‘First Day Hikes’ event will allow visitors to hike for free at Washington State Parks on New Year’s Day

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The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is inviting the public to start off the new year with its First Day Hikes event on Jan. 1.

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

First Day Hikes range in difficulty from paved, flat Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible trails to moderate hill climbs. Some parks will host multiple hikes with options for different interests and abilities.

Some of the First Day Hike options 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 St. Helens Visitor Center.

The First Day Hikes event is part of a national initiative led by America’s State Parks. Last year 55,000 people hiked over 133,000 miles during First Day Hikes nationwide.

Most First Day Hikes require advanced registration and group sizes may be limited. Selected hikes will have snowshoes available for visitors to use.

New Year’s Day is the first of several days throughout the year during which visitors to state recreational land will not be required to have a Discover Pass.