Start Your Year with First Day Hikes
Oregon State Parks and Washington State Parks invite you to get outdoors on New Year’s Day. Day-use parking fees will be waived at participating parks on January 1.
Parks in Oregon and Washington are encouraging people to get out and hike on the first day of the year.
Some of the parks have a range of activities to partake in, such as snowshoeing, disc golfing, kayaking, bike riding and horseback riding. Of course, all of these activities require you to bring your own equipment.
Below are the details for the Oregon and Washington State parks that will be offering free admission on New Year’s Day.
Free State Park Entrance on New Year’s Day
Oregon
The parking fee for the 25 parks that normally require a parking permit will be waived for First Day Hikes on January 1, 2021. Some parks may display posters that include recommended hikes and ranger favorites.
Here is a map of the 25 state parks waiving day-use fees on New Year’s Day. For more information, check Oregon State Parks’ map to see what is open at this time.
Washington
Washington State Parks will offer free entrance at all parks on New Year’s Day. Since there will not be guided tours this year, the folks at Washington State Parks put together a list of self-guided adventures.
Use this list to find a Washington State park open this winter. The closest locations to Portland include:
Portland’s Best 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.
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 event paved.
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