– Submitted by Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to celebrate the first day of 2016 with FirstDay Hikes taking place at more than two dozen state parks on Jan. 1.

In the spirit of the new year, Washingtonians are encouraged to start 2016 with a healthy hike and connect with the diverse natural resources and recreation opportunities found at state parks across Washington on New Year’s Day. Jan.1, 2016 is a State Parks Free Day. Participants will not need to display the Discover Pass on vehicles to access state parks for the New Year’s Day activities.

On San Juan Island, Lime Kiln Point State Park, shown above, will be a part of the First Day Hikes, featuring a hike along the 2.5-mile Lime Kiln Trail overlooking Haro Strait and Vancouver Island. Finish off the day with a tour to the top ofLime Kiln Point Lighthouse. Meet at 1 p.m. at the Interpretive Center.

“We’re very excited to once again join other state park systems across the country in the First Day Hikes program,” said Don Hoch, Washington State Parks director. “Washington was among the first states to participate when the event began, and we’re pleased this year to be offering more than 25 First Day Hikes in Washington state parks. We hope folks will get their families out to join us for some healthy outdoor activity in the parks on New Year’s Day.”

The First Day Hikes program is part of the America’s State Parks First Day Hikes national initiative organized by theNational Association of State Park Directors.

The nationwide event first started at Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass., over 25 years ago. Since 2013, all 50 state park systems have participated in the First Day Hikes program. For more details about 2016 First DayHikes, visit the Washington State Parks and Recreation blog, Adventure Awaits.