First Day Hikes at State Parks on New Year’s Day

Start your year off on the right foot at a first day hike.

Oregon State Parks and Washington State Parks invite you to get outdoors on New Year’s Day. 

State parks have a range of activities to partake in, such as hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking and disc golfing. Below you’ll find details about activities at Oregon and Washington state parks on New Year’s Day. 

First Day Hikes at Oregon and Washington State Parks

Oregon

This year, Oregon State Parks is not waiving parking fees on New Year’s Day. Yet there are free first day hikes at 25 parks. All hikes are guided by a park ranger or volunteer who will share stories about the park’s history, geology, wildlife and plants. 

Hikes are held at these parks near Portland:

• L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
• Milo McIver State Park
• Silver Falls State Park
• Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Also, if you’re looking to give the gift of adventure this year, Oregon State Parks has a special discount on parking passes. You can also partake inWhale Watching Week.

Washington

Washington State Parks offers free entrance at more than 40 parks on New Year’s Day. Some Washington parks are hosting free guided hikes, including Battle Ground Lake. 

Here are some of the closest Washington State Parks to Portland: 

• Reed Island
• Beacon Rock
• Paradise Point
• Battle Ground Lake
• Doug’s Beach
• Columbia Hills
• Maryhill

Metro Parks

On January 1, you can also get free admission to the five Metro parks that typically charge a day-use fee. Take a stroll along the salmon trail at Oxbow Park or play disc golf at Blue Lake Regional Park. 

Portland’s Urban Parks

Another option is heading to one of Portland’s best urban parks. Chances are you have one located 10 minutes from your home. A few years ago, I hiked around Tryon Creek Natural Area on the first day of the year. It was such a beautiful way to welcome in the new year.

My personal favorite is Powell Butte Nature Park. It has expansive trails, panoramic views, an interpretive center. Best of all, it is accessible to everyone with well maintained paths, some are even paved. 

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