We're updating our camping and moorage fees to continue providing great experiences for visitors amid inflation and rising costs. You will see a rate increase for camping stays booked for May 15 and beyond. Moorage fees will increase Jan. 1. Learn more here.
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2024 First Day Hike
First Day Hike
Join a guided hike through the forested hillsides of Lake Easton.
Rangers will lead a hike along Two Dollar trail, identifying native plants and discussing the importance of leave no trace. The hike will also venture around Fragrance Lake.
Join Park Staff at the Millersylvania Retreat Center to learn about and explore this unique area of the park and take a guided hike along the trails.
Annual polar plunge on New Years Day
Join Park Staff as we take a hike along the Four Cedars Loop trail and learn about some of the unique features of Tolmie State Park.
Learn about military history on a First Day Hike at Fort Casey.
Let's hike the Evergreen trail backwards! See the trail in a way you may have not seen before. Let's start off the new year in a different light!
Go for a hike with Ranger Mehgan on a new route for this year's First Day Hike! We will explore the west to south route of our perimeter loop trail with a special surprise near the end of our hike. This hike is easy with a steady decline down to The Spit. Please come prepared for weather and bring a good pair of binoculars in case we spot some epic birds along the way!
A guided tour from a Park Ranger who will point out various examples of flora and fauna along the trail.
OLYMPIA – Celebrate the new year with Washington State Parks during our annual First Day Hikes events on Jan. 1, 2025.
More than 30 state parks will host staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe excursions, trail rides, polar plunges, scavenger hunts and more on New Year’s Day.
Explore the flora and fauna of Nolte State Park on a ranger-led First Day Hike.
There will be 2 guided hikes:
Moderate hike of almost 2 miles with variation in elevation; estimated time to complete the hike is 1 hour. Hiking poles would be helpful in some places due to steepness of the trail.
Easier hike on shorter, flatter route of 1.4 miles OR guided history-focused walk along Perimeter trail depending on trail conditions that day.
Moderate hike of almost 2 miles with variation in elevation; estimated time to complete the hike is 1 hour. Hiking poles would be helpful in some places due to steepness of the trail.
Easier hike on shorter, flatter route of 1.4 miles OR guided history-focused walk along Perimeter trail depending on trail conditions that day.
Hike around Saltwater State Park, Various trail surface conditions; asphalt, gravel, and dirt. Switch back trails inclines and descent. 3-5 ft wide trail sections. Families are welcome if children can handle the mileage. Visit the beach on your own after the hike.
Join the Interpretive Specialist, Meredith Peterson, and other park staff for a walk out to Cranberry Lake to get out and get moving on the first day of the year. 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.
Join the Interpretive Specialist, Meredith Peterson, and other park staff for a walk along the Howard Adams Trail to get out and get moving on the first day of the year. This gentle trail leads you through the forest, where we will set our intentions for the new year and enjoy time spent outside. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks at the drop off shelter before the hike begins.
An informative, fun nature stroll through the Horan Natural Area. Focusing on seasonal wildlife and native vegetation, while touching on the history of the area.
Check out a brand new trail on a ranger-led First Day Hike at Dash Point State Park.
Come enjoy the winter wonders at Battle Ground Lake State Park on this volunteer-led First Day Hike.
Parks host hikes, snowshoe excursions, bike rides and more on New Year's Day!
OLYMPIA – Dec. 6, 2021 - Washington State Parks invites the public to take a First Day Hike on Jan. 1, 2022.
At least 42 state parks have scheduled staff-led hikes, self-guided hikes, dog strolls, cross-country ski trips and more for New Year's Day.
Lime Kiln Point History Walk
Take a hike with Lime Kiln’s Park Rangers and learn about the unique 170 year history of the park and surrounding area.
Take a hike with Lime Kiln’s Park Rangers and learn about the unique 170 year history of the park and surrounding area.
First day hikers are welcome to the Cornet Bay Retreat Center at Deception Pass State Park for a fun morning of hikes. Starting at 9:00 AM, hikers are invited to enjoy warm drinks and snacks. At 9:30 AM hikers will then have the option select their preferred activity based on difficulty level. Hikes range in difficulty from easy to hard. All hikes are on and around Goose Rock and include some of the most popular trails in the park. Hikers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, experience old growth forest, and enjoy amazing views of the Salish Sea and rocky cliffs of Deception Pass.
"Capture the New Year" Photography Scavenger Hunt
Capture the New Year at Sacajawea State Park! Join Interpretive Ranger Mary for a photography scavenger hunt around the day-use area. Warm up with a hot drink, toast marshmallows on the patio, and enjoy the beauty of the Snake-Columbia Confluence in winter!
Capture the New Year at Sacajawea State Park! Join Interpretive Ranger Mary for a photography scavenger hunt around the day-use area. Warm up with a hot drink, toast marshmallows on the patio, and enjoy the beauty of the Snake-Columbia Confluence in winter!
Beacon Rock trail is a 1.8 mile hike up and down the side of an inactive volcano. The trail has a gradual slope with 52 switchbacks and guardrails making it an attainable hike for most individuals. This hike features spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge and ample opportunity to view wildlife from a unique perspective.