By James Day
A pair of free guided hikes in the recently upgraded North Canyon area of Silver Falls State Park are on tap for New Year’s Day.
The hikes are part of Oregon State park’s annual tradition of waiving parking permit fees on the year’s first day at all state parks that require them. A total of 31 Oregon Parks are offering the guided hikes. Go to https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=263/ for the full list.
America’s State Parks sponsors the first day hikes to encourage Americans to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.
Silver Falls will be putting on display some of its new amenities that opened in July at the site of the old North Falls group camp area. A North Canyon Trailhead has been established and a new ADA-accessible North Rim Trail connects the area to a viewpoint of North Falls, with the trail continuing to a link-up with the trail system that emanates from the North Falls Trailhead. Silver Falls has added restrooms, a kiosk with maps, a pay station and extended parking at the North Canyon site, with a new visitor center and campground set to appear across Highway 214 by 2025.
If you are traveling from Silverton the North Canyon Trailhead can be found just before you reach the North Falls parking lot.
Park staff are planning a pair of 1.5-mile hikes, one at 10 a.m. and the second at noon. The hikes will begin at the North Canyon Trailhead and travel approximately three-quarters of a mile to the new North Falls viewpoint. Visitors will learn about the geology, history, and natural resources of the park during the hikes. Pets are allowed on leash on this hike.
The North Rim Trail has a surface of compacted gravel, is six feet wide, and has a slope of less than 5%. Most mobility devices can navigate this trail.
Hikers also can enjoy the start of the new year at Detroit Lake State Park, where a 90-minute hike is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
While registration is not required, potential participants are asked to get in touch with Ranger Jennifer Godfrey at 503-872-5271 or email [email protected] so that parks officials will know how many people can be expected. Light refreshments and warm drinks will be available afterward.
Parks officials remind New Year’s Day hikers to remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Participants also can share photos of first day hikes via Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
