The remedy to the end-of-the-holidays blues might be in the views, sounds and smells of Whidbey’s outdoors.

Every year, America’s State Parks encourage people of all ages to explore the parks during the winter by not requiring Discover Passes on Jan. 1.

To Joy Sullivan, Interpretive Specialist at Deception Pass State Park, these first day hikes are a great way to enjoy the parks and bring the community together. Many hikers, she said, are yearly regulars.

“It’s like seeing all of our friends all over again,” she said.

There are various options on Whidbey, depending on people’s skill level, all offering views of old growth trees and the sea. Though critters tend to hide when large groups of people are around, Sullivan said, hikers may spot migratory birds and river otters.

At Deception Pass State Park, people can choose from the Discovery Trail Hike, which is 1.1 miles long and has an elevation gain of 204 feet, making it easy; the medium-difficulty Goose Rock Perimeter Hike, which stretches for 2.25 miles and has an elevation gain of 515 feet; and the Goose Rock Summit Hike, the toughest trail of the bunch that takes hikers on a 2.3-mile adventure to the highest point of Whidbey, with a 765-foot elevation gain.

While no registration is needed for these three options, the family-friendly hike for families with children ages 0 to 5 does require participants to register. Since the hike is completely booked, those who are still interested in participating can join a waitlist. The trip begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at approximately 11 a.m.

Regardless of the path they may choose, hikers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Cornet Bay Retreat Center at Deception Pass State Park, where they can refuel with some warm drinks and snacks while getting to know their fellow adventurers. Typically, Sullivan said, the first day hikes attract around 100 people.

At 9:30, they will choose the trail to hike before leaving at 9:45.

According to Sullivan, the time of return may vary depending on the hikers’ energy level and can be between 11 and noon.

“This event is all about community, so we’ll go at the pace of the hikers,” she said.

The hikes are not ADA or stroller accessible, but pets on leashes are allowed. Participants are recommended to dress for the weather and bring water, hiking snacks and hiking shoes with traction.

For questions, contact DeceptionPass.Interpreter@parks.wa.gov or 360-228-5758.

Other state parks that can be enjoyed for free on Whidbey include Fort Casey Historical State Park, Fort Ebey State Park and South Whidbey State Park, all open from 8 a.m. to dusk with no official tour provided.

At the Meerkerk Gardens, located at 3531 Meerkerk Lane in Greenbank, Naturalist Steve Layman will guide visitors through two miles of trails with views of wildflowers, ferns, moss and trees, lulled by the sound of birds.

Visitors meet at the gatehouse at 1 p.m. and will walk together for about 90 minutes. Friends of Meerkerk Members and children below the age of 13 enter for free, while other visitors pay $15. To preregister, visit meerkerkgardens.org/events.