Washington Native Plant Society Spring Hikes
Botanical field walks through forest, prairie, canyon, and coastal habitat — trillium, toothwort, camas, and serviceberry with expert plant identification guidance.
About the event
The Washington Native Plant Society's 12 regional chapters organize field walks, botanical tours, native plant sales, and restoration work parties across the state from early spring through fall. Spring events focus on early bloomers — trillium, toothwort, camas, and serviceberry — as they emerge across different habitat types and elevations.
Spring hikes visit diverse terrain: the Dosewallips River Trail for toothwort, Puget Lowland prairies, Frenchman Coulee canyon, the Leavenworth Spring Ski Hill Walk, and forested south-facing slopes where the season arrives earliest. Native plant sales provide an opportunity to take home the same species you've been learning to identify in the field.
What to expect
Field trips are chapter-organized, typically small groups led by knowledgeable botanists who provide plant identification guidance at all skill levels. Events also include native plant sales, botanical drawing classes, and volunteer work parties removing invasive species from restoration sites.
Some hikes travel on uneven ground or off established trails. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, dress in layers, and bring water. A hand lens is useful but not required.