2026 First Day Hikes

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

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, Lake Easton and Lake Wenatchee — plus two at Mount Spokane: one to the Smith Gap warming hut and another up to the iconic Vista House.
A walk through history with rangers Mary and Patti, exploring the story of the ferry that crossed the Snake River for over a century.
A short, guided hike 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 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.
A 2-mile guided hike down to Lake Washington, where you may be accompanied by bald eagles, beavers, Douglas squirrels and various waterfowl.
A self-guided ride with your horse and other riders along, well-maintained, equestrian-friendly trails.
A family-friendly, flat, 1.5-mile hike through coastal wetlands to view birds and other wildlife.
A 2.25-mile hike up to the forest ridgetop along the Twanoh Creek.
ADA-accessible hikes at Camp Wooten, Fort Flagler, Columbia Plateau and the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center.
And much more!

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

All hikes are free, and a Discover Pass 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 at a park that operates as a Sno-Park during the winter (Fields Spring State Park, Lake Easton State Park, Lake Wenatchee State Park and Mount Spokane State Park), a Sno-Park permit is required.

Thank you to the Washington State Parks Foundation for supporting our 2026 First Day Hikes events.

Discover Pass

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

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