Missoula, MT – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is gearing up for the 10th annual First Day Hike, an exciting outdoor event that encourages residents and visitors to kick off the new year by exploring the state’s beautiful parks. The event, scheduled for January 1st, 2025, will feature a variety of activities at state parks across the region, including wading into Flathead Lake, fishing, making snow angels, and more.
The goal of the First Day Hike is simple: to inspire Montanans to get outside and enjoy the stunning natural beauty the state has to offer, even in the depths of winter. Since its inception, the event has gained popularity as a fun way for families to start the year with a shared outdoor experience.
Region 1 Montana FWP, which covers the Flathead and Mission Valleys, adds an extra element of excitement by offering a points-based challenge. Participants can earn points for completing various activities at multiple state parks, and those who accumulate the most points will be eligible for prizes. This feature has proven to be a big hit, encouraging people to visit more parks and explore different parts of the state.
“When we started doing it, I started hearing back from people that people had their favorite parks. But by doing this, it kind of gets them out, they get exposure to a lot of our different parks, because you get more points the more parks you go to,” said Brian Schwartz, Recreation Manager at Lone Pine State Park District. “People are looking for family things to do the first of the year, and it’s just a reason to get people outside. That’s really, you know, one of our core missions—to get people outside and enjoy the outdoors.”
Participants will be able to explore a variety of state parks in Region 1 during the First Day Hike event, including:
- Flathead Lake (all units)
- Lone Pine
- Whitefish
- Lake Mary Ronan
- Les Meson
- Logan
- Thompson Chain of Lakes
- Somers Beach
By offering activities for all ages and abilities, the event aims to make it easy for families and individuals to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. Whether it’s the thrill of making a snow angel or the calm enjoyment of fishing by the water, the First Day Hike provides a unique way to connect with nature and begin the year with an adventurous spirit.
The First Day Hike has become a beloved tradition for many Montanans, who look forward to the opportunity to explore new parks and engage in outdoor recreation with family and friends. As the event continues to grow, it remains a key part of FWP’s mission to promote outdoor activities and connect people to the natural world.
With the new year just around the corner, Montana’s First Day Hike offers the perfect chance to start 2025 on an adventurous note.
