The annual guided first day of the year hikes will be held at Silver Falls State Park and nearly 20 other parks
Jan. 1.
The outings are led by rangers, and the $5 parking fee that most state parks charge will be waived. Oregon State Parks has been holding the hikes since 2012 in an effort to promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature.
Two hikes are scheduled for Silver Falls. Both start at 10 a.m. at the South Falls Lodge porch. One hike will survey the park’s historic district in a one-hour jaunt and buildings, while the second, 90 minutes in length, will focus on the geology of the park, and travel on the pathway under South Falls.
Participants are encouraged to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife. Hikers can share photos via Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
Visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=263 to see the list of parks hosting hikes as well as the start times and locations. Terrain and hike distance is available via links on the web page. A few hikes require registration.
