Wildflowers & Hiking in Southwest Washington
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Your guide to the best early season hikes and wildflower spots near Welch Cabin.
🛎️Book Your Stay:
📞 360-991-8261
Wildflower season in Southwest Washington begins its big show from April through June, when the hillsides, meadows, and forest edges start filling with color. From the cabin’s own forest to the open volcanic plains near Mt. St. Helens, this is one of the most rewarding times of year to explore the region.
You don’t have to go far from Welch Cabin to find yourself surrounded by the best of the Pacific Northwest. Lace up your boots for a wander through the property’s quiet acres or head toward the mountain for sweeping views and wide open spaces. Either way, the cabin is always a cozy place to come home to.
Below are three trails worth adding to your spring and early summer list. Each one offers something a little different and each one is well worth the drive.
1. Tarbell Trail — Yacolt Burn State Forest
Distance: Up to 22 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Highlights: Wildflowers, Waterfalls, Volcano Views
The Tarbell Trail system is one of Southwest Washington’s hidden gems. This 22 mile loop winds through the Yacolt Burn State Forest with creek crossings, varied terrain, and big views of Mt. St. Helens on clear days. You can choose your own adventure here. Shorter out and back options, including the popular route to Hidden Falls, make it accessible for many hikers.
In spring, the open sections come alive with Wild Iris, Lupine, Beargrass, and Wood Anemone. Dogs are welcome on leash, and the trail is shared with mountain bikers and horses.
💡 Tip: If you want a full day without committing to the entire loop, the section to Hidden Falls is a great choice at roughly 10 to 11 miles round trip.
🛎️Book Your Stay:
📞 360-991-8261
2. Volcano View Trail — Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy, Family Friendly
Highlights: Volcano Views, Old Growth Stumps, Great for Kids
This gentle one mile nature trail is perfect for families and younger hikers. It winds past moss covered boulders, old growth stumps with hemlocks sprouting from their tops, and a quiet forested hillside before opening to a rewarding south facing view of Mt. St. Helens.
Located near the Ape Cave visitor area on the south side of the monument, it pairs beautifully with a cave exploration day or stands on its own as a short, memorable outing. A wheelchair accessible viewing platform is available near the trailhead.
🌋 Tip: Ape Cave reopens May 22, 2026. Combine both for a full day that kids absolutely love. Timed entry tickets here>>
3. Winds of Change — Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Distance: Short
Difficulty: Easy, Open Plains Highlights: Blast Zone Views, Interpretive Signs, Wildflowers
Winds of Change is a short but unforgettable walk across the open volcanic plains. The views of the blast zone are wide and humbling, and interpretive signs along the way help bring the story of the 1980 eruption into focus. Spring and early summer are especially beautiful as pioneer species like Lupine, Paintbrush, and Pearly Everlasting continue their slow return to the landscape.
⚠️ Note: This trail is only accessible when the Mt. St. Helens Science and Learning Center is open from 10 am to 4 pm. Plan your timing ahead of your visit.
What You Might Spot at Welch Cabin
The cabin’s own forest and grounds are home to a lovely collection of Pacific Northwest natives. Keep an eye out for:
Indian Plum (Osoberry) — one of the first to bloom each spring
Sword Fern — a classic forest staple
Oregon Grape — bright yellow blooms and tart berries
Snow Queen — a delicate purple spring wildflower
Pacific Bleeding Heart — soft pink, heart shaped blooms
Pacific Banana Slug — a cabin favorite and a true PNW icon
📚 Trail Tip: Grab the copy of Northwest Wildflowers from the cabin bookshelf before you head out. It makes trail spotting and hiking in Southwest Washington even more fun.
The Best Part of Any Hike
After a day on the trails, nothing beats returning to the cabin. Kick off your boots, pour a beverage, and settle onto the deck as the sound of the Kalama River drifts up through the trees. That’s the rhythm of a Welch Cabin weekend. It never gets old.
🛎️Book Your Stay:
📞 360-991-8261
Comments