Mount Baker, Washington (July-September)
The snow melts a little later here, but when it does, "it's wildflower heaven with dramatic scenery," says Anna Roth, hiking content manager at the Washington Trails Association. Hike Picture Lake's pavement and boardwalk trail or the steeper Fire and Ice Trail (also paved), and keep watch for the flowering heather and the purples, reds and yellows of penstemons, lupine, paintbrush and fleabane. At Artist Point, views of snowy peaks are nearly outmatched by the sight of a shimmering carpet of colorful wildflowers. While driving the Mount Baker Scenic Byway (Washington State Route 542), stop at the Glacier Public Service Center or Heather Meadows Visitor Center for guidance and accessible restrooms, but remember to check before you go to make sure the road is open and amenities are available.
