Clallam Bay Sekiu Lions Host First Day Walk Along Little Hoko River

January 12, 2023 1:30 am
Five listening; John Hunter, Carter Richards, Ryan Walsh, Tim Van Riper, and Kenneth Reandeau along the trail. Submitted photo
Five listening; John Hunter, Carter Richards, Ryan Walsh, Tim Van Riper, and Kenneth Reandeau along the trail. Submitted photo

The first day of 2023 event invited the public to get outside, exercise, and enjoy a short level walk alongside a picturesque little river on the northwest side of the Olympic Peninsula. After weeks of snow and rain, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, was sunny all day! Lions provided a warm welcome, healthy snacks, and informative guidance along the trail. Lions Nancy Messmer and Roy Morris were joined as hosts by Friends of Hoko River State Park Members, Tim Van Riper and Paul Bowlby. Tim and Board Member Bill Riedel are the Little Hoko River Trail monitors for the Friends group.

Tim, a lifetime resident of the area, has hiked this here since he was a boy. Lion Nancy led the hike and Tim was a knowledgeable guide offering information about geography, history and the local flora and fauna. Hikers came from Forks, Beaver, Lyre River, and nearby to enjoy the sunny pleasant hike.

Friends of Hoko River State Park and Clallam Bay Sekiu Lions volunteer to support Hoko River State Park, encompassing the Cowan Heritage Area, Hoko River Estuary, and the Little Hoko River Trail. This year, 43 First Day Hikes were hosted throughout Washington. All 50 states offered First Day walks in State Parks. First-Day Walks are “fee-free” days at State Parks across Washington State. For everyday visits, a Discover Pass is required for each vehicle. This New Year’s Day, all participants received “First Day Walk” pins provided by Washington State Parks.

If you wish to take a pleasant northwest rainforest walk, rain or shine, head west through Clallam Bay and Sekiu, and turn south on the Hoko-Ozette Road. When you pass the historic turn-of-century barn and farmhouse on your left, you’ll cross the Little Hoko Bridge and park at the trailhead on the east side of the road. Go through the walking gate and enjoy the easy-going walk along the river through towering evergreens, moss-covered maple, and wide meadows.

If you seek more information, view the Friends of Hoko River State Park Facebook page or read the items on the bulletin board across from the Cowan Farm. The Friends group invites you to enjoy the park and even join the volunteer work team if you are inspired. For more information, call 360-963-2442.