There’s something grounding about starting the new year outside — boots on, breath visible, and nowhere to be but the trail in front of you. Washington State Parks’ First Day Hikes invite families, friends, and solo adventurers to kick off 2026 by getting fresh air at parks across the state on New Year’s Day.
On Jan. 1, more than 40 state parks will host ranger- and staff-led hikes, bike rides, snowshoe outings, scavenger hunts, and other low-pressure ways to explore the outdoors together. All events are free, and no Discover Pass is required to park on state-managed lands for the day, making it one of the easiest ways to get outside after a late night ringing in the new year. Many events are beginner-friendly and family-focused, with options ranging from short, stroller-friendly walks to longer hikes and even hands-on stewardship projects.
After you finish, don’t forget to grab your free, collectible 2026 First Day Hikes pin (or button, depending on location). Some events do require advance registration or a Sno-Park permit, so be sure to read each listing carefully and come prepared for winter conditions. However you choose to participate, First Day Hikes offer a simple, meaningful way to welcome the year — together, outdoors, and on Washington’s trails.
Here’s a list of First Day Hikes in Northwest Washington; for hikes in Eastern and Southwest Washington, see here.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2026. 11 a.m – 2 p.m.
- Location: Bridle Trails State Park, 5300 116th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033
- Trail Length: 2-4 miles
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Stroller/ADA accessible: Yes
- Leashed dogs allowed: No
Join this self-guided ride through Bridle Trails State Park on well-maintained equestrian-friendly trails. No rental horses available. All ages and experience levels welcome. You may encounter other park users with dogs on leash. It is recommended that the minimum age of children is 5 years old. Lake Washington Saddle Club will raffle off 3 annual Discover Passes to participants.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2026. 9-10:30 a.m.
- Location: 1880 SW Camano Drive, Camano Island, WA 98282
- Trail Length: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Stroller/ADA Accessible: No
- Leashed dogs? Yes
Join the Interpretive Specialist, Meredith Peterson, and other park staff for a walk out to Cranberry Lake to get out and get moving on the first day of the year. This gentle trail leads you through the forest to a marsh ecosystem, where there is an active beaver lodge and signs of their activity along the way. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks at the drop off shelter before the hike begins.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2026. 1-2:30 p.m.
- Location: 2269 S Lowell Point Road, Camano Island, WA 98282
- Trail Length: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Stroller/ADA accessible: No
- Leashed Dogs? Yes
Spend your time outside and hike on the Howards Adams Trail, where you will be led by the interpretive specialist, Meredith Peterson. You will start the hike at 1 p.m. and enjoy hot drinks and snacks before walking 2.5 miles on the trail through the forest.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2026. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration required.
- Location: Cornet Bay Retreat Center, 400 West Cornet Bay Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Stroller/ADA Accessible: No
- Leashed Dogs? No
Instead of the traditional First Day Hike, state parks officials are seeking your assistance in planting trees in the fields along the shoreline of Pass Lake. Historically, these areas were used for hay production, but in recent years, this practice has ceased due to the growth of buttercups and daisies. The goal is to create a mixed conifer forest around Pass Lake, with the aim of revegetating 19.5 acres of the former hay fields surrounding the lake.
The event will begin at 8:30 AM, with the first planting group starting at 9:00 AM. Please note that your Eventbrite ticket is valid for one car and includes all participants within. To accommodate everyone, we encourage carpooling, as parking will be limited to 50 cars per planting group. We recommend wearing sturdy, waterproof shoes, as the restoration site requires a 0.7-mile walk to access and may be wet. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided; however, participants should bring their own gloves. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as the event will take place rain or shine.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2026. 10:45-11:30 a.m.
- Location: 2182 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah, WA 98027
- Difficulty: Beginners
- ADA/Stroller Accesible: No
- Leashed Dogs? Yes
Start the new year with a hiking adventure with your family, looking for birds and beavers, led by an interpretive specialist. This hike is close to Seattle and is youth and family-friendly (less than half a mile trail). There will be the Polar Plunge 2025 after this hike. Hikes will be an invigorating 15 to 20 minutes. An all-ages experience, these roughly half-mile hikes will feature uneven terrain. Weather dependent, the trail may be slippery, icy or snow-covered. Please dress for the weather and bring sturdy shoes.
