Kid-friendly Spring Hikes in the Pacific Northwest

Wildflowers are blooming across hillsides; the sun is hanging longer in the sky; snow is melting in the high alpine; spring is a beautiful time of year to hike in the Pacific Northwest. if you're like me, you may consider spring a bridge season. It's always sad to hang up your skis and say goodbye to cold winter days hitting the slopes, and summer is still months away, with high elevation hikes still covered in snow. Spring is the time of year for waterfalls and low elevation hikes.

Here are a few of my favorite spring hikes around the Pacific Northwest. 

Ebey's Landing

Ebey's Landing is a great family-friendly option, and this hike has it all. Located on Whidbey Island, you'll be rewarded with sprawling mountain views, a beach for little ones who like sand between their toes, wildflowers and enough miles to break a sweat. 

Miles: 5.6
Elevation: Less than 300 feet elevation gain 

Ebey's Landing — Washington Trails Association

After your hike, stop in Coupeville for adorable shops and restaurants, and the best ice cream shop around!

Sauer's Mountain

Located just east of the adorable Bavarian town of Leavenworth, Sauer's Mountain is gorgeous this time of year. Parking at the trailhead is very limited, so arrive early on the weekends, and be respectful on the trail. This trail is accessible thanks to the owner of the private property where the route begins. 

Sauer's Mountain is blanketed in balsamroot in the spring. It's so joyful to ascend the wildflower-lined trail. You'll climb around 2,000 feet before making it to the summit where you'll enjoy views of the surrounding peaks as well as Leavenworth in the valley below. 

Miles: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet

Sage Hills

Just outside Wenatchee are hills speckled in yellow and purple. The winding trails meander the hillsides surrounding the Wenatchee Valley, and yellow arrowleaf balsamroot and purple lupine are plentiful. The trails are great for kids, just be sure to bring lots of water, a hat for shade and watch out for snakes. 

Insider tip: The parking lot is very small, so don't despair if parking is full on the weekends. Don't worry though, there are other places to park nearby, just don't park in the surrounding community. 

Miles: 5.5 
Elevation gain: Less than 1,000 feet

Head to brunch at Wildhuckleberry before or after your wildflower trek. It's one of the best restaurants in town.

Barclay Lake

Barclay Lake, located just past Index, is another great family-friendly hike. It's an easy trail with outstanding mountain views. What I love most about this trail is how entertaining it is for kids. The trail follows Barclay Creek most of the way through the forest. The short hike also offers a great payoff: a small but beautiful lake with Baring Mountain looming above its banks. This is a great camping option for families as well. 

Miles: 4.4 miles round trip 
Elevation: 500 feet

Lake Wenatchee - and Hidden Lake Trail

Lake Wenatchee holds a special place in my heart. I love this area so much. Lake Wenatchee State Park has so much to explore, a sprawling beach, trails meandering through forests, and ample space for water and wind sports. 

Insider tip: It's usually windy at the lake, so bring layers and a kite for added fun. 

If you're looking to add on a couple miles, or you want a great introductory trail for little ones, check out Hidden Lake Trail. The short trail winds through thick forests before popping out at a small, pristine lake nestled in the vibrant green forest. 

Miles: Less than 2 miles
Elevation: minimal (around 200 feet)