December 24, 2024 2:50 a.m. 

Whether a sunset hike along the coast, or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, First Day Hikes has a hike for everyone on New Year’s Day, Wednesday January 1st.

Rangers and volunteers will lead 37 guided First Day Hikes at 30 parks around the state with distances ranging from a quarter of a mile to a 5-mile trek.

An Oregon Parks and Recreation Department release said 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. OPRD has participated since 2012.

OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said, “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”.

To see a list of parks hosting hikes, go to: First Day Hikes 2025 – Oregon State Parks. A few hikes require registration.