First Day Hikes Guide You Along Washington / Oregon Coast Wonders

Published 12/18/24 at 7:25 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Bandon, Oregon) – Is New Year's Day really for resolutions?

You can make those any time of year, but only on New Year's Day can you do the First Day Hikes along the Oregon coast and Washington coast – as well as all sorts of inland gems within the two states. (Above: Bandon, photo Manuela Durson - see Manuela Durson Fine Arts)

Dozens of parks in the Pacific Northwest get the special ranger-led hike treatment, with about 30 of them happening in Oregon alone. They all take place January 1, and yes, they're probably a good way to nurse that hangover.

On the Washington coast there's one main one: Cape Disappointment State Park.

That one starts at 10 a.m. There, you'll meet at the Seaview beach approach and take a one-mile to mile-and-a-half walk down the beach and then back, said Washington State Parks (WSP).

“The tides and currents of the Pacific Ocean have shaped the Long Beach peninsula both literally and figuratively as they have changed our physical and cultural landscapes over time,” said WSP. “From erosion, to Dungeness crabs, to shipwrecks, we'll talk about the ever present give and take we find ourselves in, and how we can learn to look closer and start to think about what washes up on our shores.”

Long Beach / Washington State Parks

It'll last until about 11:30 a.m.

Registration is not required, but you can contact Ryen Nielsen by phone or email if you plan on attending. Phone: 360-642-3029 Email: ryen.nielsen@parks.wa.gov. See the website.

For Oregon beaches, Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is running the show, and they said this has become a fun tradition for attendees as well as staff. In both states, these are sponsored by America’s State Parks, and Oregon has been a part since 2012.

The hikes are free, and the $5 day-use parking fee is waived on that day at the state parks that charge for parking.

“Rangers and volunteers get a chance to share park history, geology, wildlife and plants, and visitors get to experience an adventure with friends and family to start the new year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of OPRD.

Some hikes will require registration. A few parks can make special accommodations while others cannot. See the First Day Hikes page. Some of the hikes even allow dogs.

“Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife,” OPRD said.

Among them are:

Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, Bandon. Meet at the parking lot at 8 a.m.

At Florence's Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park. Meet at 9 a.m.

Oswald State Park near Manzanita starts at 9 a.m.

Fogary Beach / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Near Depoe Bay, there are two at Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area: 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. This one does require registration.

At Brookings, there is Harris Beach State Park beginning at 10 a.m. This is a one-mile walk around the area focusing on the beauty of the southern coast. You'll be walking on gravel, dirt and some road surfaces, and there's a few moderate inclines.

Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Near Florence, the Heceta Head Lighthouse First Day Hike is self-guided and is about a half mile from the parking to the lighthouse and back. Volunteers will be onsite at the lighthouse to provide historical information and answer questions. You'll also get a good dose of eyebrow-raising local history about the lighthouse and those who manned it. In fact, the area was its own little community for a time. It goes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also near Florence is the Yachats State Recreation Area First Day Sunset Hike. Starting at 3:30 p.m. This guided walk takes you along parts of the historic 804 Trail and offers mostly continuous views of the ocean. If the weather cooperates along this 1.5-mile stroll, then hopefully you'll get to witness a lovely sunset.

Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria begins at 9 a.m. You'll get to wander historical features of the Oregon coast icon, including aspects from the Civil War through WWII.

See the First Day Hikes page.

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