Free First Day Hikes in State Parks

— from Washington State Parks —

Washington State Parks invites the public to start the new year off with a First Day Hike on Monday, Jan. 1, at more than three dozen state parks across Washington.

“First Day Hikes are a fitting way to cap off the holidays and discover the off-season appeal of Washington’s state parks,” said Don Hoch, Washington State Parks director. “This year parks are offering something for every fitness level and interest, including guided hikes with rangers, snowshoe treks and fat bike rides.”

First Day Hikes will take place in a diverse and dramatic range of landscapes and historic features, including coastal beaches, islands, waterfalls, lowland forests, lighthouses, geological points of interest and more.

Washington was among the first states in the nation to participate in First Day Hikes, a nationwide initiative organized by the National Association of State Parks Directors. Currently, all 50 state park systems participate in the effort. More information about the program and hikes being offered all over the country is here: www.naspd.org/initiatives-special-programs/first-day-hikes/.

Jan. 1 also is the first of 12 Washington State Parks “free days” taking place in 2018. Park visitors will not need to display the Discover Pass on vehicles to access state parks for the New Year’s Day activities or for other state park visits on that day.

Most participating parks will offer refreshments following the outings, thanks to funding from the Seattle RV and Puyallup RV shows and the Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU).

More details about First Day Hikes are on Washington State Parks’ official blog, Adventure Awaits, at: https://adventureawaits.com/253/2018-First-Day-Hikes-12-14-17

First Day Hikes at Washington state parks are scheduled as follows and are listed by county. Participants should plan for winter weather and dress appropriately, including sturdy footwear. Snacks and water are also recommended.

Island county

Cama Beach Historical State Park: The park is offering two options this year—take one or both! The first is a leisurely ranger-led 3/4-mile walk—ideal for the whole family, with opportunities to stop and take photos. You will learn about the history and the animals and plants of the area along the way. The second option, a little more strenuous, takes you on a guided hike through the coniferous forest and along the edge of the bluff with great views. This second option is just over 2 miles one way, with a shuttle service back to the trailhead. Meet at 11 a.m. for the first hike and at noon for the second hike. Both hikes take off from the park’s drop-off shelter. (Park map: https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1847)

Camano Island State Park: Try your hand at geocaching on this family-friendly walk. Park staff will provide GPS units to use during this 1-mile walk, where you can hunt for treasures in six caches. Meet at 10 a.m. at the park cabins. (Park map: https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1848)

Deception Pass State Park: Park staff will guide hikers around the Sand Dunes Interpretive Trail loop. This paved trail is ADA-accessible, stroller friendly and just over 1 mile. The trail provides views of the Salish Sea as it winds its way through dune forests, wetlands, sandy beaches and past one of the oldest trees in the park. Meet at 10 a.m. at the West Beach Shelter at West Beach. (Park directions: https://goo.gl/maps/fxzS3adJq1s)

Fort Ebey State Park: Get fit and learn about the region’s geological and biological history while hiking 2 miles through Kettle trails and forests. Meet at 9:30 a.m. for refreshments, 10 a.m. for the hike at the Beach access parking lot by the restrooms. (Park map: https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1868)

Jefferson county

Dosewallips State Park: Take a 3-1/2-mile tour of the park’s dynamic forest-meets-estuary environment, and discover why it is so important to migrating elk herds and spawning salmon. Meet at 2 p.m. at the day use parking lot on the east side Highway 101. (Park map: https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1862)

ADDED Dec. 19: Fort Flagler Historical State Park: Find out why winter birdwatching is so popular in the Puget Sound area. A local birding enthusiast will lead short walks in three different parts of the park, where 65 different species of birds have been recently spotted. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the lower campground parking area. (Park map: https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1869)

San Juan county

Lime Kiln Point State Park: Explore the natural, ancient and recent histories of this park on San Juan Island. Journey from the lighthouse to the park’s lime kiln and quarries. Keep hiking to Dead Man’s Bay for stunning views. Finish the day and warm up at the park’s interpretive center. Meet at 11 a.m. at the whale in front of the interpretive center. (Park map: https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1902)

Moran State Park: Take a 3-mile guided stroll through the heart of Moran State Park. Wander through forest groves to picturesque bluffs and over an historic bridge spanning Cascade Lagoon. For the daring, cap off the outing with plunge in Cascade Lake. Meet at 9 a.m. at Cascade Lake day use shelter. (Park map: https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1910)

Skagit county

Rasar State Park: Parks staff will lead a 1-mile walk to the Skagit River and give a brief history of the park, with the likelihood of encountering elk, eagles and other wildlife. Meet at 10 a.m. at the day use park lot shelter. (Park map: https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1933)

Rockport State Park: The park kicks off 2018 with its first Healthy Hikes event of the season. A local fitness instructor will lead the hike and include tips for warm-ups, stretching and healthy nutrition. Meet at 11 a.m. at the picnic shelter near the day-use restrooms. (Park map: https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1938)

Whatcom county

Larrabee State Park: Follow the 2 Dollar Trail through an old growth forest up to the lovely Fragrance Lake. The hike will be of particular interest to those who enjoy identifying different types of ferns, trees and fungus. Meet at 9 a.m. at the 2 Dollar Trailhead on Cleator Road. (Park map: https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1898)

About Washington State Parks

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

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