Wildfire season is here and impacting several parks, so make sure you’re in the know before you go. Before you head to a park, please check its page or head to our alerts page for closures, alerts and other important information to make sure you have a fun, safe and informed trip.
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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.
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.
Participants will snowshoe west along the Lower Kit Carson Loop Road to Smith Gap and the snowshoe hut which was completed in 2014.
This hike will be led by a Park Ranger, who will guide participants along the Wenatchee River, up to our North Beach for views across Lake Wenatchee, and then through our Pine and Douglas Fir forest, finally ending back at the North Reservation Booth for hot cocoa and light snacks!
Led by Park Staff and volunteers, participants will hike to the overlook of the Deep Creek Canyon before descending to the Spokane River Centennial Trail to cross the Deep Creek bridge. Participants will then climb the first leg of the Deep Creek Interpretive trail as they make their way back to the trailhead. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Discover Pass is not required on January 1st.
Led by Park Staff and volunteers, participants will hike to the overlook of the Deep Creek Canyon before descending to the Spokane River Centennial Trail to cross the Deep Creek bridge. Participants will then climb the first leg of the Deep Creek Interpretive trail as they make their way back to the trailhead. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Discover Pass is not required on January 1st.
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.
Wild Resolutions First Day Hike
Join us for a First Day Hike at Fort Worden! This program invites participants to start the new year with a refreshing outdoor experience. Meet staff and volunteers at the USO parking lot for park maps, SWAG, and free hot chocolate provided by Fort Worden Hospitality!
Attendees will then embark on a self-guided exploration of scenic trails and historical structures, surrounded by stunning views of the coastline and lush landscapes. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, this hike is designed to promote wellness and connections to our park's natural and historical resources. Don't miss this opportunity to set positive intentions for the year ahead while enjoying camaraderie with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Bring water, wear comfortable footwear, and prepare for a memorable start to the year!
Join us for a First Day Hike at Fort Worden! This program invites participants to start the new year with a refreshing outdoor experience. Meet staff and volunteers at the USO parking lot for park maps, SWAG, and free hot chocolate provided by Fort Worden Hospitality!
Attendees will then embark on a self-guided exploration of scenic trails and historical structures, surrounded by stunning views of the coastline and lush landscapes. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, this hike is designed to promote wellness and connections to our park's natural and historical resources. Don't miss this opportunity to set positive intentions for the year ahead while enjoying camaraderie with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Bring water, wear comfortable footwear, and prepare for a memorable start to the year!
OLYMPIA – Ring in the new year with Washington State Parks during our annual First Day Hikes event on Jan. 1, 2024.
More than 40 state parks will host staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe excursions, dog walks, bike and trail rides, paddle adventures and more on New Year’s Day.
OLYMPIA – November 15, 2022 - Washington State Parks is inviting the public to ring in the new year during its annual First Day Hikes event on Jan. 1, 2023.
At least 40 state parks will host staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe excursions, bike rides and more on New Year's Day.
The day will begin at the Dry Falls Visitor Center for an overview of the geology of Dry Falls & the Ice Age Flood National Geologic Trail, plus a tour of the visitor center. (40 minutes) Then hike a 1.5-mile looping hike through the winter wonderland of desert sagebrush and rolling shrub-steppe south of the Dry Falls Visitor Center. Because the weather and road conditions vary, I will make the determination of the "best trail" to hike and travel on.
Bridle Trails Trotting into '25
A self-guided ride through Bridle Trails State Park on well-maintained equestrian-friendly trails. No rental horses available. All ages and experience levels welcome. You may encounter other park users with dogs on leash.
A self-guided ride through Bridle Trails State Park on well-maintained equestrian-friendly trails. No rental horses available. All ages and experience levels welcome. You may encounter other park users with dogs on leash.
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersing in nature for health and wellness benefits. The hike will begin at the Legacy Pavilion. The walk is a gentle easy stroll through the park and group camp.
Hike Options
1.5 Lake Trail – Open to all ages
Meet at the Legacy Pavilion at 1pm. The hike will begin there and will go around the lake, 1.5 miles. The trail can be slippery and muddy, so rain/mud boots are heavily recommended.
Forest Bathing Stroll
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersing in nature for health and wellness benefits. The hike will begin at the Legacy Pavilion. The walk is a gentle easy stroll through the park and group camp.
.5 Mile Kids Hike
Our kids hike begins at the legacy pavilion. The group will be led by staff over the bridge and up through group camp and back toward the dam and back to the legacy pavilion. Along the way plant species and little critters will be discussed.
1.5 Lake Trail – Open to all ages
Meet at the Legacy Pavilion at 1pm. The hike will begin there and will go around the lake, 1.5 miles. The trail can be slippery and muddy, so rain/mud boots are heavily recommended.
Forest Bathing Stroll
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersing in nature for health and wellness benefits. The hike will begin at the Legacy Pavilion. The walk is a gentle easy stroll through the park and group camp.
.5 Mile Kids Hike
Our kids hike begins at the legacy pavilion. The group will be led by staff over the bridge and up through group camp and back toward the dam and back to the legacy pavilion. Along the way plant species and little critters will be discussed.
Wandering on the Wilbert
What's the oldest tree you ever seen? Join Rangers Drew and Jen on this epic exploration of the old-growth forest of South Whidbey State Park. We'll meet the tall trees of the floating forest along the Wilbert Trail and see how nature is reclaiming the old campground on this family-friendly hike.
Bonus: If you have the time, we'll also check out the Earth Warrior Course on the Hobbit Trail leading to one of the best views of the Salish Sea and Olympic Mountains.
What's the oldest tree you ever seen? Join Rangers Drew and Jen on this epic exploration of the old-growth forest of South Whidbey State Park. We'll meet the tall trees of the floating forest along the Wilbert Trail and see how nature is reclaiming the old campground on this family-friendly hike.
Bonus: If you have the time, we'll also check out the Earth Warrior Course on the Hobbit Trail leading to one of the best views of the Salish Sea and Olympic Mountains.
Come join park staff for a birding experience in the wetland ecosystem of Silver Lake. This hike can take up to 1.5 hours for the full experience. For folks wanting a longer hike afterwards we encourage you to check out nearby Seaquest State Park, with over 5 miles of forested trails.
Participants will snowshoe past the Bald Knob Picnic Shelter to the historic stone Vista House located at 5,883 feet – the highest point of Mount Spokane. If weather permits, participants will have views of the Cabinet Mountains in Montana, Selkirk Crest in North Idaho, and nearby lakes. Roundtrip, this hike will be approximately 3.5 miles. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Participants can also purchase hot drinks and snacks at the Vista House.
Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Maximum group size is 30. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike – Snowshoe to the Summit”. Daily Sno-Park Permit ($25) or Seasonal Sno-Park Permit ($50) is required and can be purchased at the Mount Spokane State Park office/kiosk or online at https://parks.state.wa.us/130/Winter-recreation.
Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Maximum group size is 30. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike – Snowshoe to the Summit”. Daily Sno-Park Permit ($25) or Seasonal Sno-Park Permit ($50) is required and can be purchased at the Mount Spokane State Park office/kiosk or online at https://parks.state.wa.us/130/Winter-recreation.
Beacon Rock trail is a 1.8 mile (round trip) hike up the side of a core of an ancient extinct volcano. The trail has a 750' elevation gain and 52 switchbacks, the switchbacks create a gradual incline the entire trail making it a hike with moderate difficulty allowing people of all ages and experience levels to hike it. There are some spectacular views of the Columbia River and the Gorge along the entire trail with some bridges along the way, the trail brings you right up along the edge of some pretty steep drop offs making it a scary hike for those who are afraid of heights. There are railings the entire length of the trail however making it a very safe and manageable hike.
Begin the new year on a guided hike through secluded Griffiths-Priday State Park and learn about its unique ecology and history.
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Discover Pass Program has designated 12 Discover Pass free days for 2025.
Come join Park staff as we explore the beautiful old-growth forest that Lewis and Clark State Park has to offer. Participants will learn about the area's rich history as well as the abundant flora/fauna. This scenic hike takes visitors 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 CCC kitchen shelter where a warm fire and drinks/snacks will be provided. Enjoy a short show-and-tell session on the local wildlife as hikers are arriving. This year we're implementing an educational scavenger hunt, adding to the fun along the trail! All ages are welcome.
The tides and currents of the Pacific Ocean have shaped the Long Beach peninsula both literally and figuratively as they have changed our physical and cultural landscapes over time. From erosion, to Dungeness crabs, to shipwrecks, we'll talk about the ever present give and take we find ourselves in, and how we can learn to look closer and start to think about what washes up on our shores. This hike will begin at the Seaview beach approach at 10:00 AM. It will be 1-1.5 miles roundtrip as we head down the beach and then back. Refreshments and treats will be available back at the approach when we return from the hike.
Our kids hike begins at the legacy pavilion. The group will be led by staff over the bridge and up through group camp and back toward the dam and back to the legacy pavilion. Along the way plant species and little critters will be discussed.
Come explore the history of Bottle Beach with Ranger Lisa. In the early 1900s the land was a boom town. The factors that made the town go bust are exactly what make it an important stop over for migrating shorebirds. Learn about the interconnectivity of nature and human history as you ring in the New Year.
Come and join us to celebrate the 16th annual Cambodian Cultural Celebration in Saltwater State Park on August 9, 2025!