10 Best Hikes To Do In Western Washington in April
Spring is in full swing by April in Western Washington, coaxing hikers out of winter hibernation with promises of blooming wildflowers, gushing waterfalls, and snow-free trails at lower elevations.
While the high peaks of the Cascades might still be cloaked in white, the region’s foothills, forests, and river valleys are bursting with life, perfect for those itching to stretch their legs without needing crampons or snowshoes. April’s weather can be a mixed bag (hello, rain gear!), but the payoff is worth it: vibrant greenery, thundering cascades fueled by snowmelt, and fewer crowds than summer.
I’ve rounded up 10 easy-to-moderate hikes across Western Washington that shine this time of year—each one vetted for accessibility, scenery, and that sweet spot of effort versus reward. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just dusting off your boots, these trails deliver the best of spring without the slog. Let’s dive in!
Wallace Falls made our March list, and it’s back for April with even more punch. Last month, it was a moody, misty escape, but now the spring snowmelt has kicked in, turning the nine waterfalls along this trail into a roaring spectacle. The forest is waking up too—expect brighter greens and the first wildflowers peeking out. The moderate climb feels just right for shaking off winter rust, though the trail might still be muddy (pack those grippy boots!). It’s a repeat worth revisiting for the sheer power of the falls this month—louder, fuller, and more dramatic than March’s quieter flow.
Rattlesnake Ledge is a year round staple of a hike and on our March list. It’s back for April with a springtime twist. Last month, it delivered solid views and a good workout, but now the trail’s forest is lusher, with new green growth softening the steady climb. The ledge’s sweeping panorama of the Snoqualmie Valley feels even crisper in April’s clearer clearer skies, and the snow’s long gone from this lower elevation. It’s a repeat worth doing for the brighter scenery and the chance to see the valley waking up. Still a crowd-pleaser, so start early!
Twin Falls earned its spot on our March list, and it’s back for April with a springtime glow-up. Last month, it was a serene escape with a steady flow, but now the snowmelt has cranked up the volume, making the double falls a louder, more impressive sight. The forest is shedding its winter drab for brighter greens, and the easy trail, still a breeze at 2.6 miles, feels refreshed with new growth. It’s worth a second visit this month to catch the falls at their peak power and soak in the livelier spring vibes.
Cherry Creek Falls brings an easygoing vibe to the spring lineup. This 5-mile round trip follows an old logging road to a 25-foot waterfall that’s swelling with snowmelt this month, making it a standout sight. The mostly flat trail is a breeze, and the forest is dotted with early wildflowers, adding pops of color to the trek. It’s a laid-back gem perfect for April’s milder days, with a cool pool at the falls to dip your toes if the sun’s out.
Little Si (Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area)
Distance: 3.7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Little Si is a moderate winner for April, offering a tamer taste of the North Bend area’s rugged beauty. This 3.7-mile trek climbs through forest to a rocky bluff with killer views of the Snoqualmie Valley, now framed by spring’s fresh greenery. The snow’s melted off this lower peak by April, and the trail’s steady ascent feels just right for shaking off winter. It’s a rewarding escape close to Seattle, with the forest buzzing with new life, perfect for a spring day when you want a challenge without the full Mount Si grind.
Asahel Curtis Nature Trail (Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest)
Humpback Creek
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
This short, sweet loop takes you through old-growth forest, a rarity in the Snoqualmie area. In April, the trail’s massive Douglas firs, cedars, and hemlocks tower over a carpet of ferns and maybe even a fe early wildflowers, all greening up with spring.
Humpback Creek babbles alongside, swollen from snowmelt, adding a soothing soundtrack without big crowds. It’s an easy win for a quick nature fix, perfect for April’s variable weather—shady, sheltered, and mud-manageable with good boots. Photographers love the mossy vibes, and it’s just off I-90 for a convenient escape.
Dog Mountain steps up as a moderate to hard spring stunner in the Columbia Gorge. This loop climbs to epic views of the river and Mount Hood, but April’s real draw is the wildflower show—balsamroot and lupine start painting the slopes yellow and purple late in the month. The elevation gain gives your legs a workout, but the payoff is worth it as the landscape shakes off winter. It’s a bit of a haul from Seattle, but Western Washington hikers will love the vibrant contrast to our evergreen norm, go midweek to skip the permit hassle!
Coal Creek Falls (Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park)
Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Coal Creek Falls is a chill spring escape close to the city. This 2.5-mile loop meanders through second-growth forest to a delicate waterfall that’s picking up steam from April’s snowmelt. The trail’s gentle climb keeps it easygoing, while the woods burst with fresh green ferns and moss, making it feel alive after winter. It’s a quick, no-fuss hike that delivers a dose of nature without the trek, perfect for a rainy day (expect mud!) or a lazy weekend when you want scenery without the sweat.
