Staff with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is inviting Oregonians to get outdoors on New Year’s Day.
A release from the OPRD said it is hosting the annual First Day Hikes event. Visitors can choose from 37 hikes in 31 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 at all participating parks for that day only.
Hikers can register for specific hikes online at the Oregon State Parks Store: https://store.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=&itemTypeId=2. While online registration is not required for participation, visitors are encouraged to register as it helps parks staff plan and provides them with participant contact information should hike details change.
The release said visitors should plan for inclement weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
OPRD has sponsored First Day Hikes annually since 2012. It is part of a larger event organized by America’s State Parks. In southern Oregon hikes will take place in several locations. Go to the same link listed earlier for full details on each hike.