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Northwest Region First Day Hikes
History, birdwatching, science -- there's a lot to love for all ages on First Day Hikes at Western Washington parks north of Seattle, in the San Juan Islands and up to the Canadian border. Find your 2023 First Day Hikes below. Parks are listed alphabetically.
Please note: There is no charge for hikes and a Discover Pass is not required to park on state managed land on Jan. 1, a State Parks Free Day. Some hikes do have limited participation and require registration and/or may require a Sno-Park permit. Be sure to save your spot and get your permit(s) following the links included in the park's event descriptions.
Bridle Trails State Park
- Time of Event: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Name of Hike: Winter in the Forest with Carrots & Cocoa
- Trail Name: Trillium Trail
- Length of Hike: 1.7 miles
- Where to Meet: Bridle Trails State Park – Parking Lot Info Board
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: None
- Things to bring: Rain and warm layers, water, and sturdy hiking shoes.
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 425-307-3578
- Description: Winter in the Forest signage will be placed along the Trillium trail for all to ponder. Enjoy a crunchy carrot or warm beverage before or after your adventure!
CAMA BEACH STATE PARK
- Time of Event: 9:00AM
- Name of Hike: Cama Beach First Day Hike
- Trail Name: Cranberry Lake
- Length of Hike: 2.5 miles
- Where to Meet: Restroom near the group camp and cabins
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Rocks and roots on the trail. Some up and downs in the terrain.
- Things to bring: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring poles if that’s something you like to use.
- Registration Required:
- Cancellation Information: email meredith.peterson@parks.wa.gov
- Description: Join the Interpretive Specialist, Meredith Peterson, and other park staff on a peaceful hike to Cranberry Lake. This gentle trail leads you through the forest to a marsh ecosystem, where there is an active beaver lodge and signs of their activity along the way. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks at the drop off shelter before the hike begins.
CAMANO ISLAND STATE PARK
- Time of Event: 1:00 PM
- Name of Hike: Camano Island State Park
- Trail Name: Al Emerson Trail
- Length of Hike: 1.5 miles
- Where to Meet: Restroom near the group camp and cabins
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? No
- Restrictions: Rocks and roots on the trail. Some up and downs in the terrain
- Things to bring: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring poles if that’s something you like to use.
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: email meredith.peterson@parks.wa.gov
- Description: Join the Interpretive Specialist, Meredith Peterson, and other park staff on a peaceful hike along the Al Emerson Nature Trail. This gentle trail leads you into the forest to explore the evergreen trees and ferns along the way. You will get to experience different stages of the forest along this hike, from old second growth evergreens to open areas of deciduous trees.
Deception Pass State Park
- Time of Event: 10 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Deception Pass First Day Hike
- Trail Name: Cornet Bay (we will be doing a few different hikes)
- Length of Hike: 2 miles
- Where to Meet: Cornet Bay
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? Yes
- Stroller Accessible? Yes
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Children need to be accompanied by an adult, and pets must remain on leash
- Things to bring: Hiking boots, water, and appropriate clothes for the weather.
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 360-675-3767 ext 231
- Description: We would like to offer a series of hikes, like we have done in the past. Typically, we have between 100-150 people show up so it makes the most sense to split up the group. One group will do a more difficult 2 mile route and discover forest ecosystems along the CCC Crossing Trail. The other group will walk the 2 mile old ferry terminal road (ADA/Stroller friendly).
Fort Casey Historical State Park
- Time of Event: 10 a.m. and 2p.m.
- Name of Hike: History at Fort Casey
- Trail Name: Fort Casey
- Length of Hike: 1 mile
- Where to Meet: Nearest parking is in the front parking lot.
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Age limit 7+
- Things to bring: Good shoes for walking are recommended as are warm clothing and a raincoat.
- Registration Required: Yes. To register please email: CentralWhidbeyInterpretation@parks.wa.gov
- Cancellation Information: 360-678-4519
- Description: What did those big guns defend Washington’s coasts from? Join members of the Fort Casey Volunteer Battalion as they host history hikes of Fort Casey and its batteries.
