15 Early Season Backpacking Trips in Washington: By A Local

It can be overwhelming to find hikes that don’t have too much snow in the spring or aren’t too strenuous for beginners. These 15 hikes are perfect for any early season backpacking in Washington.

This compiled list is based on my personal experience as a local in Washington. The backpacking spots below are some of my favorites during the early season of March – June.

As an avid hiker, I prefer trails off the beaten path and aren’t overpopulated. Hiking and backpacking in the spring is perfect because of the cooler temperatures, beautiful snow, and crisp rainfall. These conditions typically steer many people away, making it one of my favorite times of the year.

Ruby Beach in Washington State is a perfect place for early season backpacking.

Remember to always look at current trip reports during your planning phase. Safety is always the most important factor when stepping off into the woods.

If you need help with backpacking meals, winter backpacking checklist, the best hiking pants, or the ultimate backpacking necessities. I’ve got you covered!

Must-Have Backpacking Gear:

– Fastest Jetboil: Jetboil Zip
– Most Durable Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Alpine Poles
– Best Backpacking Boots: KEEN Targhee Waterproof Boots

15 Early Season Backpacking Trips in Washington

Early season backpacking in Washington is a whole different vibe. The snow starts to melt, trails start waking up, and you’re itching to swap those winter boots for your hiking ones.

Whether you’re ready to hit the trail in March or waiting for the first thaw in April, Washington’s a few spots perfect for an early start. Let’s dive into where to go, what to pack, and how to make the most out of early-season adventures in the PNW.

A sunset photo of a mountain in Washington State.

1. Enchanted Valley, Olympic National Park

Permits: Wilderness camping permit required.
Location: Quinault Rainforest, Olympic National Park.
Best Time: April to June for lush forest scenery and manageable river levels.
Campsites: Multiple backcountry sites, including near Enchanted Valley Chalet.
Highlights: Old-growth trees, waterfalls, bear sightings, and stunning glacial scenery.

One of the cold lakes in the Enchantments in Washington State.

2. Goat Lake, Henry M. Jackson Wilderness

Permits: Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking.
Location: Mountain Loop Highway, near Granite Falls.
Best Time: April to June, when snow starts to recede.
Campsites: Backcountry camping is available at the lake, which features great views.
Highlights: Alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and rushing waterfalls.

A moody black and white photo of Goat Lake in Washington with snow on the mountains.

3. Ancient Lakes, Quincy

Permits: Discover Pass required.
Location: Eastern Washington near the Columbia River Gorge.
Best Time: March to May; springtime brings blooming wildflowers and moderate temperatures.
Campsites: Primitive camping near the lakes and waterfalls.
Highlights: Unique desert landscape with lakes and basalt cliffs.

Ancient Lakes in Quincy on an overcast day

4. Hoh River Trail, Olympic National Park

Permits: Wilderness camping permit required.
Location: West side of Olympic National Park.
Best Time: March to May for fewer crowds and spectacular moss-covered trees.
Campsites: Multiple campsites along the trail; Five Mile Island is a popular spot.
Highlights: Iconic rainforest scenery, wildlife, and glacier views at the higher elevations.

A tree stump that looks like the shape of a heart in the Hoh Rainforest in Washington

5. Thunder Creek, North Cascades National Park

Permits: Wilderness camping permit required.
Location: Near Diablo Lake in the North Cascades.
Best Time: April to June; lower elevations along the trail melt out early.
Campsites: Designated backcountry campsites along Thunder Creek.
Highlights: Dense forest, glacial rivers, and the potential to spot wildlife.

One of the bridges early on in the trail of Thunder Creek.

6. Cape Alava to Sand Point Loop, Olympic National Park

Permits: Wilderness camping permit required.
Location: Northwest Washington, near Lake Ozette.
Best Time: March to May for fewer bugs and dramatic coastal scenery.
Campsites: Backcountry sites at Cape Alava and Sand Point.
Highlights: Ocean views, tide pools, and Native American petroglyphs.

Cape Avala in Washington with a beautiful orange sunset.

7. Duckabush River Trail, Olympic National Park

Permits: Wilderness camping permit required.
Location: Eastern Olympic Peninsula, along Hood Canal.
Best Time: April to June for early-season accessibility.
Campsites: Primitive sites along the river, including Five Mile Camp.
Highlights: Remote river valley, old-growth forest, and scenic campsites.

A icy blue river going through a forest in Washington.

8. Owyhigh Lakes, Mount Rainier National Park

Permits: Wilderness camping permit required.
Location: East side of Mount Rainier National Park.
Best Time: May to June; earlier snowmelt on this side of the park.
Campsites: Backcountry sites near the lakes.
Highlights: Alpine lakes surrounded by meadows, mountain views, and wildflowers.

