After a long winter and the early rains of the spring, the best time of year to get out on the trails is during Spring bloom. You can get a super bloom in the desert in southern California, cherry blossoms in Washington DC, and fields of Lupines in Idaho. While all those will brighten you mood, the wild flowers in Washington are just simply amazing! Along a green hillside you will have purple, yellow, white, orange and red flowers. It makes hiking and mountain biking along the flowing compact trails a dream. The best spot in Washington that we have found to do this is in Wenatchee. Located in the center of the state and just east of Leavenworth, it is worth a short detour.
The Best Spring Hiking in Washington State
Wenatchee is a small town in central Washington. With a river running through, breweries and a downtown that is being revitalized it truly is an amazing place to explore. If wildflowers and views are your priority, then this is your place in spring. Here are the two spots that we highly suggest getting to for mountain biking and hiking.
Horse Lake Reserve
This area is popular, but didn't feel overly used. There is a short time in the spring where horses are not allowed to use the trails, so it makes it even more open. There is a small parking lot, a few road parking spots and another very small lot up the road where there is a turn around for vehicles. I would not take anything bigger than 22' up this road and I wouldn't tow.
To start, I was very impressed with the trails and the signage throughout. It would be hard to get lost.
This was also included.
We parked near the main parking lot. From here there isn't just one trail head, you can start in multiple areas. The main trailhead, the road and the old road. As you can see from the map above, you could make this as short or as long as you would like, but any way you choose you will get elevation.
I started on Old Ranch Road, turned off on Glacier View Trail, to Homestead Trail and then finally Main Sage Hills Trail. It starts with a decent climb, but when you get to the top you will be rewarded with a view. Snow capped mountains, rolling hills and wildflowers.
Keep hiking along the perfectly compact single track trail, through the wild flowers. You are sharing the trail with bikes. We saw mountain bikes, gravel bikes and ebikes. Just remember trail etiquette when you end up coming across other people. Hikers/walkers always have the right away, then runners and then finally bikes. When horses are allowed on trails they have the ultimate right of way from everyone. I didn't see any dirt bikes but if they are on the trails they are at the bottom and have to give way to everyone. Just be respectful.
Post 2 Canyon Road
This area is great for first time mountain bikers and hikers who want to get in some elevation. You can get all the way to the top of Twin Peaks from here! The trails were in great condition.
There is a very small parking lot and you never know if the gates will be open. Some people get shuttled, but it is a great place to go for a quick ride or long ride just a 10 minute drive from town. Do not tow up this road or do anything bigger than about 22'.
Explore Wenatchee
After your long day of mountain biking or hiking, the best place to get a great Mexican lunch or dinner is La Fuente Mexican Restaurant.
Our favorite Brewery to grab a beer at is Wenatchee Valley Brewing Co. They also have a great pretzel!
Make sure to check out the Public Market for lunch and to peruse the stands with local fare.
As always please practice Leave No Trace. This includes any food waste. Support local and have a great time!
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