Whidbey Island residents can start the new year with a guided tour of a historic fort or walk around sand dunes.

First-day hikes are planned for two state parks on Whidbey Island this year as part of the national First Day Hikes program. As a bonus, New Year’s Day is the first of State Parks’ free days, which means Discover Passes aren’t required to park.

New this year is a hike at Fort Casey Historical State Park. It will be led by a well-versed volunteer who will guide participants through the history of Fort Casey along the park’s interpretive trail. This trail is a flat, graveled and ADA accessible.

As a bonus, hikers will get to explore areas of the fort that are usually off limits. Refreshments will be available afterward.

The Battery Loop Interpretive Trail is an easy one-mile hike that starts at 1 p.m. in the fort parking lot. Children and dogs on leashes are welcome.

Hikers will have two different hikes to choose from at Deception Pass State Park. Both are guided by park staff.

The easier hike travels the Sand Dunes Interpretive Trail loop. The paved, ADA and stroller-accessible trail is a half mile and offers great views of the Salish Sea as hikers travel around dune forests, wetlands and sandy beaches. Hikers will get to visit one of the oldest trees in the park.

The more challenging hike follows the North Beach Trail. The two-mile hike gains about 100 feet of elevation and offers great views of the iconic bridge and pass.

People interested in either hike should meet at 10 a.m. at the West Beach shelter. Children and dogs are welcome.