More than 40 state parks offer First Day Hikes on Jan. 1

Washington State Parks is inviting the public to ring in the new year during its annual First Day Hikes event on Jan. 1.

At least 40 state parks will host staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe excursions, bike rides and more on New Year’s Day.

The First Day Hikes will range in difficulty from paved, flat ADA-accessible trails to moderate hill climbs. A few parks will host more than one hike, with options tailored to different interests and abilities. Additionally, some hikes will include educational talks where rangers will speak about the history and natural features of their parks.

Some First Day Hike adventures include:

• A 3-mile, ranger-led snowshoe hike at Easton Reload Sno-Park.

• A beginner and advanced guided bike ride at Fort Ebey State Park.

• A mile-long hike perfect for kids at Lake Sylvia State Park.

• A 1.5-mile interpretive history hike at Lincoln Rock State Park.

• A 1.5-mile guided snowshoe hike at Lake Wenatchee State Park with limited snowshoe rentals available.

• ADA-accessible hikes at Columbia Plateau Trail State Park, Deception Pass State Park, Lime Kiln State Park, Rockport State Park, Sacajawea State Park and Seaquest State Park/Mount Saint Helens Visitor Center.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative led by America’s State Parks, encouraging people to get outdoors on New Year’s Day. Last year, nearly 55,000 people hiked more than 133,000 miles during free events throughout the nation.

Most First Day Hikes require advance registration, and group sizes might be limited. Additionally, select hikes will have snowshoes available for visitors to use.

Visit parks.wa.gov/1229/First-Day-Hikes to view activities and registration information.

New Year’s Day also marks the first state-managed land free day of 2023. Visitors will not need a Discover Pass to park on state recreation lands.