December 19, 2023 10:30 a.m. 

Guided First Day Hikes led by rangers and volunteers are set for 31 Oregon State Parks on New Years Day- Monday, January 1st.

Hikes are free and the $5 day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.

A release from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said 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, “I’m excited that we can offer 34 guided hikes in 31 state parks this year”. Sumption said, ‘When more parks offer hikes, Oregonians have more options to hike near their homes or explore a new park and trail. Plus this year, we’re including more trail accessibility information in our online hike descriptions and are offering reasonable accommodations so visitors of all abilities can join us”.

To see a list of parks hosting hikes, go to the Oregon First Day Hikes web page: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=263. 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.