OLYMPIA — The state Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to celebrate the first day of 2014 with First Day Hikes, an event available Jan. 1.
Fifteen state parks are offering guided hikes ranging from interpretive strolls through military batteries and Puget Sound coastal forests to snowshoe walks in the Selkirk and Cascade mountains.
The Discover Pass is required for vehicle access.
Participants of all ages are welcome, unless otherwise noted.
North Olympic Peninsula state parks with hikes are:
■ Fort Flagler State Park on Marrowstone Island: Hike 2 miles along the Bluff Trail or a shorter hike three-fourths of a mile that includes views of North Puget Sound and historic military structures.
Meet at 1 p.m. in front of the park museum. On-leash pets are welcome. The park museum is open on New Year’s Day.
■ Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend: Take a stroll up Artillery Hill and walk through multiple coastal defense bunkers for a 1.5-mile hike. Meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Memories Vault.
Those unfamiliar with the park may wish to arrive 30 minutes early and ask for directions at the Coastal Artillery Museum, located next door to the park office.
Children 10 and older are welcome. Those who want to explore the bunkers are advised to take along a flashlight.
Other hikes are available at Cama Beach State Park and Camano Island State Park on Camano Island, Deception Pass State Park in Oak Harbor, Ebey’s Landing State Park on Whidbey Island, Goldendale Observatory State Park in Goldendale, Lake Sylvia State Park in Montesano, Lake Wenatchee State Park near Leavenworth, Millersylvania State Park in Olympia, Mount Spokane State Park in Mead, Nolte State Park in Enumclaw, Riverside State Park in Spokane, Twanoh State Park on Hood Canal and Wallace Falls State Park in Goldbar.
For more information about specific First Day Hikes at Washington state parks, visit www.parks.wa.gov/events.
