Spend the first day of 2024 hiking in the great outdoors at more than 30 Oregon State Parks participating in the First Day Hikes program. All hikes are free and day-use parking fees will be waived on January 1 at all open parks.
A park ranger or volunteer will take groups on a guided hike through the park and provide history and information about the environment and wildlife. With a little bit of luck, the weather may even cooperate!
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Free Guided First Day Hikes at Oregon State Parks on the Coast
Northern Oregon Coast
Fort Stevens State Park
Near: Astoria
Features: A large recreation area and campground at the site of an old military fort that guarded the mouth of the Columbia River through World War II. There are 15 miles of multi-use trails at the park as well as a disc golf course and a shipwreck.
Get directions to Fort Stevens State Park.
Nehalem Bay State Park
Near: Manzanita
Features: Situated on a narrow sand spit at the mouth of the Nehalem River with the ocean on one side and the bay on the other. The park and campground are surrounded by serene water, shore pines, rolling sand dunes and a variety of wildlife.
Get directions to Nehalem Bay State Park
Sitka Sedge State Natural Area
Near: Pacific City
Features: Views of tidal flats, saltwater marshes, wildflowers, coastal forest wetlands, marsh wildlife and sandy beaches.
Get directions to Sitka Sedge State Natural Area.
Central Oregon Coast
Whale Watching Center
In: Depoe Bay
Features: December 27 to 31 is Whale Watch Week for the winter gray whale migration. The Whale Watching Center operated by Oregon State Parks provides information, binoculars and unobstructed views of the ocean from the edge of the seawall in Depoe Bay. See our guide to Winter Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast.
Get directions to the Whale Watching Center
South Beach State Park
Near: Newport
Features: Conveniently located close to Newport, the park features a flat, paved jetty trail perfect for easy walks. Take in views of the picturesque Yaquina Bay Bridge. There is also a large campground and a 9-hole disc golf course. Crabbing, fishing and boating are popular activities in the area and nearby attractions include two lighthouses and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Get directions to South Beach State Park
Jessie M. Honeyman State Park
Near: Florence
Features: Situated in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area with two freshwater lakes and coastal forests surrounded by sand dunes.
Get directions to Jessie M. Honeyman State Park
👉 See our complete guide to visiting the Oregon Dunes »
Southern Oregon Coast
William M. Tugman State Park
Near: Reedsport
Features: A lesser-known park and campground near Eel Lake with ample opportunities for fishing, paddling or hiking.
Get directions to William M. Tugman State Park
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
Near: Reedsport
Features: Located amongst the Oregon Dunes, the park offers camping, cabins, yurts and outdoor activities on freshwater Lake Marie. Umpqua River Lighthouse is just a half mile away.
Get directions to Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
Shore Acres State Park
Near: Coos Bay
Features: Former lumber baron’s estate and gardens located above the ocean on a sheer, rugged cliff. Perfect for winter storm viewing and whale watching. The Oregon Coast Trail runs through the park.
Get directions to Shore Acres State Park
Bullards Beach State Park
Near: Bandon
Features: Situated at the mouth of the Coquille River, the park offers beach trails, horseback riding and the historic Coquille River lighthouse.
Get directions to Bullards Beach State Park
Harris Beach State Park
In: Brookings
Features: Near the California border, this park is known for rugged rock formations, tide pools, trails and miles of scenic beaches. Only 5 minutes to the north is Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile stretch along Highway 101 with several pullouts where you can take in some of the most-photographed views of the Oregon Coast.
Get directions to Harris Beach State Park
Other Participating Parks Throughout Oregon
- Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Buxton
- L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, Buxton
- Tryon State Natural Area, Lake Oswego
- Milo McIver State Park, Estacada
- Champoeg State Heritage Site, near Newberg
- Detroit Lake State Park, near Salem
- Silver Falls State Park, near Salem
- Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site, near Corvallis
- Elijah Bristow State Park, near Eugene
- Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, near Hood River
- Cottonwood Canyon State Park, near The Dalles
- Deschutes River State Recreation Area, near The Dalles
- Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, near Pendleton
- LaPine State Park, near Bend
- Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne
- Prineville Reservoir State Park, Prineville
- Valley of the Rogue State Park, Grants Pass
- TouVelle State Recreation Site, near Medford
- Collier Memorial State Park, near Klamath Falls
- Rough and Ready Botanical Area, Cave Junction (BLM)
Some parks require registration in advance. For more information about each hike, visit Oregon State Parks.
New Year’s Day Peace Hike
In: Yachats
Features: The Yachats Trail Committee will host the 13th annual Peace Hike honoring the memory of a blind native Coos woman named Amanda who was taken from her home and force-marched 80 miles barefoot to the Alsea Sub-agency internment camp in 1864. This year’s event will also honor the life and work of Coos tribal Chief Donald “Doc” Slyter, who passed away in November.
All are invited to participate. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Yachats Commons Park and include a ceremony led by tribal members with drumming, fire lighting, setting of intentions and a walk along Amanda’s Trail.
Get directions to Yachats Commons Park
Start the New Year off by getting outside and making a healthy resolution to do more hiking in Oregon’s abundance of beautiful natural areas.
Looking for more hikes and things to do in January at the Oregon Coast?
- Find more Oregon Coast hikes to add your bucket list in 2024.
- Browse Oregon Coast Activities and get ideas for fun things to do at the coast, rain or shine.
- Rent a cabin, yurt or campsite and go camping at one of many Oregon Coast campgrounds.
Happy New Year!
