Make it a memorable start to 2022 with a “First Day Hike” at either Pearrygin Lake State Park or Alta Lake State Park on Jan. 1.
The hikes are free and you don’t need a Discover Pass to park, but a Sno-Park permit may be required.
• Pearrygin Lake offers a fat bike ride or snowshoe hike of 2 to 4 miles. Start at the Upper Rex Derr Trailhead at 10 a.m. for the hike or 10:30 a.m. for the bike ride. Ride through the shrub steppe on the Rex Derr Trail with views overlooking Pearrygin Lake. Prefer to go on foot? Bring your snowshoes, and head out along the same trail ahead of the bikers.
For the ride, bring a fat bike, warm layers, gloves, hat ,water and snack. Bike rentals are available through Methow Cycle and Sport and other vendors in Winthrop. For the snowshoe trip, bring all the same gear but swap the bike for snowshoes.
A daily or seasonal Sno-Park Permit is required for each vehicle entering Pearrygin Lake Sno-Park. For information, contact organizer Bryan Alexander at bryan.alexander@parks.wa.gov or call 996-2370.
• Alta Lake offers a 1-mile hike over moderate terrain starting at the state park office at 10 a.m. Bring hiking boots and hiking poles. If the weather is cold icy weather, bring Yak Traks.
During the 1-mile, out-and-back hike you can expect to see a scenic view of Alta Lake. Following the hike there will be a discussion the Carlton Complex Fire in 2014 and how it changed much of the geography of the area. For kids, there will be an activity about camping etiquette in the campgrounds.
For information, contact organizer Joe Giampietri at joseph.giampietri@parks.wa.gov or call (509) 923-2473.
When you are done, don’t forget to pick up your free, collectible Washington State Parks 2022 “First Day Hikes” pin.