Fort Ebey State Park
- Time of Event: 10 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Intro to biking at Fort Ebey
- Trail Name: Fort Ebey
- Length of Hike: 1.9 miles
- Where to Meet: Fort Ebey Battery parking lot
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? No
- Restrictions: Recommended 8 years old. Cannot participate without helmet. Park roads may be wet, dress for cooler conditions.
- Things to bring: Bicycle/pedal assisted e-bike, gloves, helmet, water, snacks, appropriate attire.
- Registration Required: Yes. There will be a limit of 20 riders, please pre-register through centralwhidbeyintepretation@parks.wa.gov include names and ages of intended participants.
- Cancellation Information: 360-853-6367
- Description: The intro bike ride will start at the battery parking lot loop and go through the park, campground, and old fort entrance trail. Brief breaks will be incorporated for interpretive talks and questions led by Park Ranger Andrew Gonzales. There will be some hills involved. This is a great opportunity to start the new year off with a bike ride while learning about Fort Ebey and bicycle safety. This event is weather dependent. Parents are required to accompany participants under 18 years old.
Fort Ebey State Park
- Time of Event: 1 p.m.
- Name of Hike: Medium to advanced biking at Fort Ebey
- Trail Name: Fort Ebey
- Length of Hike: 4 miles
- Where to Meet: Fort Ebey Battery parking lot
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? No
- Restrictions: Recommended 10 years old. Cannot participate without helmet. Park roads may be wet, dress for cooler conditions.
- Things to bring: Bicycle/pedal assisted e-bike, gloves, helmet, water, snacks, appropriate attire.
- Registration Required: Yes. There will be a limit of 20 riders, please pre-register through centralwhidbeyintepretation@parks.wa.gov include names and ages of intended participants.
- Cancellation Information: 360-853-6367
- Description: The intro bike ride will start at the battery parking lot loop and go through the park, campground, and old fort entrance trail. Brief breaks will be incorporated for interpretive talks and questions led by Park Ranger Andrew Gonzales. There will be some hills involved. This is a great opportunity to start the new year off with a bike ride while learning about Fort Ebey and bicycle safety. This event is weather dependent. Parents are required to accompany participants under 18 years old.
Lime Kiln State Park
- Time of Event: 10:30 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Whale Watch Point and Lime Kiln Trail
- Length of Hike: 2 miles
- Where to Meet: Lime Kiln Point Interpretive Center
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? Yes
- Stroller Accessible? Yes
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: None
- Things to bring: Rain and warm layers, water, and sturdy hiking shoes.
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: Lime Kiln Point State Park Office: 360-378-2044
NOLTE STATE PARK
- Time of Event: 10:30 AM
- Name of Hike: Nolte First Day Hike
- Trail Name:
- Length of Hike: 1.4 miles
- Where to Meet: Day Use Restroom
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? Yes
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Gravel Trail, Possible inclement weather
- Things to bring: Hiking Boots
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 253-261-5900
- Description: Ranger Bailey will lead a tour of the local flora and fauna in the local area. The trail is graveled and has some elevation changes.
OBSTRUCTION PASS STATE PARK
- Time of Event: 10 a.m.
- Name of Hike: It’s winter… Let’s go to the beach!
- Trail Name: Obstruction Pass Beach
- Length of Hike: 1.2 miles
- Where to Meet: Obstruction Pass Day Use parking
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions:
- Things to bring: Hiking boots or tide pooling footwear of some kind. Gloves. Wind layers.
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: Hobbes Barber, 3606435767
- Description: This will be a Naturalist lead hike – guided by Hobbes Barber, Parks Interpretive Specialist and all around nature fanatic – from Obstruction Pass Parking lot to the beach! The hike to the beach is a moderate, mostly downhill trail with some rocky and rooty sections. Along the way, a variety of topics will be covered based on participant interest. Some topics may include: Plant ID, winter ecology, and San Juan Island weather and history. Once at the beach there will be time to go beach-combing and tidepooling (if the tides decide to be so kind). An opportunity for hot drinks and snacks will be provided upon return to the parking lot with the possibility of a picnic at the beach – weather permitting.
