40+ WA State Parks Offer 'First Day Hikes' On New Year's Day

WASHINGTON — A slew of holiday adventures are on tap across the Washington State Parks system on New Year's Day, with at least 42 parks participating in the "First Day Hikes" program on Jan. 1, 2022.

Planned excursions include staff-led hikes, self-guided hikes, snowshoeing, bike rides, dog walks and skiing at various parks in Northwest, Southwest and Eastern Washington. All the events are free, and entrance fees are waived, but some may require pre-registration or a Sno-Park permit.

Here are a few events highlighted by Washington State Parks:

• A 5.5-mile, ranger-led hike on the Columbia Plateau Trail in southeastern Washington.
• A .25-mile staff-led trip on a paved walkway to views of Palouse Falls with geological information.
• A dog-friendly stroll at Sacajawea State Park.
• A guided snowshoe at Lake Wenatchee with snowshoe rentals available.
• A stroller-accessible hike in an old-growth forest at Millersylvania.

Parks officials said difficulty will depend on the event, but several parks will host more than one outing to cater to visitors of all interests and abilities. A few staff-led hikes will also serve as an educational opportunity, with rangers on hand to talk about the history and significance of the area.

Washington's First Day Hikes are part of a broader, nationwide program led by America's State Parks to encourage outdoor recreation on New Year's Day. Officials said more than 85,000 people participated across the United States in 2020.

Families can check out a full list of activities and register for a hike on the Washington State Parks website.