LOWER LAKE, Calif. — Anderson Marsh State Historic Park will offer a free, community hike beginning at noon on New Year’s Day.

The hike is part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes program.

The nationwide First Day Hikes program offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year by taking a healthy hike on January 1st at a state park close to home.

The New Year’s Day hike will be led by State Parks volunteers associated with the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association, or AMIA.

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

Participants can choose between two routes this year.

The McVicar hike is a leisurely trip to the end of the trail and back, from the parking lot to the shores of Clear Lake, across from Indian Island. The entire walk is about 7½ miles of mainly flat terrain and should take between three and four hours, depending on how many times we stop to admire what we see along the way.

The shorter Cache Creek, Marsh and Ridge Trails walk is a 3½-mile loop over these three trails. This shorter hike will take between 2 and 2 ½ hrs.

“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,” said Bornstein.

Both hikes begin at noon at the park off Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake. Children of all ages are welcome.

Hikers should bring water and snacks, binoculars if they have them, and a hat for protection against the weather.

Sturdy shoes that can handle a little mud are recommended.

Participants on both hikes are welcome to walk part way and make an early return at their own pace.

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

Heavy rain will cancel the walks.

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..