Guided First Day Hikes Set for New Year’s Day Across Oregon
Update: December 22, 2025, 9:30am - to include first day hikes in the Redwood coast of Northern California.
Oregon State Parks to host guided hikes at more than two dozen locations statewide
SALEM, Ore. — Oregonians looking to start the new year outdoors will have dozens of options as Oregon State Parks hosts guided First Day Hikes at parks across the state on New Year’s Day.
According to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), rangers and volunteers will lead guided hikes at 25 state parks and natural areas on Thursday, January 1. The hikes range from short, accessible walks to longer treks of up to five miles, offering options for families, casual walkers, and experienced hikers alike.
The First Day Hikes program is sponsored nationwide by America’s State Parks and encourages people to begin the year by connecting with nature. Oregon has participated in the program since 2012, and participation has steadily grown over the years.
First day hike at Shore Acres State Park (Oregon State Parks).
“Across Oregon, First Day Hikes have grown into a beloved New Year’s tradition for visitors and staff alike,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption. “On January 1st, park rangers and volunteers share stories of park history, geology, wildlife, and plants, as families and friends kick off the year together with an engaging outdoor adventure.”
All hikes are free to attend, though a day-use parking permit is required at some parks. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon residents and $12 for non-residents. Annual permits are also available online and at park offices.
Several hikes require advance registration, including events at Deschutes River, Elijah Bristow, Emigrant Springs, LaPine, Luckiamute, Oswald West, Sitka Sedge, and Smith Rock state parks. Registration details, hike times, meeting locations, and trail information are available on the Oregon First Day Hikes webpage.
Participants are encouraged to prepare for winter conditions by dressing in layers, wearing sturdy footwear, bringing water, and planning for changing weather. Binoculars are also recommended for wildlife viewing.
OPRD officials note that accessibility information and accommodation requests can be found on individual hike webpages, allowing visitors to choose outings that best match their needs.
Photos from First Day Hikes can be shared on social media using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or by tagging Oregon State Parks.
Parks Hosting First Day Hikes Include:
Bandon State Natural Area
Brian Booth State Park
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Deschutes River State Recreation Area
Elijah Bristow State Park
Emigrant Springs State Park
Fort Stevens State Park
Guy Talbot State Park
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
LaPine State Park
Luckiamute State Natural Area
Milo McIver State Park
Oswald West State Park
Shore Acres State Park
Silver Falls State Park
Sitka Sedge State Natural Area
Smith Rock State Park
The Cove Palisades State Park
TouVelle State Recreation Site
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Tumalo State Park
Valley of the Rogue State Park
William M. Tugman State Park
Visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=374 for a complete list of parks, hikes, and details including advanced registration.
Update: Northern California First Day Hikes Added
In addition to Oregon’s First Day Hikes, California State Parks has announced several guided hikes on January 1, 2026, across the North Coast Redwood District, offering an opportunity to welcome the new year among some of the tallest trees on earth.
Planned hikes include:
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
12:00 p.m. — Guided walk along the Simpson-Reed Grove Trail, showcasing old-growth redwoods near the Smith River.Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
2:00 p.m. — Guided hike on the Redwood Access Trail through classic redwood forest.Sue-meg State Park
2:00 p.m. — A guided walk through Sumêg Village highlighting Yurok culture and history along the Northern California coast.Humboldt Redwoods State Park
1:00 p.m. — Walk the Founders Grove Loop Trail, home to some of the largest remaining old-growth redwoods in the world.
California State Parks notes that even short periods spent outdoors can have measurable benefits, including reduced stress and improved mood, making First Day Hikes a popular way to begin the year feeling grounded and refreshed.
Cover image: First day hike at Silver Falls State Park (Oregon State Parks).
