Rangers and volunteers will lead 37 guided First Day Hikes at 30 parks around the state with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, and the $5 day-use parking fee is waived on that day at the state parks that charge for parking.
America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.
“First Day Hikes has become a fun tradition for both visitors and staff on New Year’s Day. Rangers and volunteers get a chance to share park history, geology, wildlife and plants, and visitors get to experience an adventure with friends and family to start the new year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration including Champoeg, Detroit Lake, Emigrant Springs and Smith Rock.
NORTH OREGON COAST HIKES:
Information about the hike at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area:
- Join a park ranger for a 2.5-mile guided hike through Sitka Sedge State Natural Area. Experience birdwatching on the Sandlake Estuary, hike through a coastal upland dune forest, and take a stroll along the beach. The hike provides scenic views of the estuary, and the ranger will identify plants and animals while answering any questions.
- The 12 p.m. hike will begin at the trailhead parking area at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area located off Sandlake Road, north of Pacific City and south of Sandlake. If the main parking lot is full, there will be overflow parking across the street.
- The first half mile of the trail features compacted gravel and has a slight slope, but it is otherwise flat, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. After this section, the trail narrows and the surface becomes softer.
- Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome.
- Dress in layers with rain gear and gloves, wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, call (503) 812-2403.
Information about the Oswald West State Park hike:
- Park rangers will lead you on a hike through the interior trails of Oswald West State Park and share insights about the park’s history and natural beauty.
- The hike starts at 9 a.m. and begins at Oswald West State Park’s main parking lot near Short Sands Beach Trail Head, 41575 Oregon Coast Hwy, Nehalem, OR 97131.
- The approximately 1-mile, hike will be relatively level with few ups and downs. Surfaces will include pavement, gravel, sand, dirt, and possibly mud.
- Participants should dress in warm layers and pack rain gear. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes with ankle support are recommended. Bring water and snacks for yourself along the hike.
- Contact the park office at (541) 999-0884 for more information.
Information about the hike at Fort Stevens State Park:
- Join us for a 2-mile hike around Fort Stevens’s military and maritime history areas. Hikers can expect to see views of the Columbia River and explore concrete gun emplacements from 1900 and 1944.
- Meet at 9 a.m. in the courtyard on the west side of the Fort Stevens Historic Area Museum Center.
- The trail is on pavement, gravel, dirt, grass and mud, with little elevation changes.
- Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome.
- Dress in layers with rain gear and gloves, wear sturdy shoes and bring water, snacks, a camera, or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, call 503-861-3170.Mike.Simonsen@oprd.oregon.gov
The day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.
If you have questions about accessibility or to request reasonable accommodations needed for you to participate in a hike, see contact information for each of the hikes.
Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Share photos of First Day Hikes on Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
