Whether you prefer a sunset hike along the coast or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, First Day Hikes has a hike for you on New Year’s Day, Wednesday Jan. 1.
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.
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.
Information about the hike hosted at La Pine State Park:
- The approximately 3-mile hike is on the Deschutes River Loop Trail and follows the curves of the Deschutes River. We’ll look for signs of wildlife that call this park home, and if there’s snow, we will identify wildlife prints.
- Registration is required.
- The hike starts at 10 a.m. and begins at the McGregor Memorial Overlook.
- The hike is on a dirt trail with 85 feet of elevation gain. Possible ice and snow may limit accessibility on the day of the hike.
- Children’s strollers are not recommended because of the possibility of snow or ice. Dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Snowshoes may be needed depending on conditions.
- For more information, call 541-536-2428.
Information about the hike hosted at Smith Rock State Park:
- The approximately 1.5-mile round trip hike highlights all the unique wonders of Smith Rock and the surrounding ecosystem. Be prepared to learn all about the geology, animals, and plants that make this park truly special.
- Registration is required.
- The hike starts at 9:00 a.m. Meet at the Welcome Center yurt in the day-use area near the restrooms. 10260 NE Crooked River Drive, Terrebonne, OR 97760.
- The hiking trail is gravel and slick in several areas. The first half of the route we are taking is not accessible, especially during the ascent. The Rim Rock section after the ascent is accessible.
- Friendly dogs are always welcome on six-foot leashes. No drones allowed.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes appropriate for ice and snow, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, call 541-233-6693.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please contact Park Ranger Ian Palmer, 541-233-6693. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.
The day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.
First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.
