A father brings his son and dog to Rainbow Falls State Park for the first time in this August 2017 file photo.
Outdoor lovers can start the year off right with free admission to Washington State Parks on Jan. 1, and First Day Hikes at nearly 40 parks throughout the state.
New Year’s Day will be one of 12 free admission days in 2019. Locally, First Day Hikes are being offered at Lewis and Clark State Park and Millersylvania State Park.
Lewis and Clark State Park, northeast of Winlock, offers “towering cedar and fir trees strung with lichen and moss.” The hike will last a couple hours, starting at 10 a.m. in the park’s CCC kitchen shelter. A warm fire, drinks, snacks and a short presentation will be offered.
The hike at Millersylvania, just off of exit 95 on Interstate 5, strolls through “old-growth forest, orchards, wetlands and lakeside views.” The 2.5 mile hike will be led by a ranger, and coffee and snacks will be provided before and after. Hikers will meet at 9 a.m.
