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Eastern Region First Day Hikes
From snowshoe excursions to hiking adventures - Eastern Region First Day Hikes have a bevy of winter wonderland fun waiting for you! Scroll down to find your hike or snow sports adventure at parks (by alphabetical order) east of the Cascades in the North Central region, and in Northeast and Southeast Washington to the Idaho border.
Please note: There is no charge for hikes and a Discover Pass is not required to park on state managed land on Jan. 1, a State Parks Free Day. Some hikes do have limited participation and require registration and/or may require a Sno-Park permit. Be sure to save your spot and get your permit(s) following the links included in the park's event descriptions.
AlTA LAKE STATE PARK
- Name of Park: Alta Lake State Park
- Time of Event: 11:00 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Alta Lake State Park First Day Snowshoe Hike
- Trail Name: Alta Lake State Park Trail / Fire Road
- Length of Hike: 2 miles
- Where to Meet: Alta Lake State Park Office 1B Otto Rd. Pateros, WA 98846
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: None
- Things to bring: Snowshoes, Yaktraks, Hiking boots. Dress for winter weather conditions. A campfire and smores will be offered at end of snowshoe hike. Park will have a small number of snowshoes available to borrow for hike please call ahead to reserve. (509-449-0136)
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: Joe Giampietri 509-449-0136
- Description: Ranger Joe will lead a snowshoe hike around Alta Lake State Park. Come learn some snowshoeing basics as well as a brief history of snowshoeing during this 2-mile snowshoe route with views of Alta Lake and the Eastern edge of the Cascade mountains.
Columbia Plateau Trail
- Time of Event: 1 p.m.
- Name of hike: Snowshoe Hike
- Name of Hike: First Day Hike- Columbia Plateau Trail
- Trail Name: Columbia Plateau Trail
- Length of Hike: 0.75 miles each way, 1.5 miles total
- Where to Meet: Fish Lake Trailhead, adjacent to Fish Lake Regional Park in Spokane County. Eastern terminus of S Myers Park Rd, 800 feet east of the intersection with Cheney Spokane Road.
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? Yes
- Stroller Accessible? Yes
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Dogs must be leashed at all times.
- Things to bring: Weather dependent: hiking boots, shoe traction cleats (yaktrax or other), waterproof or water-resistant boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, snowshoes, gators or waterproof pants, trekking poles.
- Registration Required: Yes. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike- Columbia Plateau Trail,” event 454037226567.
- Cancellation Information: Kara Frashefski: 509-505-7721
- Description: Participants will walk south along the Columbia Plateau Trail to the railroad underpass at Minnie Creek, about ¾ mile, guided by Parks staff and volunteers. Along the way, participants will have beautiful views of Fish Lake. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike- Columbia Plateau Trail,” event 454037226567. Discover Pass is not required on January 1st.
Easton Reload Sno-Park
- Time of Event: Noon
- Name of Hike: Snowshoe Hike
- Trail Name: Easton Reload Sno-Park
- Length of Hike: 3 miles
- Where to Meet: Easton Reload Sno-Park Parking Lot
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? No
- Restrictions: N/A
- Things to bring: Snowshoes, Poles, Warm Clothing, Water
- Registration Required: N/A
- Cancellation Information: 509-859-3016
- Description: All vehicles will require a Washington State Parks Sno-Park Permit.
Fields Spring State Park
- Time of Event: 10 a.m.
- Name of trail: Multiple, depends on group you go with
- Length of hike: 3 miles
- Where to meet: Snowflake Shelter, at the north parking lot near the campground
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Minimum age of participant: None
- ADA accessible? No
- Stroller accessible? No
- Restrictions: A daily or seasonal Sno-Park Permit is required for each vehicle entering Fields Spring Sno-Park. Buy online or go here to find out where to purchase your permit in person.
- Dogs allowed on leash? Yes
- What to bring: Snowshoes, with hiking poles if desired. If there is no snow, this outing will become a traditional hike instead.
- Contact/Organizer: Call 509-256-3332
- Description: Before and during the hike, visitors will learn about the wildlife whose tracks are visible in the snow throughout the park. Fields Spring staff will first lead a one-mile loop hike on easy, groomed trails, then participants can choose to return to the Snowflake shelter for refreshments or continue the moderate difficulty portion of the guided hike to the summit of the butte and back. The park office has a dozen pairs of snowshoes and/or trekking poles for rent for $10 each, including two pairs of snowshoes sized for small children. Please call the office to pre-pay and reserve rental snowshoes. A Sno-Park Permit is required for winter parking at Fields Spring ($25 per day, $50 per season).
