There are many New Year's Eve and New Year’s Day traditions, from midnight countdowns across the globe to making (and eventually breaking) resolutions.

Then there’s the shockingly cold, wet option: polar plunges.

On top of the many polar bear clubs growing throughout the U.S. and many influencers and celebrities posting videos promoting polar plunges, taking a dip in frigid waters, even if only for a brief few moments, can still have potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting immune system response and improving circulation.

There are some risks with jumping into frigid waters, including cold shock, hypothermia and cardiac arrest for those with pre-existing heart conditions.

But despite the risks, polar plunge events are still gaining popularity, and in Lewis and South Thurston counties, there are at least three in January.

Offut Lake 2025 annual Polar Plunge

In South Thurston County, the Offut Lake Resort will host its 2025 Polar Plunge on Wednesday, Jan. 1, at 10 a.m., jumping into Offut Lake off the docks near the Lady of the Lake Public House restaurant, located at 4005 120th Ave. SE north of Tenino.

Prior to the polar plunge, at 10 a.m., the Lady of the Lake will open at 9 a.m., serving a biscuits and gravy breakfast along with drink specials including loaded bloody Marys and granny’s hot buttered rums.

There is no fee to participate, but those looking to take an icy dip into the lake must sign a waiver first before jumping off the docks.

For more information, message the Offut Lake Resort on its Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/7tz2n9, or call the resort at 360-264-2438.

Packwood Polar Plunge 2025

In East Lewis County, Packwood residents, along with those in surrounding communities, will jump into the waters of the Cowlitz River on Wednesday, Jan. 1, at noon. They’ll make the leap at the Packwood Cowlitz River Public Access Point.

To get to the public access point, turn off of U.S. Highway 12 onto Skate Creek Road South, turn right onto Alpine Drive, then turn left on Alta Drive where the access point is located before Alta Drive turns right.

Additionally, the White Pass Mobile Sauna will be on-site from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. for drop-in public use, but it will be reserved for Packwood Polar Plunge participants from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Up to six people at a time can use the mobile sauna, and the cost is $30 for 30 minutes. Those interested in using the sauna must bring their own bathing suits or some other article of clothing, shower-safe shoes or sandals, a change of clothes, a towel and a water bottle.

Official Packwood Polar Plunge participants can reserve a spot in the sauna by emailing whitepassmobilesauna@gmail.com. For more information, visit the events’ Facebook pages at https://tinyurl.com/4bc5zpcf and https://tinyurl.com/2zcnz238. 

Lewis County Icicle Brigade Polar Plunge 2025

Following both of the region’s New Year’s Day polar plunge events, the Lewis County Icicle Brigade Polar Plunge 2025 will take place on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 10 a.m., at the lakeshore next to the Mayfield Lake Park boat launch.

It will be hosted by both members of local law enforcement and state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia.

The parking lot for Mayfield Lake Park is located at the intersection of Beach and Village roads just off U.S. Highway 12 west of Mossyrock.

This event is a part of the state-wide Special Olympics Washington Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge event, which pits local law enforcement agencies against each other in a fundraising competition.

Proceeds from this polar plunge benefit Special Olympics Washington and local Special Olympic athletes here in Lewis County.

All participants must raise a minimum of $50 on top of the $25 registration fee. Donations without taking the polar plunge challenge are welcome as well.

To register to participate in this polar plunge or donate to the Lewis County Icicle Brigade, visit Special Olympics Washington’s website at https://impact.sowa.org/team/620382. 

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/2ssnku9n.