Salem, OR — This New Year’s Day, outdoor lovers across Oregon will have the opportunity to kick off 2024 with a hike, as the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) hosts its annual First Day Hikes program on January 1. Whether it’s a peaceful stroll through a local park or a more challenging trek along the coast, the program offers something for everyone, with guided hikes available at 30 parks statewide.
From a quarter-mile walk to a 5-mile adventure, participants can enjoy a variety of hikes, all led by experienced rangers and volunteers. The hikes are free of charge, and in a special offer for the day, the usual parking fees at state parks will be waived.
The First Day Hikes initiative, sponsored nationwide by America’s State Parks, encourages individuals and families to start the year by connecting with nature. Oregon has participated in the program since 2012, making it a beloved tradition for many locals and visitors alike.
Lisa Sumption, director of OPRD, highlighted the program’s importance, stating, “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 outdoors.”
The hikes offer participants the chance to explore the diverse landscapes of Oregon’s parks, learn about the environment, and enjoy the fresh air, all while ringing in the new year. Some hikes, including those at Champoeg, Detroit Lake, Emigrant Springs, Jackson Kimball, Smith Rock, and Spring Valley Access, require prior registration.
For those planning to attend, additional details, including specific hike times, meet-up locations, and terrain information, can be found on the Oregon First Day Hikes webpage. The webpage also provides information on accessibility and accommodations for those who may need special assistance during the hikes.
With Oregon’s winter weather in mind, participants are advised to dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear, bring water, and pack binoculars for those hoping to spot local wildlife along the way.
Social media users are encouraged to share their First Day Hikes experiences by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook, adding to the growing collection of memories created on this New Year’s Day tradition.
As the state gears up for another year, the First Day Hikes program offers a perfect opportunity to embrace the outdoors and start the year with a step toward health, exploration, and a deepened connection to the natural world.
