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Southwest Region First Day Hikes
Come get the most from the west and the coast this Jan. 1! From lakes to lighthouse to fairytale forests, you will find classic Northwest scenery and plenty of fresh air on these delightful hikes. Hikes in our Southwest region -- those parks located at the southern end of the peninsula, south of Seattle and out to the Columbia Gorge area -- are listed alphabetically below.
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.
Battle Ground Lake State Park
- Time of Event: 10 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Volunteer Led Interpretive Hike
- Trail Name: Upper Lake Trail
- Length of Hike: 1.5 miles
- Where to Meet: Kitchen Shelter
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Hike was canceled last year due to icy conditions; an interpretive program was presented as an alternative activity.
- Description: Volunteer led interpretative hike through the forest, will be learning the history of Battle Ground Lake and the ecology of the area. After the hike we will stop for coffee and donuts at the kitchen shelter.
Battle Ground Lake State Park
- Time of Event: Noon
- Name of Hike: Volunteer Led Interpretive Hike
- Trail Name: Upper Lake Trail
- Length of Hike: 1.5 miles
- Where to Meet: Kitchen Shelter
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Hike was canceled last year due to icy conditions; an interpretive program was presented as an alternative activity.
- Description: Volunteer led interpretative hike through the forest, will be learning the history of Battle Ground Lake and the ecology of the area. After the hike we will stop for coffee and donuts at the kitchen shelter.
Bottle Beach STATE PARK
- Time of Event: 9 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Bottle Beach First Day Hike
- Length of Hike: 1.2 miles
- Where to Meet: Meet at Bottle Beach State Park Parking lot
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? No
- Restrictions: None
- Things to bring: Bring binoculars
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 360-268-9717
- Description: Come take an easy guided hike with Ranger Lisa at Bottle Beach State Park. In the early 1900s Bottle Beach was the settlement called "Ocosta-by-the-Sea" located at the pacific terminus of the Northern Pacific Rail Road. Bottle Beach State Park is also one of the premier birding locations in the state so bring your binoculars and come learn about the park's wildlife and unique history!
Cape Disappointment State Park
- Time of Event: Noon
- Name of Hike: Cape Disappointment First Day Hike
- Trail Name: Coastal Loop Trail
- Length of Hike: 1.5 miles
- Where to Meet: Coastal Loop Parking area, near the Cape D. Cafe
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: None
- Registration Required: No.
- Cancellation Information: 360-642-3029
Fort Flagler State Park
- Time of Event: 11 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Battery Tour
- Trail Name: Flagler Rd/Battery Row
- Length of Hike: 1.5 miles
- Where to Meet: In front of the museum at Fort Flagler State Park
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? No
- Restrictions: Some of the trail is unpaved. Batteries have stairs with and without handrails. Rooms inside of the batteries are dark.
- Things to bring: Bring flashlights and dress appropriately for the weather. Sturdy shoes or hiking shoes advised.
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 360-344-4400 ext. 327
- Description: Hike back into Fort Flagler’s history with one of our Interpretive Rangers. Learn more about Fort Flagler’s military history and operations from the late 1890’s through the early 20th century.
FORT WORDEN HISTORICAL STATE PARK
- Time of Event: 11 a.m.
- Name of Hike: The Best of Fort Worden
- Trail Name: Fort Worden’s Artillery Hill
- Length of Hike: 2.5 miles
- Where to Meet: At the USO Building parking lot on the west side of Taps at the Guardhouse pub in Fort Worden State Park.
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Short sections of Battery Way Loop are steep, but the entire trail is paved. The hike is self-guided and there will be a docent at Memory’s Vault to provide information or to answer questions.
- Things to bring: Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. Please remember to pick up after your pets
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 360-344-4400 ext. 327
- Description: This is a self-guided hike on a State Park’s Free Day, so meander at your own pace through a forest canopy winding past several of the historic gun batteries. Stop at Memory’s Vault; a sculpture garden with columns of poetry. See mountain views on clear days. There are rest benches and restroom facilities along the way
Fort Worden Historical State Park
- Time of Event: 11:15 a.m.
- Name of Hike: The Views of Fort Worden
- Trail Name: Bluff Trail
- Length of Hike: 1.5 miles
- Where to Meet: At the USO Building parking lot on the west side of Taps at the Guardhouse pub in Fort Worden State Park.
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Some of the trail is unpaved and may have tree roots in the trail
- Things to bring: Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. Please remember to pick up after your pets
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 360-344-4400 ext. 327
- Description: Hike Fort Worden’s Bluff Trail and see the Park’s most spectacular views including the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Admiralty Inlet, Whidbey Island, Mt. Baker and Mount Rainer.
Griffiths Priday State Park
- Time of Event: 10 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Ranger Walk with Ranger Sullivan
- Trail Name: Griffiths Priday River trail
- Length of Hike: 2 miles
- Where to Meet: Day use area parking lot
- 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: Be prepared to possibly cross ankle-deep creek
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 360-289-9405.
- Description: Learn more about the local nature while hiking with ranger Noble along the Copalis River exploring Griffiths-Priday State Park.
hoko river state park
- Time of Event: Noon
- Trail Name: Little Hoko River Trail
- Length of Hike: 1 mile +
- Where to Meet: Hoko Ozette Road-Just South of Hoko River Bridge. Part of Cowan Heritage Area. Just south of Highway 112 at the Hoko-Ozette Road turnoff
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Public restrooms are available at Clallam Bay Park or up the road at Lake Ozette
- Things to bring: Dress for the weather. Wear winter hiking garb. Some folks prefer to bring hiking poles or walking sticks.
