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State Parks E-News
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November 2022
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 Put parks on your New Year's resolution list, and start off strong with a First Day Hike!
Ring in the new year with Washington State Parks during our annual First Day Hikes event on Jan. 1, 2023.
First Day Hikes offers an opportunity for everyone to get outside and enjoy our beautiful state parks. Participate in ranger and staff-led hikes, bike rides, snowshoe excursions and more that will be offered at 40+ parks on New Year's Day. When you are done, don't forget to pick up your free, collectible Washington State Parks 2023 First Day Hikes pin!
First Day Hikes 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. Additionally, some hikes will include fun educational talks where rangers will speak about the history and natural features of their parks.?
Most First Day Hikes require advanced registration, and group sizes may be limited. Select hikes will also have snowshoes available for visitors to use. Visit our website to view all activities and registration information.
New Year?s Day also marks the first state-managed land free day of 2023. Visitors will not need a Discover Pass to park on state recreation lands.?However, you may need to purchase a?Sno-Park permit?depending on which hike you choose.
Picture Credit: Ranger Paul Tomas
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Are you ready for winter? |
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 Be prepared!
What can you do to get prepared for winter??
1. Check our alerts?webpage and trail conditions before heading out.?
2. Get your car all set up with emergency supplies like blankets, snacks, water, a flashlight, ice scraper, and emergency reflective triangles. If you?re planning to cross any passes, make sure to also carry chains and practice putting them on your car at home.
3. Before recreating, make sure you pack up everything you may need: layers of clothing (avoid cotton), extra food, thermoses full of your favorite hot beverages, lots of water and a warm, dry change of clothes for the drive home.
Picture Credit: Susie Wisehart
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 Get your Sno-Park permits!
So, you want to go play in the snow?
There are more than 120 Sno-Parks across Washington, so you?ll be able to find a fun place with something for all your favorite winter activities and difficulty levels! Whether you?re into sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or just looking for a place to build a snowman, there?s a Sno-Park for you.
Perks of our Sno-Parks include cleared parking lots, groomed trails and sanitized restrooms. Buy your annual pass?online?or from a?licensed vendor and be ready when the snow starts to stick!
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NEW BLOG POST - People of the Parks: Alicia Burki, Maintenance Mechanic
We hear it all the time: How did you get such a cool job?
First, you're not wrong - we love it here!
There are so many avenues to a career in recreation and natural resources. Learn about Maintenance Mechanic Alicia's path and how nature, stewardship and art continue to inspire her career.?
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2023 Discover Pass free days announced!
The Washington State Discover Pass Program has designated the Discover Pass free days for 2023. On these days, visitors will not need a?Discover Pass?to park at?Washington state parks?and on recreation lands managed by?Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR)?and?Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
The 2023 Discover Pass free days are:?
- Sunday, Jan. 1 ? New Year?s Day and First Day Hikes
- Monday, Jan. 16 ? Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Thursday, March 9 - Billy Frank Jr.?s birthday?
- Sunday, March 19 ? Washington State Parks? birthday
- Saturday, April 22 ? Earth Day
- Saturday, June 10 ? National Get Outdoors Day
- Sunday, June 11 ? Free Fishing Weekend
- Monday, June 19 - Juneteenth?
- Saturday, Sept. 23 ? National Public Lands Day
- Tuesday, Oct. 10 ? World Mental Health Day
- Saturday, Nov. 11 ? Veterans Day
- Friday, Nov. 24 ? Autumn Day
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