MYNORTHWEST NEWS

First Day Hikes will be offered in more than 40 Washington state parks

Dec 30, 2021, 5:19 AM

state parks free, first day hikes...

Lynette Fisher-Charles and her dog Gracie go for a hike in Saint Edward State Park in 2020 in Kenmore, Washington. (File photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images)

(File photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images)

Washington State Parks is inviting the public to take part in one of the many “First Day Hikes” on Jan. 1, 2022, to get outside and ring in the new year.

At least 42 state parks in Washington will offer scheduled staff-led hikes, self-guided hikes, dog strolls, cross-country ski trips, and more on New Year’s Day. There will be free, family-friendly activities in parks across the state, ranging in difficulty from paved, flat, ADA-accessible trails to moderate hill climbs.

Jan. 1 will also be the first free day of 2022, so visitors won’t need a Discover Pass to park on state recreation lands.

Some First Day Hikes in Washington require advanced registration, and group sizes may be limited. Find all activities and registration information online here. After a week of winter weather in Washington state, be sure to check for closures and alerts before heading out, and plan accordingly.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages people to get outside on New Year’s Day.

MyNorthwest News

This NOAA satellite image shows the magnitude of the storm moving inland from the Pacific Ocean. (P...

Ted Buehner, KIRO Newsradio Meteorologist

What to expect as Western Washington’s first big fall storm arrives Saturday night

The fall season’s first strong weather system will sweep through Western Washington tonight, bringing strong winds and rain.

14 hours ago

Pierce County man sentenced child sex crimes...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Pierce County man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for child sex crimes

A Pierce County man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after attempting to arrange the sexual abuse of children and producing child sexual abuse material, federal prosecutors announced.

23 hours ago

home listings...

Frank Lenzi

Home listings jump more than 25%: Is it a buyer’s market?

If you’re thinking about buying a house, now might be a good time: Home listings have risen, and pending sales have declined.

1 day ago

Grays Harbor...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Grays Harbor deputies seek information about deadly hit-and-run near Satsop

The Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help after a 53-year-old man was found dead along a road near Satsop last week.

1 day ago

first responders...

Luke Duecy

Renton firefighter shot while responding to call highlights dangers facing first responders

A Renton firefighter was shot. The shooting is another example of the dangers first responders face while trying to help people in crisis.

1 day ago

Macklemore (3)...

Julia Dallas

Macklemore says Climate Pledge Arena among venues that rejected his ‘Free Palestine Tour’

Macklemore said several venues, including Climate Pledge Arena, have rejected his efforts to bring his “Free Palestine Tour” to the U.S.

1 day ago

First Day Hikes will be offered in more than 40 Washington state parks