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 360-963-2442
- Description: If you wish to take a pleasant northwest rain forest walk, rain or shine, head west on Highway 112 through Clallam Bay and Sekiu, and turn south on the Hoko-Ozette Road. When you pass the historic turn-of-century barn and farmhouse on your left, you’ll cross the Little Hoko River Bridge and park in the trailhead on the east side of the road. Go through the walking gate and enjoy the easy-going self-guided walk among towering evergreens, moss-covered maple, and wide meadows. For more information, call 360.963.2442.
Lake Sylvia State Park
- Time of Event: 11 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Children’s Hike
- Trail Name: Sylvia Creek
- Length of Hike: 1 mile
- Where to Meet: Kitchen Shelter
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? No
- Restrictions: None
- Cancellation Information: 360-890-0988
- Description: The Children’s Hike will be led by Ranger Falani. Experience Lake Sylvia in the morning as the fog escapes the lake. If this is your first hike or just another day on the trail enjoy the sights and sounds with your chosen adult
Lake Sylvia State Park
- Time of Event: 1 p.m.
- Name of Hike: Forest Hike
- Trail Name: Forest Trail
- Length of Hike: 2 miles
- Where to Meet: Kitchen Shelter
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners?: Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? No
- Restrictions: None
- Cancellation Information: 360-890-0988
- Description: The Adult Hike will be led by Ranger Schwalb and Ranger Galli. Expect to see the parks inner beauty and enjoy this healthy working forest. Bring in the new year, whether this is your first time or your annual trip.
Lewis and Clark State Park
- Time of Event: 11 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Lewis and Clarks State Park First Day Hike
- Trail Name: Trail of the Deer to the Old Growth Loop
- Length of Hike: 2 miles roundtrip
- Where to Meet: Park is closed to cars in the winter, so participants are encouraged to park across the road (Jackson Highway) by the old park office (there will be a sign for parking). Participants will then need to walk across the road past the park entrance gate up the roadway to the kitchen shelter where the hike begins (short walk to shelter). There will be a sign at the gate directing participants.
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Trail can be wet and muddy during the winter months, there are tree roots to step over. Small amount of elevation gain throughout. Shorter alternate paths are available for those interested.
- Things to bring: Rain gear is recommended (just in case) as well as warm winter layers. Sturdy hiking shoes or muck-boots are strongly encouraged. No technical gear required, though walking poles are welcome. Don’t forget your hats, gloves, and hand-warmers!
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: in case of inclement weather please call 360-864-2643 (Lewis and Clark State Park) or 360-644-4704 (staff member)
- Description: Come join Park staff as we explore the beautiful old-growth forest that Lewis and Clark State Park has to offer. Participants will learn about the area's rich history as well as the abundant flora/fauna. This scenic hike takes visitors under towering cedar and fir trees strung with lichen and moss, and through a lush understory teeming with ferns. The hike will begin in the CCC kitchen shelter where a warm fire and drinks/snacks will be provided. A short presentation will take place on the local wildlife as hikers are arriving. Please plan for 2 hours for this full experience.
Millersylvania State Park
- Time of Event: 10 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Millersylvania State Park First Day Hike
- Length of Hike: 2.5 miles
- Where to Meet: Kitchen Shelter 3
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: Severe weather may alter route.
- Things to bring: Bring a smile, and binoculars if you have them!
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: Jackie Gigante Office: (360)902-8648 Cell: (360)480-3014
- Description: This will be a Ranger led an out and back hike to our Quarry pond. We will pass through wetland, secondary and old growth forests, and get an opportunity to explore some of our CCC history.
Seaquest State Park / MOUNT ST. HELENS VISITOR CENTER
- Time of Event: 11 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Mount Saint Helens First Day Hike
- Trail Name: Wetland Haven Trail
- Length of Hike: about 1 mile roundtrip
- Where to Meet: Though the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center will be closed, the parking lot will be open. Please park in the upper or lower lot and meet in front of the building.
- Degree of Difficulty: Easy
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? Yes
- Stroller Accessible? Yes
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Restrictions: This hike is accessible for all. The terrain is flat with gravel/soil/boardwalk surfaces.
- Things to bring: Rain gear is recommended (just in case) as well as warm winter layers. No technical gear is required for this walk. Don’t forget your hats, gloves, and hand-warmers! Bird watchers might want their binoculars and field guides!
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 360-274-0962
- Description: Come join Park staff as we explore the wetland ecosystem of Silver Lake. Participants will stroll along a beautiful boardwalk, with plenty of bird watching opportunities- so bring your binoculars! You’ll learn about the formation of this lake and the incredible biodiversity of the Mount St. Helens landscape. Please plan for 1-1.5 hours for this full experience. For folks wanting a longer hike afterwards we encourage you to check out Seaquest State Park for over 5 miles of forested trails.
Twanoh State Park
- Time of Event: 9 a.m.
- Name of Hike: Twanoh State Park Frist Day Hike
- Trail Name: Twanoh Trail
- Length of Hike: 2.25 miles
- Where to Meet: Twanoh State Park Campground Entrance Parking Lot
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes
- ADA Accessible? No
- Stroller Accessible? No
- Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes
- Things to bring: Boots Recommended
- Registration Required: No
- Cancellation Information: 360-275-2222
- Description: The hike will be led by a park ranger and will follow Twanoh Creek before climbing up to a forested ridgetop and ending back at the creek side.