Trail of the Cedars is a serene spring stroll in the North Cascades. This flat 1.8-mile loop weaves through towering cedar groves along the Skagit River, where April brings swollen waters from snowmelt and the first hints of green in the undergrowth. It’s an easy, peaceful outing that feels wild yet accessible—Highway 20 typically reopens by mid-month, making it a go-to as the season shifts. The giant trees and riverside calm make it a perfect breather for anyone craving nature without the climb.
Bridal Veil Falls rounds out the list with a moderate spring bang. This 4-mile hike climbs through forest to a misty, multi-tiered waterfall that’s pumping in April thanks to snowmelt from the surrounding peaks. The trail’s steady ascent keeps it interesting without overdoing it, and the payoff is a front-row seat to the falls’ cascading power, way more dramatic than winter’s trickle. The forest is greening up, and the cool spray feels refreshing on a rare sunny day. It’s a classic Western Washington win, close enough for a spontaneous trip!
Final Thoughts On These April Hikes For Western Washington
April is a sweet spot for hiking in Western Washington. Nature’s waking up, but the summer crowds haven’t swarmed yet.
This month, the trails lean into spring’s best: waterfalls are thundering from snowmelt, forests are trading gray for green, and wildflowers are just starting to tease their colors. The hikes on this list keep it easy to moderate, so you can enjoy the season’s shift without battling icy peaks or muddy slogs (well, mostly—pack those waterproof boots!). Rain’s still a player, so layers and a good attitude are key, and always check trail updates on WTA or AllTrails since conditions can flip fast.
Whether you’re chasing falls, views, or a quiet cedar grove, April’s got you covered—get out there and soak it in before the high country steals the spotlight!
Got a fave from this list? Drop it in the comments—I’m always up for a trail chat! Happy hiking, explorers!
10 Best Hikes To Do In Western Washington in April
Spring is in full swing by April in Western Washington, coaxing hikers out of winter hibernation with promises of blooming wildflowers, gushing waterfalls, and snow-free trails at lower elevations.
While the high peaks of the Cascades might still be cloaked in white, the region’s foothills, forests, and river valleys are bursting with life, perfect for those itching to stretch their legs without needing crampons or snowshoes. April’s weather can be a mixed bag (hello, rain gear!), but the payoff is worth it: vibrant greenery, thundering cascades fueled by snowmelt, and fewer crowds than summer.
I’ve rounded up 10 easy-to-moderate hikes across Western Washington that shine this time of year—each one vetted for accessibility, scenery, and that sweet spot of effort versus reward. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just dusting off your boots, these trails deliver the best of spring without the slog. Let’s dive in!
Wallace Falls (Wallace Falls State Park)
Wallace Falls made our March list, and it’s back for April with even more punch. Last month, it was a moody, misty escape, but now the spring snowmelt has kicked in, turning the nine waterfalls along this trail into a roaring spectacle. The forest is waking up too—expect brighter greens and the first wildflowers peeking out. The moderate climb feels just right for shaking off winter rust, though the trail might still be muddy (pack those grippy boots!). It’s a repeat worth revisiting for the sheer power of the falls this month—louder, fuller, and more dramatic than March’s quieter flow.
WTA Info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/wallace-falls
Rattlesnake Ledge (Rattlesnake Mountain)
Rattlesnake Ledge is a year round staple of a hike and on our March list. It’s back for April with a springtime twist. Last month, it delivered solid views and a good workout, but now the trail’s forest is lusher, with new green growth softening the steady climb. The ledge’s sweeping panorama of the Snoqualmie Valley feels even crisper in April’s clearer clearer skies, and the snow’s long gone from this lower elevation. It’s a repeat worth doing for the brighter scenery and the chance to see the valley waking up. Still a crowd-pleaser, so start early!
WTA Info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rattlesnake-ledge
Twin Falls (Olallie State Park)
Twin Falls earned its spot on our March list, and it’s back for April with a springtime glow-up. Last month, it was a serene escape with a steady flow, but now the snowmelt has cranked up the volume, making the double falls a louder, more impressive sight. The forest is shedding its winter drab for brighter greens, and the easy trail, still a breeze at 2.6 miles, feels refreshed with new growth. It’s worth a second visit this month to catch the falls at their peak power and soak in the livelier spring vibes.
