By Kat Bryant
Grays Harbor News Group
Four state parks in Grays Harbor County will host guided family hikes on New Year’s Day, with no fees required.
First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide program that promotes family outdoor experiences to kick off each new year. Not all state parks participate, but every state in the continental U.S. has at least a few that do. More than 30 guided hikes are scheduled in Washington alone.
Wednesday, Jan. 1, also is 2020’s first “free day” — one of 12 each year when no Discover Pass is required to enjoy Washington’s state parks.
The walks will begin at 10 a.m. at Bottle Beach (at Ocosta), Schafer (in Elma) and Griffiths-Priday (at Copalis Beach). Those walks will be approximately 1 mile each.
“One of the things I love most about Griffiths-Priday is the trail leading out to the beach has sweeping views of the ocean and leads to a section of beach that is closed to driving,” said Ranger Molly Nesgoda, who will be leading that hike. “It’s much quieter than other sections and is a great beach to let your dogs run free.”
At Lake Sylvia (in Montesano), it’ll be a 2.3-mile hike around the loop starting at 12:30 p.m., led by Ranger Nick Schwalb. For those who prefer a slower pace, a secondary group will be led on a “stroll” by a volunteer with the Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia (FOSLS).
“Working at Lake Sylvia, I have the opportunity to see the change from a busy, loud summer to a quiet, serene winter,” said Schwalb. “It’s an enjoyable change that attracts different crowds in different seasons. (Except for the geese, they are always here and always loud.)”
FOSLS will offer hot drinks and cookies at the Schafer and Lake Sylvia hikes. Snacks and water will be available at Bottle Beach.
All four trails are rated “easy,” but only the Bottle Beach Interpretive Trail is ADA- and stroller-friendly — at least until the boardwalk ends at the beach, which is one of the Harbor’s premier shorebird-watching spots.
Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome on all four hikes.
Participants should be prepared for wet weather and are encouraged to bring along water, cameras and binoculars.
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If you go
The following information is pulled from the Washington State Parks website. Check parks.state.wa.us for other First Day Hikes taking place outside Grays Harbor County.
Bottle Beach State Park
An easy walk on the Bottle Beach Interpretive Trail
Time: 10 a.m.
Length of hike: 1 mile
Where to meet: Bottle Beach State Park parking lot
Leader: Tyler Newmyer, tyler.newmyer@parks.wa.gov
Griffiths-Priday State Park
A hike through the windswept dunes at the Copalis National Wildlife Refuge and Copalis Spit Natural Area
Time: 10 a.m.
Length of hike: 1 mile
Where to meet: Kitchen shelter
Leader: Molly Nesgoda, molly.nesgoda@parks.wa.gov
Schafer State Park
Tour the park’s history and learn about the new construction coming to Schafer
Name of trail: New campground area
Time: 10 a.m.
Length of hike: 1 mile
Where to meet: Pavilion in day-use area
Leader: Kody Tryon, kody.tryon@parks.wa.gov
Lake Sylvia State Park
Check out the dam left over from the hydroelectric station that once provided power to the area
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Length of hike: 2.3 miles
Where to meet: Legacy Pavilion
Minimum age of participant: 8
Leader: Nick Schwalb, nick.schwalb@parks.wa.gov
photos Courtesy Washington State Parks The Griffths-Priday trail follows Connor Creek to the ocean beach.
A good-sized crowd attended the 2019 First Day Hike at Lake Sylvia.
Courtesy Washington State Parks Schafer State Park’s scenic trail winds through the woods near the Satsop River.
Courtesy Washington State Parks Schafer State Park’s scenic trail winds through the woods near the Satsop River.
