9 Irresistible Reasons to Visit Washington State in the Spring

Are you deciding whether to visit Washington State in the spring? Time after time, off-season trips prove to be a good idea. Here are the top 9 reasons you cannot miss spring in Washington State!

It’s no surprise that most travelers come to Washington State during summer. The promise of sunshine from July- September is alluring. But, don’t let a chance of rain scare you away!

Spring in Seattle and the greater area is just as, if not more, beautiful. This time of year, you can enjoy everything from fabulous flowers to wondrous waterfalls.

So, whether you are looking for Washington State spring break ideas or spring flowers in Washington State, this guide will help you see the best of the spring season.

What to Expect in Washington State in the Spring

Let’s get the rain conversation out of the way. West of the Cascade Mountains, you will find major cities like Seattle and Tacoma. Here, March – June is a time of warming temperatures. Typically, it ranges from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. And with the sun comes the first blooms!

While we do experience a couple of inches of rain (mainly in March and April), it’s nothing worth delaying a trip over. In fact, this is the time I start camping in Washington. If it’s warm enough to sleep outside, you can definitely enjoy daytime outdoor activities.

Bestie Tip: Tourism in Washington picks up in June, so beat the rush by planning accordingly. Generally, our public K-12 schools start summer break in mid-June. So, you will see more families out and about after that time. Personally, I’ve noticed this while camping in state parks. Reservations can be much easier to score before this time!

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Seattle Packing List – Spring Edition

Although you don’t need to pack many warm layers, I still recommend packing rain gear. Because even if you luck out on weather during your trip, you are likely to encounter puddles and water crossings.

Plus, have you ever regretted wearing waterproof shoes? For me, can I only think of times I wish I had!

Waterproof Shoes for Women

Waterproof Shoes for Men

{RELATED POST: 50+ Best Hikes in Washington to Do in Your Lifetime}

Have you ever heard the idea that “true” Washingtonians don’t use umbrellas? Well, I’m living proof that that is a myth!

I always leave an umbrella in my car. That way, I have it easily accessible for walks in the park or photoshoots. Speaking of photoshoots, umbrellas can be functional and visually appealing props!

My only word of advice: make sure your umbrella is durable. You don’t want to be that person who losses the battle with wind– your umbrella turning inside out, rendering it useless in a split second. (I may or not be speaking from personal experience).

My Tried & Tested Umbrella

Want more Pacific Northwest style inspo? Come say hi over on Instagram!

9 Reasons to Visit Washington State in the Spring

For better or worse, there are some spring things that you simply can’t do other times of the year. Here are my top reasons to consider while planning a trip to Washington.

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Every April, spring is ushered in with the celebratory Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Millions of rainbow-colored tulips, daffodils, and other varieties are grown and shown. And, you can expect to see people from countless states and countries here. After all, who doesn’t like flowers?!

Beyond flower fields, you can enjoy attractions like art shows, bicycle rides, and alpacas.

As a rule of thumb, you should order tickets online as soon as know what dates you want. In fact, it may be required that you buy tickets online ahead of time. So, mark your calendars!

Here are the 3 tulip farms you can visit:

• Tulip Town – My partner and I visit this one almost every year! Nothing against the others, we just had such a good time that we keep coming back.
• RoozenGaarde
• Garden Rosalyn

In both 2022 and 2023, the festival ran April 1-30. So, you can expect the same in 2024. Get the latest on this year’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

Camp Without a Reservation

I’d argue that some of the best camping in the United States is in the Evergreen State. Take your pick: sleep alongside the ocean, atop a mountain, or deep within a forest.

Since camping is popular in our national and state parks, it can be competitive.

Whether you are making reservations 9 months in advance or want to go camping last-minute, it can be a bit of a hassle. And honestly, sometimes it is impossible to get a site in the summer if you spontaneously decide to go. But, spring camping is different.

Since these months have less demand, they are often are first-come-first-serve. In other words, you don’t need to have done much planning to secure an awesome campsite. Instead, you can enjoy popular campsites with less competition.

That being said, be sure to be prepared for lower temperatures at night!

Best spots for spring camping in Washington:

• Kalaloch: An Olympic National Park campground along the coast. It’s located near Forks, the small town made famous by the Twilight series.
• Ohanapecosh: A Mt. Rainier National Park campground along the Ohanapecosh River.
• Cape Disappointment State Park: A campground at the intersection of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. It features multiple lighthouses and is near Long Beach.
• Moran State Park: A favorite place to camp on the San Juan Islands. Choose a site in a forest or even lakeside! It can be tricky navigating the ferry system required to get here in the summer, so that’s another incentive for a spring visit!

