Wildflowers are currently blooming in Washington near Leavenworth and Wenatchee, and if you like flowers and fauna, it might be something to add to your family’s list of things to do this weekend. Every year, our family makes the trek across the pass from Seattle to Highway 2 in search of wildflowers – and it’s worth the long day trip!
Blue skies and a beautiful mountain view on the Olalla Canyon trail. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)
A blanket of yellow and purple flowers covers the sprawling hillsides in a breathtaking display. Balsamroot, a vibrant yellow flower that resembles a sunflower, and lupine, a showy, elongated flower that speckles the hillsides in vibrant purple hues, are in bloom. The wildflowers usually appear in early spring as the weather starts to warm. They like the cool, dry climate in Eastern Washington – and it’s a fleeting treat for hikers escaping the bustling city.
Taking a rest on the Olalla Canyon Trail. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)
If you’re looking for the best places to see blooms, read on for family-friendly options.
Walking the dirt path on the Sage Hills trail. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)
Sage Hills
Sage Hills is located just outside Wenatchee. The rolling foothills are stunning, and in the early spring, they are dotted with brilliant yellow. Balsamroot is abundant in the hills, lining the winding trails.
I enjoy Sage Hills because it’s an excellent option for little wanderers. Depending on your experience and fitness level, you can make a 5.5-mile loop or extend your trip and pack on more miles and elevation. I highly recommend downloading a map before you hit the trail. There are many offshoots you can follow. The sights are grand, offering expansive views of the Columbia River, the Wenatchee Valley, and the North Cascades—as well as the flowers, of course. See full review here.
- Insider tip: Bring lots of water and sun protection. There isn’t much shade.
- Parking is very limited, so plan ahead. You may need to find an alternative parking area.
- Check out Horse Lake Preserve as an option. It’s adjacent to Sage Hills and offers similar mileage and elevation gain.
Take the winding trail to see spring blooms on the Sauer Mountain trail. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)
Sauer’s Mountain
If you have older kiddos or little hikers who don’t balk at a challenge, check out Sauer’s Mountain. I have wanted to do this hike for years, and we finally checked it off our hiking list this year. It was stunning and a great workout. The trail is located just outside Leavenworth. The parking area is very small, only allowing around 10 cars to park at the trailhead, so try to get there early.
The trail is narrow and steep initially, so if you take little ones, keep them close. If you don’t like heights or drop-offs, you might want to pass on this one. You’ll climb steadily for a while on trails lined with wildflowers. As your heart rate and breathing pick up, so will the views. You’ll enjoy the jagged peaks of the Stuart Range in the distance. You will also see the adorable Bavarian town of Leavenworth far below as you climb. I enjoyed the sprawling mountain views, walking through dense forests, and the balsamroot lining the meandering trail.
- Mileage: Around 6 miles
- Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
Trek through fields of flowers. A walking stick may help along the way. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)
Cashmere: Kid-friendly trails and a hidden gem
Cashmere offers several incredible wildflower trails for you to choose from, depending on how far you’d like to hike and how much uphill you can handle. Cashmere Canyons was one option that friends recommended, but we didn’t pick this trail system. After reading the trip reports, we may have to return. Cashmere Canyons is privately owned but open to hikers. You will have to leave your four-legged friend at home, though. No dogs are allowed.
(Image: Kathryn Mueller)
Spring Canyon Loop is also another great option for kids. The 3.5-mile loop offers beautiful views and less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Great photo opportunities on the trail. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)
Hidden gem: Olalla Canyon Trail
This hike is located just outside of Cashmere and is a lesser-known trail that has gained popularity for good reason. It was a perfect excursion for me and my 6-year-old daughter. The trail winds up through the hillside until reaching the top of the ridge, where it offers sprawling views of the valley, mountain peaks in the distance, and rolling hillsides covered in yellow.
Olalla Canyon Trail (Image: Kathryn Mueller)
The hike immediately starts to climb, but don’t let that discourage you. Remember, it’s a short hike, and the views at the ridge are worth it.
Pack a picnic. When you reach the ridge, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views and a place to stop for a snack. There is a small picnic area where you can rest little feet and refuel before charging onward. You could also stop here and turn back when you’re ready.
Mileage: around 4 miles
Elevation: under 1,000 feet
Insider tip: There is very little parking (2-3 cars) at the Olalla Canyon trailhead and no restrooms.
(Image: Kathryn Mueller)
Wildflower hiking: Tips for staying safe in Eastern Washington
Eastern Washington is also hotter and drier than the Seattle area, so bring plenty of water, layers, sun protection, and the 10 essentials when hiking. Reading trip reports before heading out on your hike is also helpful. Trip reports indicate what you can expect, current conditions, and things to look out for while hiking. On these trails, some hikers mentioned the presence of rattlesnakes and ticks. Finally, the flowers are gorgeous, but obey trail etiquette, stay on the marked trails, and don’t pick the wildflowers. Leave no trace when hiking.
