N. Oregon Coast First Day Hikes Include Near Astoria, Pacific City, Waldport

Published 12/26/25 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Pacific City, Oregon) – If you've got a hangover: this is a great way to burn it off. If you don't have on after New Years Eve's rabble-rousing, this is still an awesome way to see the coastline. (Photo: near Sitka Sedge / Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will offer free self-guided First Day Hikes at parks across the state on January 1, all part of the national New Year’s Day hiking initiative coordinated with America’s State Parks. Twenty-five Oregon State Parks are participating. While all are free, a day-use parking permit is required. Permits cost $10 for Oregon residents and $12 for non-residents, with annual passes also available. Visitors are encouraged to share photos using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.

Several coastal parks on the northern half of Oregon are hosting special programs – and there's a dozen others around the state and plenty on the south coast (but that's a different article).

Others are here: First Day Hikes Take Place All Over Oregon and Coast to Start 2026 - A special tradition in Yachats, but also in Coos Bay, Bend, Portland, Astoria, Manzanita: everywhere

Far up the north coast, Fort Stevens State Park will hold a guided First Day Hike beginning at 10 a.m. at the Battery Russell parking lot. The one-mile route covers natural-surface and paved paths along a moderately steep hill. Rangers will discuss the history of Fort Stevens, Battery Russell and the 1942 Japanese submarine attack, with additional opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing. Leashed dogs are allowed, though strollers are not recommended. Participants are advised to dress in layers, bring rain gear, and carry water and snacks.

For accessibility questions or accommodation requests, visitors may contact Park Ranger Dane Osis at least three days before the event: 503-861-3170. Hotels in Astoria - Where to eat - Astoria Maps and Virtual Tours

Brian Booth State Park near Waldport will again host its free First Day Paddle, a two-hour guided kayak trip on Beaver Creek Marsh. The tour departs at 10 a.m. from the Beaver Creek boat launch on North Beaver Creek Road, just east of Highway 101. Registration is required. The paddle takes place on calm water with no tidal influence, though participants should be prepared for moderate physical exertion and two hours of paddling. Kayaks, paddles and flotation devices are provided, and personal equipment is not permitted.

The event is drug- and alcohol-free, and pets are not allowed. Single kayaks are open to participants 16 and older; tandem kayaks may be operated by adults with passengers age six and up. The program may be cancelled if winds exceed 20 mph, with decisions made 24 hours in advance. For accessibility questions or accommodations, visitors may contact Park Ranger Becca Givens at least three days before the event. Call 541-265-6949. Hotels in Waldport - Where to eat - Waldport, Seal Rock Maps and Virtual Tours

In the North Oregon Coast Range, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park will offer a guided New Year’s hike beginning at 9 a.m. at the Hilltop Day-use area picnic shelter. The three-mile round-trip route follows compacted dirt trails through forested terrain with moderate elevation gain. Some sections are narrow and not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Leashed dogs are welcome, though bicycles are not permitted on the hike. Participants should dress for winter weather, wear sturdy footwear with good traction, and bring water, snacks and cameras.

For more information call 503-324-0606.

Near Pacific City, Sitka Sedge State Natural Area will host a free guided First Day Hike at noon. Registration is required.

One of the state's newest state parks, it's a sprawling doozy. The 2.5-mile route begins at the trailhead parking area off Sandlake Road and includes birdwatching on the Sandlake Estuary, a walk through upland dune forest and a stretch of beach. Overflow parking will be available across the road if needed. The first half-mile of the trail is compacted gravel with a slight slope and is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs; beyond that point, the trail narrows and the surface softens. Leashed dogs are permitted. Visitors should dress in layers, bring rain gear, and carry water, snacks and binoculars or cameras for wildlife viewing.

For more information, call (503) 812-2403. Hotels in Pacific City - Where to eat - Pacific City Maps and Virtual Tours

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