Mt. Raininer during a sunrise with evergreen trees

9. Snowgrass Flat, Goat Rocks Wilderness

Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required.
Location: Between Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.
Best Time: May to June, once the snow starts to melt.
Campsites: Established campsites at Snowgrass Flat.
Highlights: Alpine meadows, views of Mount Adams, and spectacular wildflower displays.

10. Royal Basin, Olympic National Park

Permits: Wilderness camping permit required.
Location: Northeast Olympic Peninsula, near Sequim.
Best Time: May to June for fewer crowds and stunning early-season scenery.
Campsites: Backcountry camping near Royal Lake.
Highlights: High alpine basin, glacier views, and dramatic peaks.

Mountains still sprinkled with snow in Washington State showing how cold early season backpacking may be for hikers!

11. Lower Lena Lake, Olympic National Forest

Permits: Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking.
Location: Near Hamma Hamma River, Olympic Peninsula.
Best Time: April to June; great for early season when higher elevation trails are still snowed in.
Campsites: Designated campsites at Lower Lena Lake.
Highlights: Forested lake setting, surrounding peaks, and easy trail access.

Lower Lena Lake in Washington on a sunny day in Washington.

12. Sulphur Mountain, North Cascades National Park

Permits: Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking.
Location: Near Marblemount, off the Cascade River Road.
Best Time: May to June for snow-free trails at lower elevations.
Campsites: Primitive campsites at Sulphur Creek.
Highlights: Panoramic views of the North Cascades, less crowded than other popular hikes.

Wildflowers and mountain ranges on a beautiful spring day in Washington.

13. Lake Ingalls, Teanaway

Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required.
Location: Near Cle Elum, on the eastern slopes of the Cascades.
Best Time: Late April to early June, depending on snow levels.
Campsites: Established backcountry campsites near the lake.
Highlights: Incredible views of Mount Stuart, stunning alpine lake, and high-desert terrain.

A photo of a man overlooking the Teanaway area on a cloudy Washington day.

14. Colonial Creek Campground to Fourth of July Pass, North Cascades

Permits: Wilderness camping permit required.
Location: Off Highway 20, near Diablo Lake.
Best Time: April to June for early-season hiking.
Campsites: Backcountry sites at Fourth of July Pass.
Highlights: Forested trails, creek crossings, and views of surrounding peaks.

A woman with hot water from a jetboil making coffee at camp.

15. Marmot Pass, Buckhorn Wilderness

Permits: Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking.
Location: Olympic National Forest, near Quilcene.
Best Time: May to June, depending on snow conditions.
Campsites: Several backcountry sites at the pass or along the trail.
Highlights: Panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and expansive meadows.

An amazing photo of a sunset over the Olympic Mountain range in Washington.

Backpacking Season: What to Know

Why Backpack Early in Washington?

Backpacking early in the season is like getting backstage passes to the show before the crowds arrive. Think quieter trails, flowing waterfalls from all that snowmelt, and catching the first wildflowers before everyone else does. Plus, early season hikes let you beat the summer rush and stake out campsites that’ll be booked solid come July.

But, it’s not all sunshine and wildflowers. The weather can be unpredictable (yes, even more than usual), and some higher elevation spots will still have snowpack. That means gearing up right and knowing where to go can make or break your trip.

A sunrise photo of mountains in Washington.

Packing Tips for Early Season Backpacking

Since early season can mean snow in some places and mud in others, it’s good to be prepared for a mix of conditions:

Layer Up: Temps can swing from warm to freezing in a matter of hours. Having layers you can peel off or add back on is key. Don’t forget a rain jacket because, well, Washington.
Waterproof Boots and Gaiters: Melting snow means muddy trails and wet feet. Keep your feet dry and comfortable with some sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and a pair of gaiters to keep the slush out.
Microspikes or Trekking Poles: Even lower elevation trails can still have icy patches. Bring some microspikes if you’re unsure about conditions. Hiking poles will help with balance on uneven terrain too.

A woman hiking during early backpacking season in the snow with microspikes on.

Early Season Backpacking FAQs

When should I start hiking in Washington?
Frankly, anytime. Depending on the elevation and if you want to snowshoe part of it.

By April, more trails open up, and you can start exploring areas like the Cascades and Olympics, though higher elevation hikes might still be snow-covered.

Where is the best place to backpack in April?
Ancient Lakes is a solid pick in April, as it warms up early. The Olympic Coast is also a great option with its lower elevations and year-round accessibility.

Where is the best place to backpack in December?
December is more of a winter hiking time, but spots like the Olympic Coast remain accessible, and snowshoeing in places like Mount Rainier National Park or Stevens Pass is a popular alternative. Just make sure you’re geared up for winter conditions!

Early Season Backpacking Wrapped Up

I hope this local’s guide helps you plan your next adventure! Remember to think about safety while planning your trip. Pack extra warm clothing and other important items to help you stay warm during the cooler nights.

If you are interested in learning more about hikes in Washington or backpacking gear, check out more of my travel blog! 😊

Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels