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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Come enjoy the winter wonders at Battleground Lake State Park on this volunteer-led First Day Hike.
Participants will snowshoe west along the Lower Kit Carson Loop Road to Smith Gap and the snowshoe hut which was completed in 2014.
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.
First day hike
Join a Ranger for a deep delve into an old-growth rainforest. Learn about the ecology and history of the lower Columbia River, see 800-year-old Sitka Spruce, and steep yourself in the primeval atmosphere of this coastal ecosystem
Join a Ranger for a deep delve into an old-growth rainforest. Learn about the ecology and history of the lower Columbia River, see 800-year-old Sitka Spruce, and steep yourself in the primeval atmosphere of this coastal ecosystem
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Participants will walk south along the Columbia Plateau Trail to the railroad underpass at Minnie Creek, about ¾ mile, guided by Parks staff and volunteers. Along the way, participants will have beautiful views of Fish Lake. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike- Columbia Plateau Trail,” Discover Pass is not required on January 1st.
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.
First day hikers are welcome to Bowman Bay, Deception Pass State Park for a fun morning of hikes and activities. Hikers will have the opportunity to look for birds and marine mammals while enjoying amazing views of the Salish Sea and rocky cliffs of Deception Pass.
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.
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.
Enjoy this Ranger-led hike. Expect to see the park’s inner beauty and enjoy this healthy working forest. Bring in the new year, whether this is your first time or your annual trip.
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Discover Pass Program has designated 12 Discover Pass free days for 2025.
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.
Harstine Island State Park offers many beautiful sights with thick underbrush and a variety of different tree species. The planned hike will take you from the main parking lot (P-3) to the first parking turn out (P-1) with 2 scout trails back to P-3.
First Day of the New Year Paddle from Ike Kinswa State Park. A 3-mile roundtrip leisure paddle on Lake Mayfield up and down the Tilton River channel starting at the park's day use swim beach. Complimentary kayaks/paddles and PFD’s available thanks to the Boating Program.
Join Ranger Gladson for a New Years Day hike to Clayton Beach at Larrabee State Park. This newly renovated trail is family friendly and includes stream bridges, boardwalks over wetlands, and a new pedestrian overpass. Ranger Gladson will provide interpretation along the way with local flora and fauna as well as history of Larrabee State Park.
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.
The hike will be led by a park ranger and will follow Twanoh Creek before climbing up to a forested ridgetop. It then follows an old service road along the ridge before descending back to finish along the creek.
Join us for a ranger-led snowshoe hike around Easton Reload.