Rockport State Park
- Time of Event: 10 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Hike to an Ancient Tree in 2023!
- Trail Name: Evergreen West Loop ADA
- Length of Hike: 3.5 miles (Evergreen) or ½ mile (ADA)
- Where to Meet: Rockport SP Picnic shelter
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy, Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? The ADA trail yes, not the Evergreen Trail
- Stroller Accessible? The ADA trail yes, not the Evergreen Trail
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions:
- Things to bring: Clothing & footwear appropriate for January weather! (Last year- deep snow; in 2020 it was RAINY) Good boots and trekking poles advised
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: Don Smith (360)853-8461
Saltwater State Park
- Time of Event: 10:30 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Saltwater State Park First Day Hike
- Trail Name: North and South Loop Trail
- Length of Hike: 1.5- 2 miles
- Where to Meet: Day use lower parking lot by the cafe
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions:
- Things to bring: Hiking boots or good sturdy shoes
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: Saltwater Park 253 661 4955
- Description: Families are welcome if children can handle the mileage. Visit the beach on your own after the hike.
South Whidbey State Park
- Time of Event: 11 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Little Ones on a Hike
- Trail Name: Forest Discovery Trail
- Length of Hike: 0.5 mile
- Where to Meet: Front parking lot of South Whidbey State Park
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Things to bring: Hiking boots or other sturdy close-toed shoes, dress in layers to stay warm along with a raincoat, and most importantly a sense of adventure!
- Registration Required: Yes. To register please email: CentralWhidbeyInterpretation@parks.wa.gov.
- Cancellation Information: 360-678-4519
- Description: This hike is for families with young children to help learn the best ways to hike with children and get them to love being outdoors. We’ll be hiking on a short stretch of trail and different ideas of how to keep kids engaged while on the trail will be demonstrated.
South Whidbey State Park
- Time of Event: All Day
- Name of Hike: Self-guided Sensory Hike
- Trail Name: Wilbert Trail
- Length of Hike: 1.5 miles
- Where to Meet: Nearest parking is in the front parking lot.
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: None.
- Things to bring: Hiking boots or other sturdy close-toed shoes, dress in layers to stay warm along with a raincoat, and most importantly a sense of adventure!
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 360-678-4519
- Description: This self-guided sensory hike along the Wilbert Trail of South Whidbey State Park will feature prompt to help you focus on your senses and become aware of things in the forest you might have otherwise missed. Stop by Fort Casey State Park’s office with the secret code word from the trail to get you First Hike Day button!
SPENCER SPIT STATE PARK
- Time of Event: 1:00 p.m.
- Name of Hike: Spencer Spit First Day Hike
- Trail Name:
- Length of Hike: 1.3 miles
- Where to Meet: Day Use picnic shelter on back side of day use parking lot
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions:
- Things to bring: MUD LOVIN’ WATERPROOF FOOTWEAR AND WATER, NO WATER AVAILABLE IN THE PARK
- Registration Required:
- Cancellation Information: 360-468-2251
- Description: LED BY RANGER MEHGAN. AN EASY HIKE WITH SOME ELEVATION GAIN AND LOSS. BRING BINOCULARS FOR BIRD VIEWING ON THE SPIT!
Wallace Falls State Park
- Time of Event: 9:30 AM
- Name of Hike: Hike to Wallace Falls, Middle Falls
- Trail Name: Woody Trail
- Length of Hike: 2.1 miles one way
- Where to Meet: Parking lot trailhead
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: No Restrictions
- Things to bring: Sturdy hiking boots, be prepared for cooler or wet weather.
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 360 793 0420
- Description: Allow for 3 hours round trip. We will make several stops and talk about park features, history, and wildlife.