gain] best wildflowers: July thru August -- old-growth forest, swithcbacks, flowers all along the trail, then meadows w. small tarns & flower gardens, marmots	Hike 11, Green Mountain Glacier Peak Wilderness, east of Darrington [8 miles r.t.; 3140' gain] peak bloom: July to mid-August -- forest flowers, open meadows filled w. flowers, valley bursting w. wildflowers, tarns, extensive views of Glacier Peak Wilderness
18 Walt Bailey Trail Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, east of Granite Falls [8 miles r.t.; 1500' gain] best wildflowers: July thru August -- forest, meadow, streams, tarns
19 Big Four Ice Caves Trail Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, east of Granite Falls [2 miles r.t.; 200' gain] best wildflowers: June thru August -- marsh, forest, birds, ice caves
20 Mount Dickerman Trail Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, east of Granite Falls [8.5 miles r.t.; 3898' gain] best wildflowers: July thru August -- forest, cliffs, stream, meadows -- flowers along trail & in meadows below summit (2535' gain)
21 Scorpion Mountain via Johnson Ridge Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Skykomish [9 miles r.t.; 2900' gain] best wildflowers: late June thru Sept -- forest, broad ridge crest w. flower meadows	Hike 20, Iron Goat Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, east of Skykomish [2.6 miles r.t.; 200' gain] peak bloom: May to early July -- trail thru mature alder forest w. subtle forest flowers
22 Josephine Lake via Pacific Crest Trail Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest/ Alpine Lakes Wilderness, near Stevens Pass [9 miles r.t.; 1600' gain in, 900' out] best wildflowers: July thru Sept -- switchbacks, ridge, then switchbacks down to lovely wildflower meadows, w. rock gardens, small streams, lake
23 Round Mountain Trail to Nason Ridge Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, east of Stevens Pass [10 miles r.t.; 2335' gain] best wildflowers: July thru Sept -- steep trail to 'ghost forest' then along ridge w. wildflowers & views
24 Chiwaukum Creek, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, east of Leavenworth [11 miles r.t.; 1560' gain] best wildflowers: late May thru July -- long valley trail along creek, forest flowers
25 Tumwater Pipeline Trail, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, north of Leavenworth [2.5 miles r.t.; 0' gain] best wildflowers: April & May -- pleasant walk along Wenatchee River w. side trails to sandy beaches & calm pools	Hike 21, Leavenworth Ski Hill Wenatchee National Forest, north of Leavenworth [0.6-mile loop; 60' gain] peak bloom: late April to early June -- open ponderosa pine forest, meadows w. sun-loving flowers

Interstate 90 and East
Art Kruckenberg, Karen Sykes, and Graig Romano -- Photos by Ira Spring	Charles Gurche
26 Ira Spring Memorial Trail Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest/ Alpine Lakes Wilderness, east of North Bend [6.8 miles r.t.; 2100' gain] best wildflowers: July thru August -- waterfall, carpets of spring flowers along 2-mile old road, forest, flowers near Mason Lake in July.
27 Kendall Garden Katwalk Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest/ Alpine Lakes Wilderness, north of Snoqualmie Pass [10.5 miles r.t.; 2700' gain in, 300' out] best wildflowers: mid-July to mid-Aug -- old-growth forest to heather meadows, w. rich flower fields on steep side of Kendall Peak.
28 Lodge Lake Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, south of Snoqualmie Pass [4-6 miles r.t.; 500' gain in, 375' out] best wildflowers: June thru August -- flowers of disturbed habitats under ski lifts, lakes, bare slopes, forest.
29 Esmerelda Basin Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, north of Cle Elum [Basin - 4.5 miles r.t.; 400' gain] best wildflowers: June to August -- short steep trail, noisy cataracts, craggy peaks, flower fields, streams	Hike 22, Esmerelda Basin Wenatchee National Forest, north of Cle Elum [Fortune Cookie Pass - 6 miles r.t.; 1630' gain] peak bloom: July -- waterfalls, streams, open forest, meadows
30 Bean Basin Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, north of Cle Elum [5 miles r.t.; 2000' gain] best wildflowers: late June to mid-July -- difficult creek crossing in spring, forest, meadow, tall-grass marsh and dry rock garden w. flowers. Navaho Pass (11 miles r.t.; 2590' gain)
31 Iron Peak Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, north of Cle Elum [6.5 miles r.t.; 2590' gain] best wildflowers: July to late August -- great wildflowers in early summer, switchback up creek, flower rockeries, summit w. great views.
32 Tronsen Ridge Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, north of Blewett Pass [5 miles r.t.; 900' gain] best wildflowers: late May, June ridge run thru open terrain, great views, ridge peak w. rocky outcroppings & white snags w. colorful lichen. (go before June 15 - motorcycles)

Best Wildflower Hike Locations