5 Best Washington Hikes with Dogs in May

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In May, raging rivers begin to lessen their flows and morph into gently cascading waterfalls as spring marches on toward summer. The lush forests and meadows display every shade of green imaginable. Many of the higher elevation hikes are still under snow, but the mid-elevation hikes are beginning to thaw. Get out and enjoy the land of abundance with your pup!

  1. Angel Falls Loop: 3.4 miles round-trip, 300 feet elevation gain, South Cascades and Mount Rainier region, no parking pass. This is a lovely short hike through old-growth forest along the Cowlitz River, first taking you to Covell Creek Falls and then Angel Falls, both lovely but you may get your feet a little wet on this trail. Small-town food options in Randle include the Mount Adams Cafe and Spiffy Dine In Drive In.
  2. Snoquera Falls Loop: 3.9 miles round-trip, 975 feet elevation gain, South Cascades and Mount Rainier region, Northwest Forest Pass. After a hike in the mossy rainforest, hike to beautiful falls cascading down a rock wall (best in early spring) and, if safe, cross the stream through the boulder field. Enumclaw is my go-to town for (obligatory) post-hike feasts in this area–Pita’s Taqueria has huge burritos while Il Siciliano Ristorante Italiano offers rich and satisfying raviolis.
  3. Three Corner Rock: 4.4 miles round-trip, 800 feet elevation gain, Southwest Washington region, Discover Pass. Views of three mountains (Adams, Rainier, and St. Helens) coupled with wildflowers (in spring and summer) make this a high-value reward for relatively little effort, but save it for a clear day to experience the full splendor. To make this day hike even more rewarding, if that is possible, head to Tommy O’s Pacific Rim Bistro in Vancouver–weekend brunch offers delightful malasadas (Hawaiian beignets) while lunch/dinner offers tasty Kalua Pork, specialty sushi rolls, and poke.
  4. Lake Twentytwo: 5.4 miles round-trip, 1350 feet elevation gain, North Cascades region, Northwest Forest Pass. Wildflowers, mountain views, wildlife, waterfalls, wild berries, old growth forest, a river, and a lake? This hike has it all. After you feast your eyes, hit up Brooklyn Bros Pizzeria in Everett for thin-crust New York-style pizza.
  5. Ruby Beach: 6.0 miles round-trip, 80 feet elevation gain, Olympics region, no parking pass. Walk the beach and enjoy a leisurely stroll as you pass by the famous sea stacks to the north, keeping alert to dodge sleeper waves. Clam chowder and fish and chips are the food of the coast. Stop by Creekside Restaurant at the Kalaloch Lodge in Forks or Breakwater Seafood and Chowder House in Aberdeen for some of each.