Ring in the new year with a paddle along Mayfield Lake at Ike Kinswa State Park.
The Washington State Parks system will offer a guided kayaking trip as part of the annual First Day Hikes event on New Year’s Day. A national initiative, more than 1,500 participants traversed 2,652 trail miles in Washington’s parks on Jan. 1, 2024.
Other events across the state include:
• A medium-to-advanced level bike ride at Fort Ebey State Park
• A scavenger hunt at Deception Pass State Park’s Bowman Bay
• A 2.5-mile guided snowshoe hike at Lake Wenatchee State Park
• A half-mile walk along Lake Sammamish State Park’s boardwalk
• A self-guided trail ride through Bridle Trails State Park
• ADA-accessible hikes at Bridle Trails State Park, Columbia Plateau Trail State Park, Klickitat State Park Trail, Lake Sammamish State Park, Lime Kiln State Park, Lincoln Rock State Park, Palouse Falls State Park, Rockport State Park, Sacajawea State Park, Schafer State Park and Seaquest State Park
In total, Washington State Parks will offer more than 40 events. First Day Hikes is the first state-managed land free day of 2024, and visitors will not need a Discover Pass to park on state recreation lands. Sno-park permits will still be required at state parks that become sno-parks during the winter.
The event at Ike Kinswa State Park will run from noon to 3 p.m. and includes complimentary access to paddles and kayaks. The 3-mile trip is open to beginners, though it is limited to children older than 11 years old accompanied by an adult.
Space is limited and participants must register by Dec. 24 by emailing Silver.Lake@parks.wa.gov.
Kayakers should bring clothing suitable for cold weather or water, such as a wetsuit, a drysuit or lightweight base layers with warmer waterproof layers. Gloves and hats are also recommended, and watertight bags or waterproof phone cases can be helpful for any possessions you bring on the water.
