Where to find early summer wildflowers in Washington State Parks
State parks are blooming! It’s time to experience the beauty and splendor of wildflower season. We’re here to tell you where you can catch some of the greatest shows in the Pacific Northwest from late spring throughout summer.
Wildflower bloom periods depend on several factors, including temperature, elevation, and region. Lower elevation regions tend to bloom first, beginning as early as February, moving up through the higher elevation regions through the summer. While lower elevations such as areas in southeast and parts of central Washington have peak blooms in April, the Cascades don’t peak until June or July.
Here are some parks throughout the state with stunning wildflower blooms and other native plants and trees. Since bloom times vary, make sure to check the Northwest Wildflowers bloom map for the most up-to-date information before you go.
The 10 shady trails surrounding Anderson Lake boast sprawling meadows and marshes dotted with wild strawberries, huckleberries, and salmonberries. In addition to hiking, you can enjoy mountain biking, fishing, birdwatching, and more.
Peak bloom period: March through early summer
Wildflowers to spot: milkmaids, prairie smoke, heartleaf arnica, western blue flag
Fort Townsend Historical State Park
This marine camping park includes 6.5 miles of hiking trails rich with towering Douglas firs and cedar trees, wildflowers, and wildlife. There are also plenty of opportunities for history lessons, as the park used to be a part of a U.S. military site in the mid-1800s.
Peak bloom period: March through early summer
Wildflowers to spot: Western trillium, lupine, paintbrush, coltsfoot
Puget Sound
Follow the Bluff Loop Trail and you’re greeted with sweeping views of the Puget Sound and fields dotted with wildflowers during bloom months. Ebey’s Landing is part of a National Historical Reserve, protecting rare treasures like the golden paintbrush flower.
Peak bloom period: early April to early June
Wildflowers to spot: camas, harsh Indian paintbrush, Puget Sound gumweed, nootka rose, pearly everlasting
On top of beautiful wildflowers in late spring, Moran State Park has lakes, hiking trails, campgrounds, scenic views, and much more for you to enjoy. Features like trails, bridges, and the Mt. Constitution observation tower were built by young men in the Civilian Conservation Corps, working to provide for their families during the Great Depression.
Peak bloom period: late April through June
Wildflowers to spot: camas lilies, checker lilies, trillium, fawn lilies, violets, spring gold
Central Washington
During wildflower season, spot contrasting pops of color among the sagebrush and surrounding towering basalt rock columns in Steamboat Rock State Park. Enjoy time on Banks Lake to cool off after your exploration.
Peak bloom period: early April through end of May, with blooms potentially continuing into mid-June
Wildflowers to spot: baslamroot, Rocky Mountain iris, bitterroot, blanket flower, sagebrush mariposa lily, blanket flower, upland larkspur
Eastern Washington
This state park has a wide variety of trail lengths and elevations to choose from to sight wildflowers. In addition, you’ll be surrounded by towering Ponderosa pines and pretty subalpine meadows.
Peak bloom period: early June through end of July
Wildflowers to spot: trillium, glacier lily, scarlet Indian paintbrush, fireweed, western serviceberry, pearly everlasting, coralroot, bunchberry, Calypso orchids
At Fields Spring, you can catch stunning views of the Blue Mountains and surrounding meadows. The highest point of the park, known as Puffer Butte, is known for carpets of wildflowers in the summer.
Peak bloom period: Mid May through June
Wildflowers to spot: lupine, penstemons, sticky geraniums, larkspur, scarlet gilias, Nootka & Wood’s rose, Dutchman’s breeches.
Cascades
Rockport State Park encompasses a dense, old growth forest that sits at the base of Sauk Mountain. Hike the trail up Sauk Mountain to see stunning blankets of wildflowers with changing species the higher you go.
Peak bloom period: June through August
Wildflowers to spot: penstemon, paintbrush, bleeding hearts, bluebells, glacier lilies, purple asters, yarrow, sawwort, Western meadowrue
On the Eastern slopes of the Cascades you’ll find the glacial Lake Wenatchee, where wildflowers dot open meadows and lakeshore trails in early summer. This is a waterfront park, so although there are less trails to explore than other parks with wildflowers, you can enjoy picnics and meadow views.
Peak bloom period: June through early July
Wildflowers to spot: lupine, paintbrush, columbine, violets, buttercups, yarrow
