Best Spring Hikes if you live in Tacoma, WA
The cherry blossoms have bloomed, people are coming out of hibernation, and my brain starts to remember how much I love hiking! Spring hiking can be tricky; there’s still snow in the mountains, and you have to check the weather reports day of, but it feels so good to get outside again. Here are our three favorite Spring hikes in Tacoma, WA. ** Please note, these are all a fair drive away, if you want short hikes in Tacoma, please read THIS blog.
-5 Miles, 500 ft elevation gain.
This is the perfect spring starter hike to a gorgeous waterfall. Not too long, not too steep and not too far away, it ticks all the boxes for a season beginner. Read the trip reports before you go and maybe even bring your swimsuit if you fancy a cold plunge.
-7.8 miles, 2000 ft elevation gain.
Ok so Rattlesnake is definitely a level up from Mashel, and a great way to begin to get your hiking legs back. This hike becomes extremely popular in the late Spring/Summer months so going earlier in the season is recommended. Gorgeous views of the lake below, bring warm layers as it can be windy at the top!
-4 miles, 2065 ft elevation gain.
While only four miles may make it seem like this will be an easy hike, trust us, it’s a challenging trail. This one is iffy in early spring but if you bring your micro spikes you should be able to make it to the top! This hike has it all, with a waterfall detour at the start, to stunning views at the top of the peak, it’s a fan favorite but we don’t recommend for the faint of heart. If you are scared of heights - skip it, as the final section is quite steep (there are ropes to help you climb the final few sections, hiking shoes required and gloves recommended), and then there is a short ridge portion that has a steep drop off on each side before opening up to the final lookout.
As always, do your research before you hike, have all the essentials required for a hike and be safe!
