Begin as you mean to go on.
If you mean to go on a lot of hikes in 2016, perhaps you’d like to begin with a hike. You can of course enjoy a trip on your own, or you can join in on a guided event Washington State Parks.
On New Year’s Day, First Day Hikes are planned at more than two dozen state parks around the state. Also that day, you won’t need a Discover Pass to park.
It’s not just hikes, either. Some parks are offering snowshoe trips, runs or fat-bike trips. Go to http://bit.ly/1Tih1j9 for a full list.
Here is information, provided by Washington State Parks, on hikes in our area.
Snohomish County
Wallace Falls State Park: Join a park ranger for a 2-mile hike up Woody Trail to Middle Falls, the most impressive of all nine falls in the park. Continue past Middle Falls or return to the trailhead. Meet at 10 a.m. at Woody Trail.
Skagit County
Rockport State Park: Three hikes will follow the Sauk Springs Loop Trail, beginning at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. The final hike is a 3-mile hike on the Evergreen Loop Trail and begins at 1 p.m.
Island County
Cama Beach State Park: The park offers two hikes — a short family-friendly stroll with lots of stops for photos starting at noon and a brisk hike beginning at 2 p.m. with commanding views of Saratoga Passage and beyond. Meet up for both hikes at the parks’ shuttle drop-off shelter.
Camano Island State Park: The first hike, beginning at noon, is a 3-mile hike on the park’s Loop Trail with a focus on exercise. The second hike starts at 2 p.m. and is a leisurely stroll along the Al Emerson Nature Trail. Meet at the group cabins for both hikes.
Deception Pass State Park: Take a 2-mile hike to Hoypus Point on Cornet Bay, an easy hike with views of the Deception Pass Bridge, Mount Erie and several small islands. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Cornet Bay boat launch.
South Whidbey State Park: The park offers four hikes, from easy to moderate. Guides will explore art and youth in the outdoors, new interpretive signs, forest ecology and winter birds. All hikes begin at 10 a.m. and leave from in front of the Ranger House.
King County
Cedar Butte (Olallie and Iron Horse state parks): This ranger-led, 3-mile hike will take participants to the top of Cedar Butte to learn about the 1918 flood that wiped out a nearby logging town. Meet at 10 a.m. at Cedar Falls Trailhead in Iron Horse State Park.
Dash Point State Park: Take a nature walk at 10 a.m. or a beach walk at noon — or both. A park volunteer will also lead a Junior Ranger program at 11 a.m. at the park’s amphitheater, where hikers should meet.
Flaming Geyser State Park: Learn about this park’s role in regional mining history while exploring the local flora and fauna. Requires hiking a steep staircase. Meet at 10:30 a.m. at Shelter 2.
Nolte State Park: This family-friendly hike around Deep Lake will wander through the forested Green River Gorge. Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the park’s main bulletin board.
Saltwater State Park: Explore the legacy and influence of the Civilian Conservation Corps, which built much of the park during the Great Depression. Take a nature walk, beginning at 10 a.m. and/or a beach walk at noon. Tour the CCC Cabin during an open house from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at the CCC cabin.
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