Enjoy First Day Hikes & purchase some much needed gifts





Big group of people standing in the snow after snowshoeing in front of Lake Wenatchee posing for a photo




2026 First Day Hikes

We’re ready to kick off the new year with one of our favorite traditions – First Day Hikes [ [link removed] ]!

On Jan. 1, 2026, more than 30 Washington state parks will host staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe treks, interpretive activities and more to help visitors start the year off right.

Last year, over 1,800 participants hiked, rode and snowshoed 2,750-plus miles with our State Parks staff to celebrate the new year outdoors. Each hike is a chance to explore new trails, recharge for the year ahead and connect with community in Washington’s beautiful state parks. Plus, all participants receive a collectible Washington State Parks 2026 First Day Hikes button. 

Here are a couple of the hikes you can experience this coming New Year's Day:


* Guided snowshoe hikes at Fields Spring [ [link removed] ], Lake Easton [ [link removed] ] and Lake Wenatchee [ [link removed] ] — plus two at Mount Spokane: one to the Smith Gap warming hut [ [link removed] ] and another up to the iconic Vista House [ [link removed] ].
* A walk through history [ [link removed] ] with rangers Mary and Patti, exploring the story of the ferry that crossed the Snake River for over a century.
* A short, guided hike [ [link removed] ] led by interpretive specialists David and Sarah near the waters of Banks Lake, where they’ll share the complex history and beauty of the Coulee Corridor landscape.
* A 2.5-mile rejuvenating hike [ [link removed] ] at Cascade Falls with Moran’s park rangers.
* A 1.5-mile hike learning about Lake Sammamish’s local flora and fauna, followed by their annual polar plunge [ [link removed] ]. 
* A 2-mile guided hike [ [link removed] ] down to Lake Washington, where you may be accompanied by bald eagles, beavers, Douglas squirrels and various waterfowl.
* A self-guided ride [ [link removed] ] with your horse and other riders along, well-maintained, equestrian-friendly trails.
* A family-friendly, flat, 1.5-mile hike [ [link removed] ] through coastal wetlands to view birds and other wildlife.
* A 2.25-mile hike up to the forest ridgetop [ [link removed] ] along the Twanoh Creek.
* ADA-accessible hikes at Camp Wooten [ [link removed] ], Fort Flagler [ [link removed] ], Columbia Plateau [ [link removed] ] and the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center [ [link removed] ].
* And much more [ [link removed] ]!

* Note:* Most First Day Hikes require advanced registration, and group sizes may be limited. Visit our website [ [link removed] ] to view all activities and registration information.

All hikes are free, and a Discover Pass [ [link removed] ] is NOT needed to park on state managed lands on Jan. 1, our first free day of 2026. However, if you plan to participate in a First Day Hike [ [link removed] ] at a park that operates as a Sno-Park during the winter (Fields Spring State Park [ [link removed] ], Lake Easton State Park [ [link removed] ], Lake Wenatchee State Park [ [link removed] ] and Mount Spokane State Park [ [link removed] ]), a Sno-Park permit [ [link removed] ] is required. 

"Thank you to the Washington State Parks Foundation [ [link removed] ] for supporting our 2026 First Day Hikes events. "






Discover Pass

Image of Discover Pass

You'll need a Discover Pass to park on state-managed lands (excluding the Discover Pass free days [ [link removed] ]). At $45 for the year, an annual pass is a great deal and an even better gift.

*Buy Now* [ [link removed] ]




Sno-Park permit

Snowshoers in deep snow

If you're hiking at a Sno-Park [ [link removed] ], you'll need a Sno-Park permit [ [link removed] ]. Grab a one-day or a seasonal permit and enjoy winter fun all season long.

*Buy Now* [ [link removed] ]




Gift cards

A bridge extends toward the sunset. It's fall and there are wet leaves over the road.

Share this experience with an eGift Card! Recipients can use it to buy a Discover Pass or any of the cold weather items below.

*Buy Now* [ [link removed] ]






Beanie

Gray woven beanie with white embroidered logo.

One thing Washingtonians wear well: a beanie. Keep your head warm and your ears covered as you greet the new year.

*Buy Now* [ [link removed] ]




Scarf

Scarf

Our vintage snow scarf is a charming way to keep warm and is also a great souvenir to remember your time in parks.

*Buy Now* [ [link removed] ]




Drinkware

Drinkware

Whether you're looking to stay hydrated or keep your coffee warm, we have drinkware that's perfect for a chilly morning hike.

*Buy Now* [ [link removed] ]

















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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 1111 Israel Road S.W. · Tumwater · WA 98501-6512 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
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