First Day Hikes at Northwest Montana state parks

On Jan. 1, state parks across the country will host First Day Hikes to kick off the new year.  

State Parks in Northwest Montana that are participating include Whitefish State Park, Les Mason, Flathead Lake, Lone Pine, Lake Mary Ronan, Logan, Thompson Chain of Lake and Somers Beach State Parks. 

These fun and informative hikes are open to all ages and are family friendly.

First Day Hikes is an annual, nationwide event co-sponsored by America's State Parks.  

It originated more than 26 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation at a state park in Milton, Mass. All 50 states will be participating in the 10th annual national event that encourages people to celebrate the New Year with guided outdoor exploration. 

Prizes are available to those who complete the most fun challenges. To earn points, participants must take a photograph of each activity and submit via email to wayfarers@mt.gov.  

All activities must occur at one of the participating parks on Jan. 1, 2025. Photos, names of participants, and miles hiked/ran must be submitted via email to wafarers@mt.gov by 6 p.m. on Jan. 3 to be entered to win prizes. 

For more information on the expedition call the Ranger Station at Wayfarers: 406-837-3041 ext. 0 

Point breakdown:

Wildlife Pictures - one point per species and extra point for proper identification. 

Tree/shrub Identification - one point per species you correctly ID with picture.
 

Miles, per person hiked/ran/skied/snowshoed - two points 

Snow angel (or other angel if no snow is present).- two points

Snow creature, extra points are awarded for creativity - two points 

Five-point category:

Having a picnic 

Sunrise Picture time stamped with Jan, 1, 2025 

Sledding 

Fishing 

Ice fishing, if safe ice available, or gear or fly fishing. 

Making a campfire (where permitted and only in designated fire rings) and having s’mores.  

10-point category:

Per person for wading into a lake at least ankle deep. 

Utilizing one of the archery ranges, Big Arm unit of Flathead Lake State Park or Lone Pine State Park. 

Per Park that you travel to, picture at the entrance signs as proof.   

Prizes: 

First place - Two nights at either Big Arm Unit of FHLSP yurt or Finley Point Unit of FHLSP cabin 

Second place - Two nights of camping at Logan State Park or Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park 

Third place - $40 at either Lone Pine State Park or Flathead Lake Ranger Station gift shop