SALEM, Oregon— Whether you prefer a moderate hike through a desert landscape or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, Oregon State Parks has a First Day Hike for you on New Year’s Day, Thursday Jan. 1. In Tillamook County, Oswald West to the north and Sitka Sedge to the south will have First Day Hikes – registration is required for these hikes. Fort Stevens in Clastsop County will also offer a First Day Hike.
Rangers and volunteers will lead guided First Day Hikes at 25 parks around the state with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, but a day-use parking permit is required at some parks. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon Residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold online or at park offices.
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.
“Across Oregon, First Day Hikes have grown into a beloved New Year’s tradition for visitors and staff alike. On January 1st, park rangers and volunteers share stories of park history, geology, wildlife, and plants, as families and friends kick off the year together with an engaging outdoor adventure,” 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 Deschutes River, Elijah Bristow, Emigrant Springs, LaPine, Lukiamute, Oswald West, Sitka Sedge, and Smith Rock.
For any questions about accessibility or to request reasonable accommodations needed to participate in a hike, please see the contact information on each hike’s webpage.
Information about the Oswald West State Park hike:
- Join us for a First Day Hike with a park ranger and a guest from the North Coast Land Conservancy at Oswald West State Park. Explore the old-growth forest and discover the natural and cultural history of the oldest state park on the north Oregon Coast. We will also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve.
- Registration is required.
- The hike starts at 10 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 compacted gravel, sand, dirt, root intrusions, potholes, and possibly mud.
- Participants should dress in warm layers and pack rain gear. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes with ankle support are recommended. Bring pen and paper, water, and snacks for yourself along the hike.
- Contact the park office at 503-812-0650 for more information.
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.
- Registration required.
- 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.
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 via X and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
About America’s State Parks
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With collectively more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 900 million people annually, state park systems across the country are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more about America’s State Parks at stateparks.org.