For the sixth year in a row, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with America’s State Parks to offer free guided First Day Hikes in state parks across Oregon on New Year’s Day. Locally there are First Day Hikes taking place at South Beach State Park. On Sunday January 1st those interested should arrive at 10am at the day use area.

There will be a 2-mile hike through the coastal dune forest. There will also be a hike starting at 10am at the D-River wayside in Lincoln City. The hike will start at the stairway and will be an eight mile roundtrip hike along the shore from D-River to Taft Beach. Participants on these hikes should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.

There will be a First Day Hike in Depoe Bay. The hike will start at 1pm at the Whale Watch Center. This is an easy one mile hike on the Whale Mile along the oceanfront. Participants will hike to one of the favorite hidden whale viewing locations. The Ranger led hike will include stopping along the way to talk about gray whales and other sea creatures in our area. The first part of the hike is on a sidewalk and the last part of the hike is along a dirt trail.

This year, OPRD is asking participants to share photos of their First Day Hike via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes for Twitter and Instagram or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook. Images can also be e-mailed to oprd.social@oregon.gov.