Flowers Blooming in City Parks

While spring is too early for alpine wildflowers (still buried beneath snow), you can easily find beautiful blooms in the city. For example, Puyallup’s Van Lierop Park boasts tons and tons of purple lupines. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Rainier too.

This spot has become a favorite photography spot near Tacoma. Before you go, read my guide to Van Lierop Park here.

Love water? Try the Ruston Way Waterfront. Although there are not as many manicured blooms, a casual stroll and keen eye will reveal young cherry blossom trees and a wide variety of flowers.

Cherry Blossoms at the University of Washington

For the 60th time, the iconic cherry blossom trees at the University of Washington will share their blooming magic this year. The show only lasts a week or two, so timing is everything.

To be honest, the secret is out. Tourists, newly weds, and families come from far and wide to take photos with the dreamy blush pink flowers amid the backdrop of Gothic architecture. However, an early morning visit (especially on weekdays) is still well-worth it.

To see the bloom status, check out the live webcam.

{RELATED POST: 2024 Guide to San Juan Island}

Less Crowds

Perhaps shoulder or off-season travel’s greatest advantage is in terms of crowds. By definition, this kind of travel bypasses more popular times.

So, for the trade-off of cooler, wetter temperatures you get attractions to yourself.

Still, because snow isn’t entirely melted by spring, many mountainous areas are still inaccessible to hiking and driving. Do your research into specific locations before heading out!

Bestie Tip: If you’re wanting to visit Mt. Rainier National Park, visiting later in spring is best. I’ve visited in late June and was able to hike around the Paradise area. However, there was still snow on the ground. Pack accordingly, as traction devices and clothing layers may be needed.

Enjoy Early Wildflower Hikes

Towards the end of spring, wildflowers will start popping up in the warmer areas of the state. Notably, balsamroot and lupine are commonly sighted.

Top Spring Wildflower Hikes in Washington

• Icicle Ridge: This trail overlooks the Bavarian town of Leavenworth and its surrounding hills. In 6 miles and 1800 ft. elevation gain you will wind through trees (some with wildfire damage from previous years).
• Dog Mountain: Close to the Washington-Oregon border, this trail in the Columbia River Gorge offers similar flowers with a more remote feel. At the top of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Columbia River twisting through the lush landscape. Expect 6 miles and 2800 ft. elevation gain. *Additional permits required on weekends between 4/23 and 6/12 as well as Memorial Day
• Sage Hills: Near Wenatchee, drive up into the hills and hike for (again) lots of balsamroot flowers and amazing overlooks. Enjoy views of Wenatchee, the Columbia River, and Cascade Mountains. Expect 5.5 miles and 650 ft. elevation gain.

Raging Waterfalls

As winter snow melts, waterfalls once again flow strong and steadily. So, spring is the perfect time to explore waterfalls in Washington.

Easily Accessible Waterfalls in Washington

• Whatcom Falls Located in Bellingham. The falls are a short walk from the parking lot. You can continue over the bridge and onto the trails.
• Snoqualmie Falls A must-see sight near Seattle (30 minute drive). Hiking is optional.
• Marymere Falls Located Forks & Port Angeles. This is a beginner and family friendly hike that covers 1.8 miles and 500 ft. elevation gain.
• Mima Falls Located near Tacoma & Olympia. This easy, quiet dog-friendly trail meanders 6.5 miles through Capitol forest.

Washington State Spring Fair

Every April, the suburban town of Puyallup lights up with carnival rides, games, and farm attractions. It’s a local celebration that welcomes visitors from around the state and beyond.

Even though I’ve gone nearly every year, I still enjoy browsing the exhibits, treating myself to fair food, and letting my inner child out. Speaking of rides, you can experience everything from the thrill of rollercoasters, dizzying effect of spinning rides or romantic mood of ferris wheels.

In 2024, the Washington State Spring Fair is open April 11-14 and April 18-21.

Bestie Tip: Try Fisher Scones! They are delicious, and after having them year after year, are quite nostalgic for me. I love the simple dough, butter, and raspberry jam goodness. A Baker’s Dozen (or two) is my order.

Comfortable Temperatures in Eastern Washington

Unlike the West, Eastern Washington gets quite hot in the summers! We’re talking 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you’re like me and don’t tolerate heat well, then spring is the ideal time to visit. Then, you can explore on comfortably sunny days.

Beautiful Places to Visit in Eastern Washington

• Leavenworth
• Wenatchee (a hidden gem for Nature Lovers)
• Palouse Falls State Park
• Vantage
• Grand Coulee Dam

Also, these areas can be less accessible in the summer due to wildfires and wildfire smoke. So, that’s another reason to visit earlier.

This post was all about the reasons to visit Washington State in the spring. Have questions about Washington State travel? Let me know in the comments!

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