7 Most Beautiful West Coast Hikes That Are Even Better in Spring

Spring is the best time to hit the trails on the West Coast. Waterfalls are raging, wildflowers are blooming, and the crowds haven’t taken over yet.

If you want epic scenery, perfect weather, and fewer people, here are the best hikes to do before summer kicks in.

1. Columbia River Gorge Wildflower Hikes (Oregon) – A Springtime Dream

• Why It’s Better in Spring:
  • Rolling hills explode with wildflowers like bright yellow balsamroot and purple lupine.
  • Waterfalls are at peak flow after spring rains.
• Best Trails:
  • Dog Mountain – The most famous wildflower hike, but also the toughest.
  • Coyote Wall – Sweeping views of the gorge with far fewer crowds.
  • Tom McCall Preserve – Short but packed with wildflowers and Columbia River views.

💡 Pro Tip: Go before mid-May to catch the best wildflower bloom.

2. Point Reyes National Seashore (California) – Coastal Cliffs & Green Hills

• Why It’s Better in Spring:
  • The cliffs and rolling hills are bright green before the dry summer months.
  • Wildflowers bloom along the coast, making the trails extra scenic.
• Best Trails:
  • Alamere Falls – A waterfall that drops straight onto the beach.
  • Tomales Point Trail – Views for days and a chance to spot tule elk.
  • Chimney Rock Trail – One of the best wildflower hikes on the California coast.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring layers—spring fog can roll in fast on the coast.

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3. Rattlesnake Ledge (Washington) – Best Time to Beat the Crowds

• Why It’s Better in Spring:
  • Cooler weather makes the steep climb easier.
  • Lush green forests and misty views add to the experience.
• The Trail:
  • 4 miles round-trip with sweeping views over Rattlesnake Lake.
  • One of the best sunrise hikes near Seattle.

💡 Pro Tip: Go on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

4. Yosemite’s Mist Trail (California) – Spring = Peak Waterfall Season

• Why It’s Better in Spring:
  • Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall are absolutely raging with snowmelt.
  • The mist from the falls creates rainbows on sunny days.
• The Trail:
  • 3 miles round-trip to Vernal Fall, or 7 miles to Nevada Fall for a bigger adventure.
  • Steep but worth it—expect to get soaked by the mist (in the best way).

💡 Pro Tip: Wear a rain jacket—the trail gets slippery from the waterfall spray.

5. Painted Hills (Oregon) – Spring Colors That Don’t Even Look Real

• Why It’s Better in Spring:
  • The vibrant red, gold, and black hills look even more dramatic in spring lighting.
  • Cooler temperatures make it way more enjoyable than the blazing-hot summer.
• Best Trails:
  • Painted Cove Trail – A short boardwalk through the hills.
  • Carroll Rim Trail – A viewpoint hike over the entire landscape.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit at sunset for the most insane colors.

6. Joshua Tree’s Hidden Valley (California) – A Desert Wonderland in Bloom

• Why It’s Better in Spring:
  • Mild temperatures before the summer heat makes hiking brutal.
  • Cacti and desert wildflowers bloom, adding pops of color to the rocky landscape.
• The Trail:
  • 1-mile loop through a stunning rock canyon with epic desert scenery.

💡 Pro Tip: Spring is the best time for spotting bighorn sheep.

7. Big Sur’s Ewoldsen Trail (California) – Redwood Forest Meets Ocean Views

• Why It’s Better in Spring:
  • The redwoods are lush and green, and the Pacific Ocean views are crystal clear.
  • Less fog than in the summer months.
• The Trail:
  • 5-mile loop through old-growth redwoods with insane cliffside views over Big Sur.

💡 Pro Tip: Combine this with a stop at McWay Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls on the coast.

MORE ON THE WEST COAST:

READ MORE: The Best of Oregon

READ MORE: The Best of Washington

READ MORE: The Best of California

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