Two First Day Hikes at Silver Falls State Park Jan. 1, 2024
Sublimity, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is partnering with America’s State Parks for free guided First Day Hikes in state parks on New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1.
Information about the 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. hikes at Silver Falls State Park is below:
- Join us as we explore the new North Rim Trail that opened in summer 2023. The hike is 1.5-miles, round trip through the forest. We’ll stop at the spectacular North Falls Viewpoint before our return trip.
- Meet at 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. at the North Canyon trailhead, near mile point 28 on Highway 214. The parking lot is 3 miles north of the South Falls day-use area. GPS directions may not be accurate for this location. When you arrive, look for “First Day Hike” signs leading you to the meeting point.
- The trail surface is compacted gravel, and the trail is 6 feet wide and has a 5% slope or less. Most mobility devices can navigate this trail.
- Leashed dogs are welcome.
- Participants in both hikes should dress in layers with rain gear and gloves, wear shoes appropriate for the activity and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, call 503-689-5122.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please contact Park Ranger Matt Palmquist, 503-689-5122. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.
The $5 day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.
First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.
Free First Day Hike at Champoeg State Heritage Area Jan. 1, 2024
Saint Paul, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is partnering with America’s State Parks for free guided First Day Hikes in state parks on New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1.
Information about the hike hosted at Champoeg State Heritage Area:
- Join us on a 1-mile, out-and-back History Hike through fields and forest. Champoeg played a vital role in early Oregon history, and we’ll learn about the different groups of people who were drawn to this site and why. We’ll visit the location of the Champoeg town site, see original town site artifacts, visit the location of the 1843 vote to create the first government in the Northwest, and see views of the Willamette River.
- Registration is required.
- The hike starts at 11 a.m. Meet at the brick restroom building in the Riverside Day-use Area, 8239 Champoeg Rd NE, Saint Paul.
- No dogs allowed on this hike.
- The path is fully paved, with a couple of switchbacks. Minor elevation gains overall.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes appropriate for ice and snow, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, call 971-719-6318.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for you to participate, please contact Park Ranger Matt Huerter, 971-719-6318. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.
The $5 day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.
First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.
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