What’s a better way to ring in the new year than taking a free ranger- or self-guided tour at one of Washington’s many state parks?
First Day Hikes, held Jan. 1, 2022, will be held at more than 40 state parks this coming year, including Nolte State Park here on the Plateau.
According to a Dec. 6 press release, “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 various interests and abilities. Additionally, some hikes may include an educational component as rangers will speak on the history or natural features of the area.”
Visitors to parks hosting First Day Hikes events will not need a Discover Pass; however, be aware that some hikes require registration, buy (or rent) particular equipment, or purchase a Sno-Park permit.
The Nolte State Park hike — barring any new COVID restrictions — will be led by Ranger Annabelle Bailey, who has lived at the park for four years.
“I’ve done a fair amount of research on native species and invasive species,” Bailey said in a recent interview. “I’ll just walk around the park and — it’s mostly geared toward our younger crowd — pointing out various types of trees, various invasive species, and then certain habitats that local wildlife live in.”
Bailey added that light refreshments of hot chocolate and Nature Valley bars will be provided before the 1.4-mile hike, as well as hand warmers, since the park can get cold in the winter due to Deep Lake (Bailey said the temperature for First Day Hikes at Nolte are around 30 degrees, so bundle up).
Hikers will meet at the main bulletin board near the park bathrooms, and will start around 10 a.m.; the park is stroller-accessible, as well as dog-friendly (as long as they’re leashed).
OTHER FIRST DAY HIKES
For a full list of First Day Hikes in Washington’s northwest region (as well as southwest and Eastern Washington hikes), head to www.parks.state.wa.us/1229/First-Day-Hikes, but here’s a few others locals may also be interested in:
DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK: FIRST DAY HIKE
Name of trail: Interpretive Sand Dunes Trail
Time: 10 a.m.
Length of hike: 0.5 miles round-trip loop
Where to meet: West Beach Shelter
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum age of participant: N/A
ADA accessible? Yes
Stroller accessible? Yes
Dogs allowed on leash? Yes
Restrictions: N/A
What to bring: Appropriate clothing for the weather (i.e., jacket, hat, gloves, and other warm clothes) and hiking shoes.
Contact/Organizer: Hayley Johnson Call (360) 675-3767 ext. 231 or email Hayley.Johnson@PARKS.WA.GOV
Additional Information: Starting at the West Beach Shelter, Park staff will guide hikers around the Sand Dunes Interpretive Trail loop. This is a paved ADA and stroller accessible trail with minor bumps along the way. On this hike, we will find great views of the Salish Sea, travel around dune forests, wetlands, sandy beach, and visit one of the oldest trees in the Park. Children are welcome on the trail.
Contact Number: (360) 675-3767 ext. 231
WALLACE FALL STATE PARK: HIKE TO WALLACE FALLS
Name of Trail: Woody Trail
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Length of hike: 2.1-miles one way
Where to meet: Trailhead by trail register
Difficulty: Moderate
ADA accessible: No
Stroller accessible: No
Minimum age: No minimum
Leashed dogs allowed? Yes
Restrictions: Trail is moderately challenging, with 800 feet of elevation gain to Middle Falls in 2.1 miles distance.
Things to bring: Hiking Boots, hiking poles if you find them useful
Contact/Organizer: Ranger Kevin Lease Call (360) 793-0420 or email: Kevin.Lease@parks.wa.gov
Additional Information: Ranger led hike to Middle Falls. Ranger will talk about park history, features, forest ecology, and answer questions about the park. We will stop at a few locations for breaks and short talks, with final stop at Middle Falls, the main waterfall viewpoint in the park.
Contact Number: (360) 793-0420
MILLERSYLVANIA STATE PARK: MILLERSYLVANIA FIRST DAY HIKE
Time: 10 a.m.
Length of hike: 1.5-2.5 miles
Where to meet: Group Camp across from Ranger Station
Difficulty: Easy
ADA accessible: No
Stroller accessible: No
Minimum age: None
Leashed dogs allowed? Yes
Restrictions: The boardwalks may be too slick, so route might change depending upon conditions. Also, with winter conditions, trail may be a little rough and make stroller accessibility more difficult. Please contact park prior to First Day Hike for updated trail conditions.
Things to bring: Waterproof shoes and poles for muddy/flooded conditions
Contact/Organizer: Jackie Gigante. Email Jackie.gigante@parks.wa.gov or call (360) 480-3014
Additional Information: Staff led hike through beautiful Civilian Conservation Corp constructed park.
Contact Number: (360) 480-3014