Lake Chelan State Park
- Time of event: 10 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Little Bear Trail Hike
- Name of Trail: Little Bear Trail
- Length of hike: 2.7 miles
- Where to meet: Trail head near Trailer Loop restroom parking lot
- Difficulty: Easy
- ADA accessible: No
- Stroller accessible: No
- Minimum age: N/A
- Leashed dogs allowed?: Yes
- Restrictions: N/A
- Things to bring: Water, snacks, warm clothes and Yak tracks.
- Contact/Organizer: Ranger Kruse. (509) 449-0113
- Additional Information: Ranger Kruse will guide the hike on the Little Bear Trail. The trail is a lightly trafficked loop and features stunning views of Lake Chelan. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily flat with some slopes; great for hiking, walking, and running.
Lake Wenatchee State Park
- Time of event 11: 11 a.m.
- Name of Hike: First Day Guided Snowshoe Hike
- Name of Trail: North Lake Loop Trail
- Length of hike: 1.5 miles
- Where to meet: North Park Reservation Booth
- Difficulty: Easy
- ADA accessible: No
- Stroller accessible: No
- Minimum age: N/A
- Leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Children need to be accompanied by an adult, and pets must remain on leash.
- Things to bring: Appropriate winter attire, snowshoes and trekking poles (if preferred). Gloves, beanie, warm jacket, waterproof boots all suggested, Face coverings during stop and talk portions of the hike.
- Contact/Organizer: Please call ahead of time to confirm the event is still occurring- inclement weather can impact this hike. Call 509-763-3101 for related information or questions. If you have a large group coming, please inform the park at least 5 business days ahead of time.
- Description: Snowshoes are available to rent in limited youth and adult sizes. Please contact the park ahead of time to reserve a pair if needed. This hike will be led by a Park Ranger, who will guide participants along the Wenatchee River, up to our North Beach for views across Lake Wenatchee, and then through our Pine and Douglas Fir forest, finally ending back at the North Reservation Booth for hot cocoa and light snacks! Along the way, our hike leaders will point out various historical aspects of our park, highlight notable stories and discuss some fun facts! One particular stop at our North Beach is a favorite, where participants tend to take a snack break, and we gather together for a fun group photo opportunity.
Lincoln Rock State Park
- Name of Hike: History Hike to the Shores
- Name of Trail:
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Length of hike: 1.5miles
- Where to meet: Lincoln Rock State Park-Group Camp
- Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA accessible: No
- Stroller accessible: No
- Leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: 8 years +
- Things to bring: Warm layers, sturdy boots, hiking poles, snowshoes and/or Yak Traks may be helpful but not necessary, weather depending.
- Description: This will be a guided hike with Sarah Beth along easy terrain to the shores of the Columbia River. We will touch on the history of the park and explore exciting details about the fleet of steamboats that used to carve the once wild waterways. Post hike we will gather fireside to warm up with hot cocoa, coffee, or cider and refuel on roasted hot dogs and smores.
- Contact/Organizer: (509) 884-8702
Mount Spokane State Park
NOTE: Mount Spokane is hosting two First Day Hikes winter recreation events. Scroll down for more information.
- Time of Event: 9 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Smith Gap Warming Hut Snowshoe Hike
- Trail Name: Lower Kit Carson Loop
- Length of Hike: 2.6 miles roundtrip
- Where to Meet: Meet in the Lower Kit Carson Loop Road parking lot at the first hairpin turn. Address for the Mount Spokane State Park office is 26107 N Mount Spokane Park Dr, Mead WA 99021
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Dogs must be leashed at all times.
- Things to bring: Snowshoes, waterproof or water-resistant boots, gators or waterproof pants, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Registration Required: Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike- Mount Spokane Smith Gap Warming Hut,” event 449784486507.
