LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is hosting its sixth annual “First Day Hike” to be held on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, beginning at noon.

The hike is part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes Program and each year, more than 100 people have attended the event at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

Members of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association and local State Park Rangers help lead and organize the hike each year.

According to Henry Bornstein, an AMIA Board member who is one this year’s hike leaders, “The event offers a wonderful opportunity to begin the New Year right by connecting with nature and the outdoors with friends and family on Jan. 1.”

Participants can choose between two routes this year. The McVicar walk is a leisurely walk along the McVicar Trail and back, which leads from the parking lot to the shores of Clear Lake, across from Indian Island.

The entire walk is a little over 7½ miles of mainly flat terrain and should take between three and four hours, depending on how many times they stop to admire what they see along the way.

The shorter Cache Creek, Marsh and Ridge Trail Loop is a 3½-mile loop over these three trails, passing by a vernal pool near the end. This shorter hike will take between two and two and a half hours.

According to Bornstein, “Hikers will experience grasslands, oak woodlands, willow and cottonwood riparian habitats and the tule marsh habitat of the Anderson Marsh Natural Preserve, and may encounter a variety of migrating and resident birds and other wildlife.
Participants on both hikes are welcome to walk part way and make an early return at their own pace.”

Both hikes begin at noon at the park off Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake. Children of all ages are welcome. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat. Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them.

No dogs are allowed on these trails, which pass through the Anderson Marsh Natural Preserve.

For further information, the public is asked to contact AMIA at 707-995-2658 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..