Washington residents are invited to celebrate the new year with Washington State Parks during the First Day Hikes events on Jan. 1, 2025.
More than 30 state parks will host staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe excursions, trail rides, polar plunges, scavenger hunts and more on New Year’s Day.
First Day Hikes events vary in difficulty, ranging from smooth, flat Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible trails to moderate hill climbs. A few parks will offer multiple hikes catering to different interests and abilities. Additionally, several hikes will include talks with rangers, which allow attendees to learn about the park’s history and natural features.
First Day Hikes experiences for visitors to check out include:
A 2.5-mile trek on scenic trails and through historic structures at Fort Worden.
A photo scavenger hunt at Palouse Falls, home to Washington’s official state waterfall.
A cold-water plunge experience at Maryhill’s swim beach.
A guided 2.5-mile snowshoe hike at Lake Wenatchee with limited free snowshoe rentals available.
A 1.5-mile exploration of the lush, old-growth forest at South Whidbey.
A self-guided ride with your horse and other riders along the well-maintained, equestrian-friendly trails of Bridle Trails.
ADA-accessible hikes at Bridle Trails, Columbia Plateau Trail, Lake Sylvia, Palouse Falls, Seaquest and Wenatchee Confluence.
First Day Hikes is a national initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages everyone to embrace the outdoors as the new year begins. Last year, more than 1,700 participants hiked, biked and snowshoed 2,907.2 miles of trails in Washington’s state parks.
Most First Day Hikes require advanced registration, and group sizes may be limited. Select hikes will have snowshoes available for visitors to reserve. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3ha76f6d to view activities and registration information.
Bottle Beach State Park, 10 a.m.
Come explore the history of Bottle Beach with Ranger Lisa. In the early 1900s the land was a boom town. The factors that made the town go bust are exactly what make it an important stop over for migrating shorebirds. Learn about the interconnectivity of nature and human history as you ring in the New Year.
Griffiths-Priday State Park, noon
Begin the new year on a guided hike through secluded Griffiths-Priday State Park and learn about its unique ecology and history.
Lake Sylvia State Park, 1 p.m.
1.5 Lake Trail – Open to all ages
Meet at the Legacy Pavilion at 1pm. The hike will begin there and will go around the lake, 1.5 miles. The trail can be slippery and muddy, so rain/mud boots are heavily recommended.
Forest Bathing Stroll
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersing in nature for health and wellness benefits. The hike will begin at the Legacy Pavilion. The walk is a gentle easy stroll through the park and group camp.
0.5 Mile Kids Hike
Our kids hike begins at the legacy pavilion. The group will be led by staff over the bridge and up through group camp and back toward the dam and back to the legacy pavilion. Along the way plant species and little critters will be discussed.
