Free First Day Hikes in Mendocino Area State Parks

California State Parks and the non-profit Mendocino Area Parks Association) will sponsor free, guided hikes in 5 state parks in Mendocino County on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states.  America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2015 at a state park close to home.   First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family. 

First Day Hike, January 1, 2015. Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, Leggett, 11:00 a.m. Meet hike leaders Roger Woodsmall and Jeff Hedin at the park entrance station. Easy 2 mile walk through old-growth redwoods. Young children are welcome on this hike.  Bring water, rain gear, coffee, tea or hot cocoa to help stay warm. No dogs allowed on trail for this hike. More information 707-925-6482.

First Day Hike, January 1, 2015. MacKerricher State Park, Fort Bragg, 11:00 a.m. Meet park interpreter Fred Andrews at park visitor center. Learn about the annual gray whale migration and look for whales offshore. Binoculars will be available to help visitors study whales and other fascinating wildlife found near MacKerricher’s shores. The hike is wheelchair accessible. Young children are welcome on this program. More information 707-961-0471.

First Day Hike, January 1, 2015. Russian Gulch State Park, Mendocino, 12:00 noon. Meet at the park’s recreation hall. This will be a moderate to strenuous 5.5 mile out and back hike (2.75 miles each way) to the beautiful waterfall at Russian Gulch. You will learn about the park’s natural history from Dave Jensen, birder and naturalist. This hike is suggested for children 10 years and older, and adults. Bring water, snacks, hat and binoculars with you. No Dogs allowed on trail for this hike. More information 707- 961-0471.

 

First Day Hike, January 1, 2015. Mendocino Headlands State Park, Mendocino, 1:00 p.m. Meet the docent at the Ford House Visitor Center. Walk out to the Mendocino Headlands to look for gray whales. Learn about the annual migration of gray whales. 1 mile easy hike. 3 years old is the minimum age for children on this walk. Rain will cancel this event. Wear layered clothing. Bring binoculars, water and a camera. More information 707-937-5397.

First Day Hike, January 1, 2015. Van Damme State Park, Little River, 10:00 a.m. Meet  docents Stan Anderson and David Alden at Hwy 1 and Gordon Lane. The parking lot is about 2 miles north of Little River, California, on Hwy 1. The hike goes downhill through the Spring Ranch property to bluffs overlooking the ocean to look for migrating gray whales. Learn about the annual migration of gray whales between Alaska and Baja. After looking for whales, you will retrace your path uphill to the dirt parking lot. One section of the dirt path is very steep. Bring binoculars, water and a snack. Wear layered clothing. More information 707-961-0471