Step into 2026: Free First Day hikes offered Jan. 1 at 25 state parks; here’s info on the four local outings
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Whether you prefer a moderate hike through a desert landscape or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, Oregon State Parks has a First Day Hike for you on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. And four of the 25 outings are in your backyard, here in Central Oregon.
Rangers and volunteers will lead guided First Day Hikes at 25 parks around the state, with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, but a day-use parking permit is required at some parks. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold online or at park offices.
America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.
“Across Oregon, First Day Hikes have grown into a beloved New Year’s tradition for visitors and staff alike. 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,” said Lisa Sumption, director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration including Deschutes River, Elijah Bristow, Emigrant Springs, La Pine, Lukiamute, Oswald West, Sitka Sedge, and Smith Rock.
The First Day hikes include offerings at four state parks around the High Desert: La Pine, Smith Rock, Tumalo and The Cove Palisades.
Here's the details on each:
Information about the hike hosted at The Cove Palisades State Park is below:
- Join a park ranger for a beautiful 2-mile hike through the Crooked River Wetlands, then continue up the Rim Trail where you will be treated to stunning views of Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters. Along the way, we’ll discuss some of The Cove’s fascinating geological history and keep an eye out for any winter wildlife. Refreshments will be served at the overlook.
- The hike starts at 10 a.m. Meet at the top of the hill and turn into the Crooked River Campground overflow parking lot. Look for signs.
- The hike may not be suitable for people with breathing difficulties, trouble with uneven terrain or with strollers. Restrooms will be located in the parking lot and in the camp only.
- Friendly dogs are always welcome on six-foot leashes.
- Participants are encouraged to dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots that can handle getting wet. It is important to bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Some visitors may also find it helpful to bring a walking stick or pole if there is snow. Additionally, sunglasses may be advisable.
- For more information, call 541-546-3412.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please contact Park Ranger Erin Bennet, 541-977-5759. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.
Information about the hike hosted at La Pine State Park:
- The approximately 1.5-mile round-trip hike offers scenic views of an oxbow lake and a chance to see the largest ponderosa pine in the world. Beautiful winter conditions.
- Registration is required.
- The hike starts at 1 p.m. at the Cougar Woods Day-Use Parking Area. 15800 State Recreation Rd.
- The hike is on a dirt trail with 80 feet of elevation gain. Possible ice and snow may limit accessibility on the day of the hike.
- Children’s strollers are not recommended because of the possibility of snow or ice. Dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Snowshoes may be needed depending on conditions.
- For more information, call 541-536-2428.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please get in touch with Park Manager Scott Bown, 541-280-4953. Requests must be submitted at least three days before January 1.
Information about the hike hosted at Smith Rock State Park:
- The approximately 1-mile round trip hike highlights all the unique wonders of Smith Rock and the surrounding ecosystem. Be prepared to learn all about the geology, animals, and plants that make this park truly special.
- Registration is required.
- The hike starts at 10 a.m. Meet in the day-use lawn next to the Welcome Center. 10260 NE Crooked River Drive, Terrebonne, OR 97760.
- The hiking trail is gravel and compacted soil with no elevation gain.
- Friendly dogs are always welcome on six-foot leashes. No drones allowed.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes appropriate for ice and snow, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, call 541-548-7501.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please contact Park Ranger Alexis Ober, 541-548-7501. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.
Information about the hike hosted at Tumalo State Park:
- A 2-mile round-trip hike along the Deschutes River Trail features easy to medium terrain, with little to no elevation gain and scenic views, providing many photo opportunities.
- The hike begins at 1 p.m. Please meet in the back of the day-use parking lot. 64125 OB Reily Road, Bend, OR 97703.
- The trail is narrow, has a dirt surface with occasional protruding rocks, and is not ADA accessible.
- Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please carry bags to pick up pet waste. Bicycles are prohibited on this portion of the Deschutes River Trail.
- Participants should prepare for cold weather and snow, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. A portable toilet is available.
- For more information, call 541-388-6055.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please contact Park Ranger Brian Vaughan, 541-388-6055. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.
For any questions about accessibility or to request reasonable accommodations needed to participate in a hike, please see the contact information on each hike's webpage.
Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via X and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
About America’s State Parks
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With collectively more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 900 million people annually, state park systems across the country are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more about America’s State Parks at stateparks.org.