Lime Kiln State Park First Day Hike
- Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2026. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Location: Lime Kiln Interpretive Center, 1567 Westside Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
- Difficulty: Beginners
- Length of Trail: 0.2-2 miles
- Stroller/ADA Accessible: Yes
- Leashed Dogs? Yes
Take a hike with Lime Kiln’s Park Rangers and learn about the unique 170-year history of the park and the surrounding area. Featuring: Sensory stations. Nature journaling. Stamp scavenger hunt. Lighthouse tours. Artisanal tea generously provided by Inspired Earth, featuring flavors inspired by the forest. Reconnect with nature and yourself as we ring in 2026! Suggested minimum age of children to attend is 5 years old.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2026. 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Location: Nolte State Park, 36921 Veazie Cumberland Rd SE, Enumclaw, WA 98022
- Difficulty: Beginners
- Trail Length: 1.5 miles
- ADA Accessible: No
- Stroller Accessible: Yes
- Leashed Dogs? Yes
Join this guided tour from a Park Ranger who will point out various examples of flora and fauna along the trail at Nolte State Park, which is located 6 miles northeast of Enumclaw. The hike is 1.4 miles long and welcomes all hiking levels and ages. Registration is not required for this hike. It is important to remember to dress warm with layered clothing and proper hiking boots. You will beet at the billboard near the main bathroom.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2025. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Location: Saint Edward State Park, 14445 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028
- Trail Length: 1.95 miles
- Difficulty: Beginner
- ADA Accessible: No
- Stroller Accessible: Yes
- Leashed Dogs? Yes
Moderate 2-mile hike led by Saint Edward Park Staff and the Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement. Enjoy hiking downhill to Lake Washington, you will hike along the largest green space along the north shores of Lake Washington and may see wildlife such as bald eagles, beaver, Douglas squirrel, and various waterfowl.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2026. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Location: Saltwater State Park, 25205 8th Place S, Des Moines, WA 98198
- Trail Length: 1.5 miles
- Difficulty: Beginner
- ADA/Stroller Accessible: No
- Leashed Dogs? Yes
Hike around Saltwater State Park, Various trail surface conditions: asphalt, gravel, and dirt. Switch back trails, inclines, and descents. 3-5 ft wide trail sections. Families are welcome if children can handle the mileage. Visit the beach on your own after the hike. Suggested minimum age is 5 years old or older.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2026, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Location: 4128 S Smugglers Cove Road, Freeland, WA 98249
- Trail Length: 1.25 miles
- Difficulty: Beginners
- Stroller/ADA Accessible: No
- Leashed Dogs? Yes
This hike is excellent for families with young children to help them learn the best ways to hike with kids and get them excited about the outdoors. The walk is a short stretch of trail and provides different ideas for keeping the kids engaged. Arrive at 11 a.m., and meet at the rear parking lot amphitheater. Register in advance by emailing CentralWhidbeyInterpretation@parks.wa.gov. Bonus: If you have the time, you will also check out the Earth Warrior Course on the Hobbit Trail leading to one of the best views of the Salish Sea and Olympic Mountains.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2026. 1-2 p.m.
- Location: 521 Bakerview Road, Lopez Island, WA 98261
- Meeting Location: Day Use Picnic Shelter on back side of day use parking lot
- Trail Length: 1.25 miles
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Stroller/ADA Accessible: No
- Leashed Dogs? Yes
Ranger Mehgan will be leading hikers on an easy 1.25 mile hike on Spencer Spit’s trails. Meet at the Day Use Picnic Shelter on the back side of the day use parking lot. There is one steeper downhill section for this year’s hike. Please come prepared for mud and slippery sections. Bring a pair of binos! Leashed dogs are always welcome at Spencer Spit. Suggested kids be 7+ years old.
