5 Can’t-Miss Spring Hikes

Five low-elevation hikes for spring when you’re itching to get outdoors.

When the sun comes peeking out and temperatures start to warm, get out and enjoy the flowers – the wildflowers, of course. These five low-elevation hikes are accessible in early spring. Be sure to check weather and trail conditions before heading out.

Old Sauk River Trail

From this flat, riverside trail, look for trilliums, dwarf dogwoods, wood violets, twinflowers and starflowers. When road conditions allow, WTA recommends you make a day of it: enjoy a picnic here, then continue around to the Big Four Ice Caves.


Big Four Ice Caves

While the ice caves are the marquee attraction, you can view spring wildflowers along the way, including trillium, valerian, queens cup and bright magenta fireweed. IMPORTANT NOTE: Never enter or climb above the ice caves.


Beaver Lake Trail

Following the old Sauk River Logging Railroad tracks, this is a family-friendly walk through the woods with a variety of wildflowers trailside, including yellow wood violet, Western bleeding heart and trillium.


Iron Goat Scenic Trail 1074

The first few miles of this wide gravel trail are ADA accessible. You’ll follow along the upper and lower sections of an abandoned Great Northern Railway grade. IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not enter the tunnels or climb in or on the snowsheds.


Paradise Valley Conservation Area

Check out the trails kiosk to plan your route. On the Wetland Plateau trail, look for bright magenta salmonberry flowers and red huckleberry; on the Southern Traverse trail, white trillium; on the Bigleaf trail, Western bleeding heart.