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.

Please follow our Community Guidelines

MyNorthwest News

tacoma cat rescue boat...

KIRO 7 News Staff

‘That’s a wrap’: Tacoma Animal Control rescue six more cats stuck on boat

One day after finding 23 more cats, Tacoma Animal Control found six additional cats on board a Tacoma boat just off Owen Beach.

21 minutes ago

pierce county homicide shot...

James Lynch

Man found fatally shot in Pierce County, homicide investigation underway

Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) detectives are investigating a fatal shooting after a man was found dead near 18th Avenue S. and 102nd Street S.

1 hour ago

Bothell Fred Meyer fire arson arrest...

MyNorthwest Staff

Bothell Police arrest arson suspect in Fred Meyer fire near Thrasher’s Corner

Bothell Police arrested a suspect in connection with last week's fire at the Fred Meyer near Thrasher's Corner shortly after 7 a.m. this morning.

2 hours ago

wa gas prices...

MyNorthwest Staff

WA gas prices surge as one county nears $6 a gallon

The price per gallon of gasoline in Washington sharply rose compared to one month ago, adding more than 18 cents to the state's average.

3 hours ago

SeaTac drug ring trafficking...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Man with decades-long history of domestic violence sentenced to 5 years for ‘vicious assault’

A Lummi Nation man with a decades-long history of domestic violence was sentenced to five years in federal prison for strangling his former partner.

3 hours ago

Snohomish train car collision...

Jason Sutich

Car struck by train in Snohomish County shuts down road after driver goes around crossing arms

A car was struck by a train in Snohomish County early Thursday morning after it drove around the lowered railroad crossing arms.

4 hours ago

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