Kick off 2015 with a guided hike at a state park
Published 9:49 am Monday, December 29, 2014
Begin as you mean to go on.
I’ve always loved that phrase. And I try to remember it every year on New Year’s Day.
This year, as always, I mean to go on a lot of hikes.
If you’d like to start out 2015 with a hike, First Day Hikes are planned at state parks all over Washington. New Year’s is a fee-free day, so you won’t need a Discover Pass *to park.
Here are some of the hikes that are nearest to Snohomish County. For the full list, check the state park’s calendar. (Click on Jan. 1 to see them all.)
All of these hikes are on Jan. 1. (OK, so that’s probably obvious. But things do get blurry around this time of year.)
1 p.m. Meet at the shuttle drop-off shelter.
A 2-mile roundtrip hike to Cranberry Lake, a little lake that’s great for bird watching. You might even spot a beaver. Dogs allowed on leash. Strollers that can handle rough terrain will do fine on this trail.
1 p.m. Meet at the kitchen shelter
Just under 3 miles. See a marsh, lots of ferns and views of the Olympic Mountains. On a clear day you’ll even be able to see Mount Rainier. Dogs allowed on leash.
10 a.m. Meet at Pass Lake parking area
Two hike options, one about 1.5 miles heads to a meadow near a lake. Or take a 3-mile trip to for pretty forest and canyon views. Dogs allowed on leash.
1:30 p.m. Meet at kiosk board near the parking lot and two big guns.
Learn about the history of the coast artillery post on this three-quarters of a mile walk. Take a look at the historic guns that are on display. Dogs allowed on leash.
10 a.m. Meet at the Lost Lake parking lot, near the administration office
This hike is 4-miles roundtrip. The Washington Trails Association recently built a new trail, the Rock Trail, at Larrabee. Check out forests, views and fascinating geology. The trail has more than 160 stairs. Anyone younger than 18 must have a parent or guardian with them. Dogs allowed on leash.
10 a.m. Meet at the picnic shelter near the restroom
This 3-mile loop trip will showcase 400-year-old-growth forest, covered in plenty of ferns and moss. Recommended for ages 10 and older.
10 a.m. Meet in front of the ranger house
Hike for 0.9 miles and explore a park that was saved by citizens who wanted to see the old-growth forests protected in the 1970s. Kids age 5 and older are welcome. Drinks and snacks offered before and after the walk. Dogs on leash are allowed.
10 a.m. Meet at the Wallace Falls Trailhead
Check out the most impressive of the falls in the park, and it’s particularly impressive in the rainy season. The roundtrip is about 4.5 miles. Dogs on leash are allowed.
Correction, Dec. 29, 2014: This article originally misstated whether a Discover Pass was necessary to park. A pass is not needed on Jan. 1.
