On New Year’s Day, Washington State Parks will waive the normally required Discover Pass and allow free access to visitors of state parks.
Better yet, the state is offering a broad range of First Day Hikes across the region, providing outdoor recreationalists with an opportunity to learn more about nearby gems.
Washington’s New Year’s events are a part of the national First Day Hikes, a program of America’s State Parks. On Jan. 1, people come together to enjoy a healthy New Year’s tradition and enjoy a great outdoor experience at parks in all 50 states.
“From fairy-tale forests to towering lighthouses, wind-swept Pacific dunes to pristine volcanic lakes, southwest Washington state parks offer top-notch outdoor experiences,” State Parks wrote in a press release. “This New Year’s Day, experience the wild beauty that is southwest Washington with a First Day Hike at state parks south, west and a little east of Puget Sound.”
The only First Day Hike in Lewis County this year is at Lewis and Clark State Park. There’s also an event at Millersylvania State Park in Thurston County.
Below is a rundown of each hike, and a couple others in nearby counties, as provided by Washington State Parks.
Learn more at https://bit.ly/2QC8bTo.
Lewis and Clark State Park
Join park staff to explore the beautiful old-growth forest this park has to offer. Learn about the area’s rich history as well as the abundant flora and fauna. This scenic hike takes you under towering cedar and fir trees strung with lichen and moss and through a lush understory teeming with ferns. The hike will begin in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) kitchen shelter where a warm fire and drinks and snacks will be provided. A short presentation will take place on the local wildlife.
Name of hike: Lewis and Clark First Day Hike
Name of trail: Trail of the Deer/Old Growth Trail Loop
Time: 10 a.m.
Length of hike: 2 miles
Where to meet: Main front entrance gate. The park is closed to cars in the winter, so park across the road (Jackson Highway) by the park office. Walk past the gate up the roadway to the kitchen shelter where the hike begins. Look for signs indicating the start of the hike.
Difficulty: Moderate
Minimum age of participant: All ages; babies in backpacks welcome.
Note: The trail can be wet and muddy during the winter months, and there are tree roots to step over. The trail has a small amount of elevation gain throughout. Shorter alternate paths are available.
ADA accessible? No
Stroller accessible? No
Dogs allowed on leash? Yes
What to bring: Rain gear, as well as warm winter layers. Sturdy hiking shoes or muck-boots. No technical gear required, though walking poles are welcome.
Contact/organizer: Alysa Adams, alysa.adams@parks.wa.gov
Further information/event cancellation: 360-864-2643
Millersylvania State Park
Take a ranger-led hike through this classic Pacific Northwest CCC camping park. Explore the wetlands, lakeside, forest and orchard.
Name of hike: Millersylvania First Day Hike
Name of trail: Fen Way, Maple Hollow and Old-Growth trails
Time: 10 a.m.
Length of hike: 2 to 4 miles
Where to meet: Shelter 3
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum age of participant: None
Note: Boardwalks may be icy, which may alter route
ADA accessible? No
Stroller accessible? No
Dogs allowed on leash? Yes
What to bring: Sturdy shoes with good tread (waterproof shoes recommended but not required) and weather appropriate attire.
Contact/organizer: Ranger Lance Schlosser, millersylvania@parks.wa.gov
Further information/event cancellation: 360-753-1519
Beacon Rock State Park
Drinking in the dramatic beauty of the Columbia River is a great way to start the new year. After the hike, join the fun at Doetsch Day-Use Shelter, and enjoy a campfire, roast hot dogs and marshmallows, and warm up with some hot chocolate.
Name of hike: Beacon Rock First Day Hike
Name of trail: Beacon Rock Trail
Time: 10 a.m.
Length of hike: 2 miles
Where to meet: Beacon Rock Trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate
Minimum age of participant: None
ADA accessible? No
Stroller accessible? No
Dogs allowed on leash? Yes
What to bring: Camera, binoculars, bring plenty of warm clothes
Contact/organizer: Bob Holland, bob.holland@parks.wa.gov
Further information/event cancellation: 509-427-8265
Cape Disappointment State Park
Join Interpretive Specialist Aaron Webster on a walk through time and learn the fascinating history of this well-loved park.
Name of hike: A Walk Through Time
Name of trail: Boardwalk Trail
Time: Noon
Length of hike: 1.5 miles
Where to meet: Bolstad Beach Approach
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum age of participant: None
Note: Dress for winter weather on the Pacific Coast
ADA accessible? Yes
Stroller accessible? Yes
Dogs allowed on leash? Yes
What to bring: Water, wet weather gear
Contact/organizer: Aaron Webster, aaron.webster@parks.wa.gov
Further information/event cancellation: 360-642-3029
Lake Sylvia State Park
Take an easy afternoon ranger-led stroll through this classic Montesano-area favorite. Check out the dam left over from the hydro-electric station that once provided power to the area.
Name of hike: Lake Sylvia State Park First Day Hike
Name of trail: Lake Sylvia Loop
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Length of hike: 2.3 miles
Where to meet: Legacy Pavilion
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum age of participant: 8
ADA accessible? No
Stroller accessible? No
Dogs allowed on leash? Yes
What to bring: Rubber boots and wet-weather clothing.
Contact/organizer: Nick Schwalb, nick.schwalb@parks.wa.gov
Further information/event cancellation: 360-249-3621