Join us outdoors on New Year’s Day for First Day Hikes. Choose from 24 hikes in 21 parks across the state. All hikes will be guided by a park ranger or volunteer who will share stories about the park’s history, geology, wildlife and plants.
All hikes are free and day-use parking fees will be waived Jan. 1 at all open parks that normally charge a parking fee.
Plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and remember to carry binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Follow the Park Name links below to learn more about the hike description and hike length. Some parks ask for you to register.
There are several parks in Tillamook and Clastop Counties – Forst Stevens, Nehalem Bay and Sitka Sedge.
Parks hosting hikes
Coast
- Bullards Beach State Park: 1 p.m., meet at the amphitheater.
- Fort Stevens State Park: 10 a.m., meet at the main parking lot next to the museum and visitor center
- Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park: 10 a.m., meet at the Cleawox Lodge.
- Nehalem Bay State Park: 9 a.m., meet at the main parking lot.
- South Beach State Park, South Jetty: 10 a.m., meet at the new Jetty Trailhead, South Jetty Day-use Area.
- Sitka Sedge State Natural Area: 12 p.m., meet at the parking lot.
Portland area
- L.L. Stub Stewart State Park: 10 a.m., meet at the Dairy Creek West meeting hall
- Milo McIver State Park: 10 a.m., meet at the Dog Creek Trailhead in the Riverside Day-Use Area.
- Milo McIver State Park: 1 p.m., meet at the Dog Creek Trailhead in the Riverside Day-use Area.
Columbia River Gorge
- Deschutes River State Recreation Area: 11 a.m., meet at the Oregon Trail Kiosk. Follow link to register.
- Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail: 10 a.m., meet at the Mark O. Hatfield East Trailhead on Rock Creek Road, Mosier. Bring your snowshoes or x-country skis if there’s snow!
Willamette Valley/West Cascades
- Elijah Bristow State Park, Equestrian Ride: 11 a.m., foot in stirrup at noon, meet at the equestrian parking area for horse riding (bring your own horse.)
- Elijah Bristow State Park, Hike: 10 a.m., meet at the main parking lot at the end of the park road near group picnic areas.
- Detroit Lake State Park: 11 a.m., meet at the Campground Visitor Center.
- Silver Falls State Park, Historic District Hike: 10 a.m., meet at the South Falls Lodge porch.
- Silver Falls State Park, Geology Hike: 10 a.m., meet at the South Falls Lodge porch
Southern Oregon
- Collier Memorial State Park: 10 a.m., meet at the Logging Museum parking lot. Call the park office, 541-783-2471 X21 to register by Dec. 30, 2022. Leave a message that includes name, contact info and number of people attending.
- TouVelle State Park: 1:30 p.m., meet at the day-use area by Area F at the far end of the park.
- Valley of the Rogue State Park: 10 a.m., meet at the amphitheater fire pit in the program area.
Eastern/Central Oregon
- Cottonwood Canyon State Park: 10 a.m., meet at the Experience Center.
- LaPine State Park: 10 a.m., meet at the Cougar Woods Trailhead. Follow link to register.
- Smith Rock State Park: 9 a.m., meet at the Welcome Center Yurt. Follow link to register.
- The Cove Palisades: 1 p.m., meet at the Crooked River Campground boat trailer parking lot.
- Tumalo State Park: 1 p.m., meet at the day-use entrance near the fee machine.
