Interested in doing something this New Year’s Day besides vegging in front of the TV or sleeping off a late night?
For the fifth year in a row, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is offering free guided First Day Hikes in state parks across Oregon on New Year’s Day.
Following is a list of those offered in the general central Willamette Valley and coastal areas, available to those who want to get the new year off on a good foot:
Champoeg State Heritage Area: Hikes (2) at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center.
Here are specifics on those closest to Sweet Home:
Luckiamute State Natural Area (Albany): 10 a.m. at North Luckiamute Trailhead parking on NW Buena Vista Road (if no flooding). Alternate meeting spot is the South Luckiamute Trailhead parking. The North Luckiamute hike is up to four miles. The south trail is two miles. Either trail may be muddy in spots. See habitat restoration in progress and one of the largest gallery forests in the Willamette Valley. Dogs allowed on six-foot leash. Contact information: (541) 924-8492
Silver Falls State Park: 10 a.m. at South Falls Lodge porch. Moderate three-mile hike on the Maple Ridge Trail and Canyon Trail. The hike has a 270-feet elevation gain/loss. Baby strollers not recommended. Dogs are not allowed on the trails. Join the Layers of History hike behind South Falls and Lower South Falls. Hear the fascinating stories of the falls, both the powerful geologic process that formed the falls and the many intriguing people who shaped the park’s history. Contact information: (503) 873-8681.
South Beach State Park (Newport): 10 a.m. at South Beach day-use area near South Jetty Trailhead. Easy, two-mile round trip hike on the South Jetty Trail. Explore the local native flora and fauna; see seals, sea lions and shorebirds, as well as views of the Historic Newport Bridge. The return trip is on the beach. Look for shells, fossils and agates. Dogs must be on a six-foot leash. Contact information:(541) 270-5304
Beverly Beach State Park (Newport): 10 a.m. at Beverly Beach day-use area in Newport. Easy two-mile hike on the Spencer Creek Nature Trail. Join a park ranger for this hour-long hike along a beautiful coastal stream. Learn why Spencer Creek is excellent habitat for salmon and other coastal wildlife. Dogs must be on six-foot leash. Contact information: (541) 270-9127.
Here are some others:
Elijah Bristow State Park, east of Pleasant Hill, noon horse ride at the equestrian parking area. Bring your own horse.
Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area, Grand Ronde, 10 a.m. at the trailhead kiosk.
North Santiam State Park, 11:30 a.m. at the picnic shelter.
Silver Falls State Park, 10 a.m. at the South Falls Lodge porch.
Willamette Mission State Park, hikes (2) at 10 a.m. and noon. Meet at the Wheatland Ferry bicycle trailhead parking lot.
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, south of Florence, 10 a.m. at the group campground parking lot off Canary Road.
Taft Beach in Lincoln City, 10 a.m. at the #49 Beach Access, 825, SW 51st Street
South Beach State Park, Newport, 10 a.m. at the South Jetty Trailhead.
Participants in all these hikes should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. In case of inclement weather, the park should be contacted directly to find out about cancellation.
This year, OPRD is asking participants to share photos of their First Day Hike via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes Twitter and Instagram or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook. Images can also be e-mailed to [email protected].