Washington State Parks are inviting hikers to ring in the new year on the trail! On January 1, 2025, “First Day Hikes” will offer an experience for everyone to get outside and enjoy Washington’s beautiful state parks. Participants can hike in both staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe excursions, trail rides, polar plunges, scavenger hunts and more at 30+ parks on New Year’s Day. Once hikers have completed one of these special First Day Hikes, they can earn a free, collectible Washington State Parks 2025 First Day Hikes pin.

All hikes are free and a Discover Pass is not needed to park on state managed lands on January 1, the first Washington State Parks free day of 2025. However, hikers may need to register for some events with participation limits and/or purchase the appropriate Sno-Park permit for parks that become Sno-Parks during the winter (Lake Easton, Lake Wenatchee and Mount Spokane). 

Below are the three First Day Hikes closest to Vancouver that are scheduled to happen on January 1. Click on the hike title for more information, and find the full list of First Day Hikes throughout the state, including on the Long Beach Peninsula, here.

First Day Hikes Happening in Southwest Washington

Beacon Rock First Day Hike

January 1, 2025, 10-11:30 am

Beacon Rock trail is a 1.8 mile (round trip) hike up the side of a core of an ancient extinct volcano. The trail has a 750′ elevation gain and 52 switchbacks, the switchbacks create a gradual incline the entire trail making it a hike with moderate difficulty allowing people of all ages and experience levels to hike it. There are some spectacular views of the Columbia River and the Gorge along the entire trail with some bridges along the way, the trail brings you right up along the edge of some pretty steep drop offs making it a scary hike for those who are afraid of heights. There are railings the entire length of the trail however making it a very safe and manageable hike.

Name of Hike: Beacon Rock Trail

Length of Hike: 1.8 miles w/ 750′ elevation gain

Where to Meet: Picnic table at trailhead

Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes

Suggested minimum age of children to attend:  5 years old

ADA Accessible? No

Stroller Accessible? No

Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes

Restrictions: Dogs are welcome on this hike but must be on leash at all times.

Registration Required: Yes, please email intent to: Beacon.Rock@parks.wa.gov

Things to bring: Water, hiking shoes, camera.

Cancellation Information: Please notify us at least 24 hours in advance to cancel.

Beacon Rock First Day Hike (Afternoon Hike)

January 1, 2025, 2-4 pm

Beacon Rock trail is a 1.8 mile (round trip) hike up the side of a core of an ancient extinct volcano. The trail has a 750′ elevation gain and 52 switchbacks, the switchbacks create a gradual incline the entire trail making it a hike with moderate difficulty allowing people of all ages and experience levels to hike it. There are some spectacular views of the Columbia River and the Gorge along the entire trail with some bridges along the way, the trail brings you right up along the edge of some pretty steep drop offs making it a scary hike for those who are afraid of heights. There are railings the entire length of the trail however making it a very safe and manageable hike.

Name of Hike: Beacon Rock Trail

Length of Hike: 1.8 miles w/ 750′ elevation gain

Where to Meet: Picnic table at trailhead

Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes

Suggested minimum age of children to attend:  5 years old

ADA Accessible? No

Stroller Accessible? No

Are leashed dogs allowed? Yes

Restrictions: Dogs are welcome on this hike but must be on leash at all times.

Registration Required: Yes, please email intent to: Beacon.Rock@parks.wa.gov

Things to bring: Water, hiking shoes, camera.

Cancellation Information: Please notify us at least 24 hours in advance to cancel.

Mount Saint Helens Visitor Center (Seaquest) First Day Hike

January 1, 2025, 10-11:30 am

Come join park staff for a birding experience in the wetland ecosystem of Silver Lake. This hike can take up to 1.5 hours for the full experience. For folks wanting a longer hike afterwards we encourage you to check out nearby Seaquest State Park, with over 5 miles of forested trails.

Name of Hike: Birdwalk on the Boardwalk

Length of Hike: 0.6 mile

Where to Meet: Though the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center will be closed January 1st, the parking lot will remain open. Please park in the upper or lower lot (accessible) and meet in front of the building. Ranger Robyn will be there to greet you.

Is this Hike for Beginners? Yes

Suggested minimum age of children to attend: All ages welcome; no limits.

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.    ​

Registration Required: No

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! Birdwatchers, bring your binoculars and field guides! Some binoculars and field guides provided.​

Cancellation Information: N/A

Republished with edits with permission from Washington State Parks.

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