WTA Info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/twin-falls-state-park
Cherry Creek Falls (Near Duvall)
Cherry Creek Falls brings an easygoing vibe to the spring lineup. This 5-mile round trip follows an old logging road to a 25-foot waterfall that’s swelling with snowmelt this month, making it a standout sight. The mostly flat trail is a breeze, and the forest is dotted with early wildflowers, adding pops of color to the trek. It’s a laid-back gem perfect for April’s milder days, with a cool pool at the falls to dip your toes if the sun’s out.
Parking’s tight, so plan ahead!
WTA Info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cherry-creek-falls
Little Si (Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area)
Little Si is a moderate winner for April, offering a tamer taste of the North Bend area’s rugged beauty. This 3.7-mile trek climbs through forest to a rocky bluff with killer views of the Snoqualmie Valley, now framed by spring’s fresh greenery. The snow’s melted off this lower peak by April, and the trail’s steady ascent feels just right for shaking off winter. It’s a rewarding escape close to Seattle, with the forest buzzing with new life, perfect for a spring day when you want a challenge without the full Mount Si grind.
WTA Info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/little-si
Asahel Curtis Nature Trail (Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest)
This short, sweet loop takes you through old-growth forest, a rarity in the Snoqualmie area. In April, the trail’s massive Douglas firs, cedars, and hemlocks tower over a carpet of ferns and maybe even a fe early wildflowers, all greening up with spring.
Humpback Creek babbles alongside, swollen from snowmelt, adding a soothing soundtrack without big crowds. It’s an easy win for a quick nature fix, perfect for April’s variable weather—shady, sheltered, and mud-manageable with good boots. Photographers love the mossy vibes, and it’s just off I-90 for a convenient escape.
WTA Info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/asahel-curtis
Dog Mountain (Columbia River Gorge)
Dog Mountain steps up as a moderate to hard spring stunner in the Columbia Gorge. This loop climbs to epic views of the river and Mount Hood, but April’s real draw is the wildflower show—balsamroot and lupine start painting the slopes yellow and purple late in the month. The elevation gain gives your legs a workout, but the payoff is worth it as the landscape shakes off winter. It’s a bit of a haul from Seattle, but Western Washington hikers will love the vibrant contrast to our evergreen norm, go midweek to skip the permit hassle!
WTA Info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/dog-mountain
Coal Creek Falls (Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park)
Coal Creek Falls is a chill spring escape close to the city. This 2.5-mile loop meanders through second-growth forest to a delicate waterfall that’s picking up steam from April’s snowmelt. The trail’s gentle climb keeps it easygoing, while the woods burst with fresh green ferns and moss, making it feel alive after winter. It’s a quick, no-fuss hike that delivers a dose of nature without the trek, perfect for a rainy day (expect mud!) or a lazy weekend when you want scenery without the sweat.
WTA Info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/coal-creek-falls
Trail of the Cedars (North Cascades Highway)
Trail of the Cedars is a serene spring stroll in the North Cascades. This flat 1.8-mile loop weaves through towering cedar groves along the Skagit River, where April brings swollen waters from snowmelt and the first hints of green in the undergrowth. It’s an easy, peaceful outing that feels wild yet accessible—Highway 20 typically reopens by mid-month, making it a go-to as the season shifts. The giant trees and riverside calm make it a perfect breather for anyone craving nature without the climb.
WTA Info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/trail-of-the-cedars
Bridal Veil Falls (Near Index)
Bridal Veil Falls rounds out the list with a moderate spring bang. This 4-mile hike climbs through forest to a misty, multi-tiered waterfall that’s pumping in April thanks to snowmelt from the surrounding peaks. The trail’s steady ascent keeps it interesting without overdoing it, and the payoff is a front-row seat to the falls’ cascading power, way more dramatic than winter’s trickle. The forest is greening up, and the cool spray feels refreshing on a rare sunny day. It’s a classic Western Washington win, close enough for a spontaneous trip!
WTA Info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/bridal-veil-falls
Final Thoughts On These April Hikes For Western Washington
April is a sweet spot for hiking in Western Washington. Nature’s waking up, but the summer crowds haven’t swarmed yet.
This month, the trails lean into spring’s best: waterfalls are thundering from snowmelt, forests are trading gray for green, and wildflowers are just starting to tease their colors. The hikes on this list keep it easy to moderate, so you can enjoy the season’s shift without battling icy peaks or muddy slogs (well, mostly—pack those waterproof boots!). Rain’s still a player, so layers and a good attitude are key, and always check trail updates on WTA or AllTrails since conditions can flip fast.
Whether you’re chasing falls, views, or a quiet cedar grove, April’s got you covered—get out there and soak it in before the high country steals the spotlight!
Got a fave from this list? Drop it in the comments—I’m always up for a trail chat! Happy hiking, explorers!
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