OLYMPIA —Begin the new year with Washington State Parks during their annual First Day Hikes Jan. 1, 2024.

Over 20 of the more than 40 state parks participating are in northwest Washington. Choose between staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe excursions, dog walks, bike and trail rides, paddle adventures and more. The northwest parks range from Larrabee, Rockport and Deception Pass close by to Fort Casey, Fort Ebey and South Whidbey on Whidbey Island to Camano Island State Park

Events will range in difficulty from paved, flat ADA-accessible trails to moderate hill climbs. A few parks will host more than one hike with options tailored to different interests and abilities. Some hikes include fun and educational talks with rangers discussing the history and natural features of the parks.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative led by America’s State Parks, encouraging people to start the new year outside. Last year, more than 1,500 participants hiked, biked and snowshoed 2,653 trail miles in Washington’s state parks.

Most First Day Hikes require advanced registration and group sizes may be limited.

This is the first state-managed land free day of 2024. Visitors will not need a Discover Pass to park on state recreation lands. Sno-Park permits are required.

Information: parks.wa.gov/find-activities.

Source: Washington State Parks