Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites Oregonians outdoors on New Year’s Day for the annual First Day Hikes event. Visitors can choose from 32 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; day-use parking fees will be waived at all participating parks Jan. 1 only. Hikers can register for specific hikes online at the Oregon State Parks Store: bit.ly/ParkStoreEvents. While online registration isn’t required for participation, visitors are encouraged to register. It helps park staff plan the hike and provides them with participant contact information should hike details change. OPRD advises visitors to plan for inclement weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and remember to carry binoculars for viewing wildlife. OPRD has sponsored First Day Hikes annually since 2012, part of a larger national event organized by America’s State Parks. Participating parks and meeting areas on the Coast: Bullards Beach State Park: 1 p.m., meet at the meeting hall. Cape Lookout State Park: noon, meet in the Lookout Trailhead parking lot. Fort Stevens State Park: 10 a.m., meet at parking lot A. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park: 10 a.m., meet at Cleawox Lodge. Oswald West State Park: 8 a.m., meet at Elk Flats Trail parking lot. Parking is limited; please arrive early, carpool, or use another nearby lot. Port Orford Heads State Park: 1 p.m., meet at Port Orford Heads lifeboat. South Beach State Park: 10 a.m., meet at the park day-use area. Umpqua Lighthouse State Park: 10 a.m., meet at Lake Marie swim area. Whale Watch Center at Depoe Bay: 10 a.m., meet at the Whale Watch Center.
