First Day Hikes Take Place All Over Oregon and Coast to Start 2026

Published 12/10/25 at 6:35 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Yachats, Oregon) – New Year's Day is about new beginnings, and there's hardly a better way to start over than with a good nature hike. All throughout the state, various guided hike events happen, including a rather special one in the Yachats area. (Above: Cape Perpetua / Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

Hit the central Oregon coast for a lovely tradition in the Yachats area. View the Future will host the 16th Annual New Year's Day Peace Hike in Yachats on January 1, 2026. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and continues a long-standing tradition that brings residents, visitors, Tribal members, and community partners together in reflection and unity.

The Peace Hike, held each January, honors the cultural history and resilience of Tribal peoples connected to the region. This year's gathering will feature cultural speakers and opportunities for participants to learn, reflect, and commemorate stories of remembrance while celebrating community stewardship. Families, visitors, and local residents are encouraged to take part.

It's a way to add some real meaning to your New Year's Day hike.

Shore Acres, Coos Bay

Details about the schedule and ways to get involved are available at View the Future's website.

View the Future is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting natural lands, restoring ecosystems, and strengthening community resilience through conservation, education, and partnerships.

Silver Falls State Park - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Around the entire state, Oregon State Parks will host First Day Hikes on New Year's Day, offering 33 guided outings in 26 parks across the state. Each hike will be led by a ranger or volunteer who will share insights into the park's history, geology, wildlife, and plant life.

Participation is free, though a day-use parking permit is required. Some locations also ask visitors to register in advance. Details for each hike, including accessibility information and contacts for accommodations, are available through park links (found at this site).

Oregon coast options include Bandon State Natural Area at the Devil's Kitchen Access Point, Brian Booth State Park (Waldport area) with a guided paddle at the Beaver Creek boat launch (registration required), Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria, Heceta Head Lighthouse near Florence, Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park in Florence, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park in the Coast Range, Oswald West State Park (Manzanita - registration required), and Shore Acres State Park near Coos Bay.

The full list of inland hikes:

• Cottonwood Canyon State Park

• Deschutes River State Recreation Area Registration required

• Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

• Elijah Bristow State Park Registration required

• Elijah Bristow State Park (Guided equestrian trail) Registration required

• Emigrant Springs State Park Registration required

• Guy Talbot State Park

• LaPine State Park Registration required

• Luckiamute State Natural Area Registration required

• Milo McIver State Park: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

• Silver Falls State Park: 9 a.m.

• Silver Falls State Park: 11 a.m.

• Smith Rock State Park Registration required

• The Cove Palisades State Park

• TouVelle State Recreation Site

• Tryon Creek State Natural Area: 9 a.m. (5-mile), 9:30 a.m. (4 mile), 10:00 a.m. (3 mile), 10:30 a.m. (2 mile), 11:00 a.m. (.25 mile)

• Tumalo State Park

• Valley of the Rogue State Park

• William M. Tugman State Park

Oregon Coast Hotels for these events - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

A True 'Pacific Treasure' on Oregon Coast, Rental Overlooks Lincoln City Calm...
A hot tub on that balcony, massive windows to the view. Hotel reviews, Lincoln City lodging, vacation rentals

Outstanding Hotels / Places to Stay at Gold Beach: Quirky Gems of S. Oregon C...
Gold Beach boasts a lot more than many may know. Gold Beach hotel reviews

Oregon coast on the downlow (rates, that is), in Lincoln City and Cannon Beach
Exceptional hotel deals in Cannon Beach and Lincoln City. Cannon Beach reviews, Lincoln City reviews

A Less Expensive May in Newport: Handful of Oregon Coast Inns Still Offering ...
Inn at Nye Beach, Nye Beach Cottages, Ocean House BnB: Newport hotel specials. Newport hotel reviews

 

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Turning Oregon's Greens Into Christmas Gold: Only Days Left in Ornament Hunt
Throughout Willamette National Forest from Cascades towards Salem and Eugene. Detroit, Sweet Home, Albany, Events

Central Oregon Coast's Glass Float Drops Mellow a Bit: Special Drop Dates Fewer in '26
Bringing the Lincoln City events back to their roots

Reports of Bird Flu in Washington, Oregon Include Coastlines: States Issue Advice
One large-scale report from Long Beach still to be determined. Marine sciences

Lassoing a Wayward Sea Lion Just Part of the Gig for Oregon Coast Deputies
Sea lion wandering near Newport / South Beach streets got some interesting looks. Marine sciences

This Week's Oregon / Washington Coast King Tides: What It Brings, What It Doesn't
No large waves expected, but still interesting conditions in both states. Weather

Flooding Shuts Down Roads in Washington, Oregon, Coast
Road issues at Seaside, Neskowin, Hwy 6, SW Washington and more coming. Weather

Ice Skating Rink at South Oregon Coast's North Bend A Big Hit and New Tradition
In downtown North Bend through January 31, 2026. Coos Bay events

Winter Solstice and What It Brings to Oregon / Washington Coast Sunsets
Dec 21 is the solstice, bringing longer days and a sunset surprise. Weather

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted