Start the new year off right with a First Day Hike

December 20, 2017 1:30 am
Start the new year off right with a First Day Hike

Washington State Parks invites the public to start the new year off with a First Day Hike on Monday, Jan. 1, at more than three dozen state parks across Washington.

“First Day Hikes are a fitting way to cap off the holidays and discover the off-season appeal of Washington’s state parks,” said Don Hoch, Washington State Parks director. “This year parks are offering something for every fitness level and interest, including guided hikes with rangers, snowshoe treks and fat bike rides.”

First Day Hikes will take place in a diverse and dramatic range of landscapes and historic features, including coastal beaches, islands, waterfalls, lowland forests, lighthouses, geological points of interest and more.

Washington was among the first states in the nation to participate in First Day Hikes, a nationwide initiative organized by the National Association of State Parks Directors. Currently, all 50 state park systems participate in the effort. More information about the program and hikes being offered all over the country is here:www.naspd.org/initiatives-.

Jan. 1 also is the first of 12 Washington State Parks “free days” taking place in 2018. Park visitors will not need to display the Discover Pass on vehicles to access state parks for the New Year’s Day activities or for other state park visits on that day.

San Juan County

Lime Kiln Point State Park: Explore the natural, ancient and recent histories of this park on San Juan Island. Journey from the lighthouse to the park’s lime kiln and quarries. Keep hiking to Dead Man’s Bay for stunning views. Finish the day and warm up at the park’s interpretive center. Meet at 11 a.m. at the whale in front of the interpretive center. (Park map: http://parks.state.wa.us/)

Moran State Park: Take a 3-mile guided stroll through the heart of Moran State Park. Wander through forest groves to picturesque bluffs and over an historic bridge spanning Cascade Lagoon. For the daring, cap off the outing with plunge in Cascade Lake. Meet at 9 a.m. at Cascade Lake day use shelter. (Park map: http://parks.state.wa.us/)