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

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