4 AWESOME METHOW VALLEY SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKES
The Methow Valley, nestled in the North Cascades of Washington, is a year-round outdoor paradise with mountain views, charming small towns, and endless opportunities for adventure. In the Spring, wildflower-filled trails make it a haven for hiking. Especially as you are getting the itch to get out from the winter and away from the snow + rain of the PNW. There are lots of hikes to choose from but here are a list of 4 amazing Methow Valley Spring wildflower hikes. They all have beautiful views and are STUNNING in the Spring when the wildflowers bloom.
A quick note: these hikes are best enjoyed in spring, as summer brings high temperatures—and often rattlesnakes—to the area.
WHEN TO SEE THE METHOW VALLEY WILDFLOWERS
The best time to visit the Methow Valley for Spring wildflower hikes is typically from late May to Mid June During this period, the valley and surrounding mountains come alive with colorful blooms, as warmer temperatures melt the snow and allow a vibrant array of wildflowers to flourish. Here’s a breakdown:
- Late May to Early June: Lower elevation trails in the valley start to bloom with balsamroot, lupine, and other early wildflowers. The hillsides around places like Patterson Mountain and Sun Mountain are usually covered in color at this time.
For a great experience, aim for early June to catch blooms at a range of elevations. Keep in mind that timing can vary depending on the winter snowfall and spring weather patterns, so checking local wildflower reports can help you plan your visit at the ideal time.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE METHOW VALLEY
The Methow Valley offers a wide range of places to stay, from rustic yet modern rolling huts and hillside Airbnbs to charming resorts, giving you plenty of options to fit any style. When we visit the Methow, we typically opt for camping at a nearby campground or cozying up in a cabin-style stay for a more immersive experience in the valley’s natural beauty.
Here are a few of our favorite stays:
Rolling Huts in Mazama: Book HERE.
We LOVED staying at the Rolling Huts. Small yet cozy it actually worked for our family of 4. The woodstove was a treat keeping us warm at night and we really appreciated the minimalist design.
Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground: Reservations HERE
We have stayed here twice to check out the wildflowers. While the campsites aren’t very private the views + sunsets make up for it. The lake it great for a swim (depending on the temps of course) and AMAZING for the paddle board. Its in a great central location, close to hikes and food.
Klipchuck Campground – First come, first Serve.
This has got to be my FAVORITE campground in the North Cascades. Set a little west of Mazama this place is magic. The sites are big + private and very wooded! Offering a great place to hang a hammock or ride your bike. And its close to the Mazama Bakery, a must eat when you are in the Methow.
Other options for campgrounds: Winter Spires Campground + Lone Fir (both on Highway 20)
LEWIS BUTTE TRAIL
This hike is out of a fairytale! It is blessed with incredibly wide open fields for kids to run. And run. And run… In the Spring you can find large patches of wildflowers. There are beautiful mountains in the distance and the sky also seems to go on forever here. If you do go on a clear and sunny day don’t forget sunscreen and water, there isnt much shade. Its a good one though that will have you singing “the hills are alive…..”
Lewis Butte Trail : 4.9 miles | 1,0007 ft of elevation gain | Link to Alltrails
PATTERSON MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Patterson Mountain in the Methow Valley offers a stunning hike with sweeping views and diverse scenery that make it a favorite among locals. Although we’d missed the prime wildflower season this year, it didn’t matter on this trail—flowers were blooming everywhere, filling the landscape with color. The trail winds through open fields with grazing horses, groves of cottonwoods, and shady forest sections, with gorgeous views the entire way. Whether you hike it clockwise or counterclockwise, the route is rewarding, but I highly recommend timing your adventure for sunset. The golden light makes the scenery even more magical, making it a true PNW gem.
Patterson Mountain Trail: 3.7 miles | 379 ft of elevation gain | Link to Alltrails
PEARRYGIN LAKE LOOP
This hike winds around the lake at Pearrygin State Park. It’s relatively flat making it easy for kids. I have even seen kids biking the trail. Like the other hikes on this list it has beautiful views overlooking the hills (and the lake in this case). One thing to note with this one is that it doesn’t connect all the way around with a trail. You need to walk the road part of the way. So if you are looking to do just a section, I recommend starting at the parking lot at the campground. Head north up up the hill to the trail and then cutting back once you reach the East end of the lake which will bring you back. I also recommend a sunset hike for this location. The sunsets over the lake while we camped here were some of the best I have ever seen!
Pearrygin Lake Loop : 6 miles | 364 ft of elevation gain | Link to Alltrails
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN TRAIL
This hike is probably my favorite on the list. It’s short, sweet and a little steep. (steep in the beginning) It winds through evergreen forest sprinkled with wildflowers offering peek a boo views of the surrounding mountains which are MAJESTIC! It eventually levels out offering full views of the mountains. From there it is a short distance to the lookout tower. My kids ran towards the tower with excitement and in anticipation of climbing the tower. My only regret with this hike was that the sun wasn’t out and it was quite overcast and cold. We cant control the weather but it was still a great day out.
Lookout Mountain Trail : 3.4 miles | 1,158 ft of elevation gain | Link to Alltrails
Conclusion
If you are looking for a Spring adventure with wildflowers + mountains, definitely head to the Methow Valley! I cant reccomend it enough. And you can AlMOST always count on a dose of Vitamin D on the east side of the mountains!
Check out this article for more PNW beginner hikes close to Seattle.