- Cancellation Information: 509-505-7721
- Description: Participants will snowshoe west along the Lower Kit Carson Loop Road to Smith Gap and the warming hut which was completed in 2014. Along the way, participants will traverse through a beautiful old-growth cedar-hemlock forest and pass several stream crossings. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Maximum group size is 30. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike- Mount Spokane Smith Gap Warming Hut,” event 449784486507. Daily Sno-Park Permit ($25) or Seasonal Sno-Park Permit($50) is required and can be purchased at the Mount Spokane State Park office/kiosk or online at https://parks.state.wa.us/130/Winter-recreation
MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK
- Time of Event: 9 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Summit Snowshoe Hike
- Trail Name: 131 to Bald Knob; traverse to summit
- Length of Hike: 3.5 miles roundtrip (1,360ft of elevation gain)
- Where to Meet: Meet at the Lower Selkirk parking lot, also known as the snowmobile parking lot, about 3 miles past the park office on Mount Spokane Park Drive. Address for the park is 26107 N Mount Spokane Park Dr, Mead WA 99021.
- Degree of Difficulty: Strenuous
- Is this Hike for Beginners? No
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: No dogs allowed on this snowshoe hike
- Things to bring: Waterproof or water-resistant boots, snowshoes, gators or waterproof pants, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Registration Required: Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike- Mount Spokane Summit Snowshoe,” event 449763674257
- Cancellation Information: 509-505-7721
- Description: Guided by Park staff and volunteers from the Friends of Mt. Spokane, participants will snowshoe past the Bald Knob Picnic Shelter to the historic Vista House located at 5,833 feet – the highest point of Mt. Spokane. If weather permits, participants will have views of the Cabinet Mountains in Montana, Selkirk Crest in North Idaho, and nearby lakes. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Participants can also purchase hot drinks and snacks at the Vista House. Maximum group size is 30. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike- Mount Spokane Summit Snowshoe,” event 449763674257. Daily Sno-Park Permit ($25) or Seasonal Sno-Park Permit ($50) is required and can be purchased at the Mount Spokane State Park office/kiosk or online at https://parks.state.wa.us/130/Winter-recreation.
Potholes state park
- Time of Event: 10 a.m.- Noon
- Name of Hike: Sights, Signs, and Sounds of Winter at Potholes State Park
- Trail Name: Frenchman Hills Trail Loop
- Length of Hike: 1 mile
- Where to Meet: Follow signs in park to the Frenchman Hills Trail. Potholes full color Map 12-28-16 (wa.gov)
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? No, this is a hike to see the wildlife and signs of native critters found at Potholes State Park.
- Restrictions: None
- Things to bring: Be prepared for cold weather conditions - cold Wind, Snow, and Sun too (bring your COOL looking New Year's Day sunglasses. Dress for cold winter weather - hat, gloves, scarf, baclava, poles, Yak Traks, sturdy/warm boots & wool socks, backpack with room for snacks, an insulated mug to fill up with a hot beverage
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 509-632-5214 office, 509-681-0655 cell
- Description: Interpretive Specialist, David McWalter, will lead a hike from Frenchman Hills trailhead. Hikers will learn about the wildlife that makes Potholes State Park their home in the winter. The history of the Ice Age Floods and the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project will be discussed along the hike.
- Hot Beverages and enjoyable treats will be served at the trailhead after the hike. Potholes full color Map 12-28-16 (wa.gov)
Riverside State Park
- Time of Event: 1 p.m.
- Name of Hike: Pine Bluff Overlook
- Trail Name: 403/25/401
- Length of Hike: Approximately 3.5 miles roundtrip
- Where to Meet: Carlson Trailhead, W Carlson Road in Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? No
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Dogs must be on leash at all times
- Things to bring: Weather dependent: hiking boots, shoe traction cleats (yaktrax or other), waterproof or water-resistant boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, snowshoes, gators or waterproof pants, trekking poles.
- Registration Required: Yes, please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike- Pine Bluff Overlook,” event 454084387627.
- Cancellation Information: Kara Frashefski: 509-505-7721
- Description: Participants will be joined by Parks staff and volunteers and will walk south on trails 403/25 to the Pine Bluff overlook, then loop back along trails 401/25, passing through ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests and experiencing beautiful views of Deep Creek. This hike has significant elevation changes. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike- Pine Bluff Overlook,” event 454084387627. Discover Pass is not required on January 1st.
Sacajawea State Park
- Time of Event: 11 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Sacajawea Raptor Walk
- Trail Name:
- Length of Hike: 2/3 miles
- Where to Meet: Sacajawea State Park Boat Launch Parking Lot
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? Yes
- Stroller Accessible? Yes
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions:
- Things to bring:
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 509-520-4013
- Description: Ranger Mary will lead a walk through the park spotting for raptors including bald eagles, red tail hawks, and kestrels. After the walk we will have a fire pit with smores and a bald eagle craft activity for kids at the Sacajawea Interpretive Center.