Start off the year with a hike

Local parks and organizations offer New Year’s Day hikes as a way to get away from holiday hubbub.

December 26, 2023 1:30 am
Daniel Burns checks out the few blooms at Meerkerk Gardens that can be found in December. The Greenbank forest and garden preserve is sponsoring a walk through its woods on New Year’s Day. (Photo by Patricia Guthrie)
Daniel Burns checks out the few blooms at Meerkerk Gardens that can be found in December. The Greenbank forest and garden preserve is sponsoring a walk through its woods on New Year’s Day. (Photo by Patricia Guthrie)

By Patricia Guthrie

Special to The Record

Taking a slow stroll among the not-so-wild woods of Whidbey is a great way to start 2024, naturally.

Local parks and organizations offer numerous New Year’s Day hikes as a way to get out and get away from holiday hubbub.

Additionally, Washington State Parks offers free entry at all locations so a Discover Pass isn’t required.

For the first time, Meerkerk Gardens is inviting the public to join a docent-led walk among its many acres of woodlands on Jan. 1, starting at noon. Cost is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under.

The two-mile trek is considered easy to moderate and features one slight hill, said Daniel Burns, publicity and events coordinator of the nonprofit organization that oversees 53 acres of forest and gardens. Many trails have been recently graveled.

“We want people to get out and hike the trails and see the lush forest,” Burns said. “There’s just so many shades of greens. It’s second growth meaning it was logged one time before. Some of the old stumps are visible.”

While Meerkerk is best known for its bright spring blooms of rhododendrons and azaleas, it’s open every day of the year and each season shines with various sights and sounds.

Just recently, a Pacific Chorus frog was spotted, out and about on an unusual sunny December day. Meerkerk is home to a wide variety of amphibians normally seen and heard spring through early fall. And be on the lookout for newts as the “Newt Crossing” trail sign warns.

Meerkerk’s trail system meanders by a conifer forest, wetlands and ponds. Morning strolls are particularly popular with locals and their dogs, which must be leashed.

Staff consider the woodlands of Meerkerk a hidden gem.

“We don’t pay enough attention to the surrounding forest,” said Ron Newberry, garden operations manager. “The woodlands make up 80% of our grounds. We’d like more people to get out and discover our trails.”

Come Jan. 1, numerous Whidbey locations offer guided hikes and other outdoor events. Washington State Parks offers a “free day” when a Discover Pass is not required. Some events require registration or may be full. Check online: whidbeycamanoislands.com/event/first-day-hikes.

Deception Pass State Park

Bowman Bay hike and scavenger hunt; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at upper picnic shelter, enjoy treats and a warm drink before breaking into groups to explore and hike various trails. Leashed dogs allowed; no registration required, 41229 Highway 20, Oak Harbor.

Fort Casey Historical State Park

All day event featuring fort history. Meet at the circular exhibit area along the path between the parking and the fort. Leashed dogs allowed; no registration required, 1280 Engle Road, Coupeville.

Fort Ebey State Park

Biking at 1 p.m. with 20-rider limit. Registration required. Meet at the Fort Ebey Battery parking lot. No dogs, 400 Hill Valley Drive, Coupeville.

South Whidbey State Park

11 a.m. start of easy, short half-mile hike for families with young children. Meet at the front parking lot; leashed dogs allowed. Registration required, 4128 South Smugglers Cove Road, Freeland.

Meerkerk Gardens in Greenbank is sponsoring a two-mile walk along its trails. Led by a docent, the 90-minute walk will meander through wetlands, woods and rhododendrons and past Big Leaf Valley where Daniel Burns stops to examine the giant plant. (Photo by Patricia Guthrie)

Meerkerk Gardens in Greenbank is sponsoring a two-mile walk along its trails. Led by a docent, the 90-minute walk will meander through wetlands, woods and rhododendrons and past Big Leaf Valley where Daniel Burns stops to examine the giant plant. (Photo by Patricia Guthrie)