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 Fogarty Creek, Champoeg, Detroit Lake, Emigrant Springs and Smith Rock.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is hosting two free guided First Day Hikes at Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area and another first day hike in Yachats for New Year’s Day. It's part of the annual First Day Hikes event at 30 Oregon State Parks held in partnership with America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day. The 2.5-mile, round trip hikes will be along the Oregon Coast Trail from Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area to almost reaching Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint. The turnaround point will be at the dirt lot, approximately 1/4 mile from the Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint. Registration required
The 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. hikes will meet near the restroom on the north side of Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area, 2900 N. Hwy 101, Depoe Bay. The day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.The hike follows a moderately difficult section of the Oregon Coast Trail, featuring an elevation change of approximately 60 feet. Two rock stair sections are without handrails, so good footing is essential. About 400 feet of the trail runs alongside the shoulder of Highway 101. Because of the trail's proximity to the busy highway, children must be closely supervised by their guardians during the hike. No dogs are allowed on the hike. Participants should 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 541-265-6949.
Join a park ranger for a guided hike along part of the historic 804 trail from Yachats State Recreation Area to Smelt Sands State Recreation Site. This hike will have almost continuous views of the powerful Pacific Ocean and should finish just in time for a spectacular sunset (weather permitting). There is also the possibility of spotting grey whales that are on the southern leg of their annual migration. The hike starts at 3:30 p.m. at the historic 804 Trail. Meet at the viewing deck on the west side of the parking lot. 429 W 1st St, Yachats. This will be approximately a 1.5 mile round trip walk along the ocean cliffs over easy to medium terrain, with little elevation gain. Most of the walk will be over paved or hard-packed surfaces, but there is a short section toward the turn-around point that is grassy/uneven. Well-behaved dogs are allowed if they remain on 6-foot or shorter leash for the entire hike. No smoking or vaping will be allowed during the walk.
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.
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