Start 2024 With an Adventure!

Washington State Parks invites you to start the new year by taking a hike at one of the beautiful state parks offering special events on January 1, 2024.

On the first day of the year, several Washington State Parks are offering guided hikes, bike rides, snowshoe excursions and other activities at many state parks. Not only are all hikes free, but a Discover Pass parking pass is not required. January 1 is one of the 2024 free days at Washington State Parks. On top of that, participants can pick up their free Washington State Parks 2024 First Day Hikes pin!

First day hike organizers suggest that you read the hike and activity descriptions carefully to make sure that you bring what you need, and that the activity/difficulty level suits you. Many, but not all hikes, are suitable for beginners. Some of the guided hikes also offer hot drinks and snacks before the hike begins. To read the descriptions and to register, visit this link: First Day Hikes | Washington State Parks.

The hikes are divided into regions, including Northwest Washington, Eastern Washington and Southwest Washington. Clicking on the different hikes will offer more information about needed equipment and difficulty level, as well as providing information about how to reach out to the event organizers with any questions. Some hikes are weather dependent.

Some of the guided Northwest Washington First Day Hikes include:

• Cranberry Lake at Cama Beach State Park (moderate): 2.5 miles, suitable for beginners. This gentle trail leads you through the forest to a marsh ecosystem, where there is an active beaver lodge.
• Howard Adams Trail at Camano Island State Park (moderate): Length of hike – 2.5 miles; suitable for beginners. This gentle trail leads you through the forest, where you can set your intentions for the new year and enjoy the time spent outdoors.
• Dash Point State Park (easy) – join others to experience this brand new trail:  This easy hike is less than a mile, although you may encounter muddy, uneven, slippery conditions and a small creek crossing.  Your guide will help you look for signs of winter wildlife.
• Deception Pass State Park and Scavenger Hunt: (easy to difficult hikes are available, each with their own group leader). Participants will have the opportunity to look for birds and marine mammals while enjoying amazing views of the Salish Sea. A Scavenger Hunt for all ages at Bowman Bay is featured.
• Fort Casey Historical State Park (moderate): Join members of the Fort Casey Volunteer Battalion as they host history hikes at the batteries and other locations around Fort Casey.
• Fort Ebey State Park (biking adventure): A Park Ranger will lead a bike ride, with interpretive talks sprinkled in at scheduled stops along the ride.
• Fort Townsend State Park (easy): this half-mile hike will offer interpretive talks about the park’s history.
• Lake Sammamish State Park (easy): A guide will help you discover featured and furry creatures on this one-half walk along the boardwalk, including the chance to see a beaver. Brave souls can register for the Polar Bear Plunge on the same day!
• Larrabee State Park (easy): join the ranger for a 1.4 mile round-trip hike on a newly renovated trail that includes bridges, boardwalks and a pedestrian overpass, along with talks about the flora and fauna you may encounter along the way, plus the history of this fascinating state park.
• Lime Kiln State Park (moderate): the park ranger will lead a 3-mile walk to the Whale Wall, the Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse, and talks on the rich history of this park. Suitable for beginners.
• Millersylvania Sate Park (easy): Join park staff for displays and treats and information about the scavenger hunt hike, which is up to 2.7 miles.
• Nolte Sate Park (easy): the park ranger will point out the flora and fauna of the park on this 1.5 mile hike.
• Obstruction Pass State Park (easy): this ranger-led hike includes beachcombing and tide-pooling, and offers a scavenger hunt and naturalist program.
• Rockport State Park (easy): Shhhh! Take a silent hike through Rockport’s deep, beautiful forest, with like-minded individuals looking for a meditative hike. Another hike later in the day offers an interpretive talk about the unique trees and other features.
• Saltwater State Park (moderate): first walk through the forest then take a walk on the beach!
• South Whidbey State Park (easy): this walk is designed for the little ones, so grab your grandkids and get outdoors. Different ideas will be offered on how to keep kids engaged while on the trail.
• Spenser Spit State Park (easy): join the ranger for a guided hike on the new trail, 1.5 miles with little to no elevation gain.
• Wallace Falls State Park (moderate): the ranger will lead an out-and-back hike to Middle Falls on the popular Woody Trail. Round-trip is 4.2 miles with an elevation gain of approximately 800 feet.

Be sure to visit the link for learn about additional hikes, descriptions, what to bring, how to register and other details: First Day Hikes | Washington State Parks

Washington State Parks and Northwest Prime Time wish all “First Day Hike” participants a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

NOTE: While no Discover Pass is required on January 1 for the first day hikes, if you plan to park at a location that required a Sno-Park permit. 

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