South Oregon Coast First Day Hikes: Nature's Workout in Bandon, Coos Bay, Reedsport, Florence

Published 12/26/25 at 5:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Coos Bay, Oregon) – “Get out,” officials say. Start your new year right. (Above: Shore Acres State Park / OPRD)

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will again offer free self-guided First Day Hikes at state parks on January 1, with a special emphasis on the Oregon coast – though a dozen or so happen inland.

It's all part of the nationwide New Year’s Day hiking program coordinated with America’s State Parks. Although the hikes 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 invited to share their photos using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes

Oregon’s southern coast will offer a series of free guided First Day Hikes on January 1, with events planned in the Florence, Reedsport, Bandon and Coos Bay areas.

There's another handful on the north coast, and below is a list of all the hikes.

N. Oregon Coast First Day Hikes Include Near Astoria, Pacific City, Waldport - Free self-guided hikes in awesome places: Warrenton, Coast Range, Pacific City, Waldport

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

At the boundary between the central and southern coast, Heceta Head Lighthouse will host a self-guided half-mile hike from the parking lot to one of Oregon’s most photographed landmarks. Volunteers will share historical information, and visitors can view native wildlife and coastal plant life atop Heceta Head.

Photo USFS

The lighthouse’s first floor will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those interested in learning about the lives of past keepers and their families. Additional trails lead to several scenic viewpoints. Participants are encouraged to dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring water, snacks and cameras. More information is available at 541-547-3416.

Just south of Florence, Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park will offer a guided hike beginning at 9 a.m. at the East Woahink day-use area. The three-mile route winds through forested terrain and along Woahink Lake, highlighting local flora, fauna and the park’s natural and cultural history. Surfaces include pavement, gravel, sand and dirt, with uneven sections and exposed roots. Strollers and mobility devices are not recommended. Hikers should bring warm layers, rain gear, sturdy closed-toed shoes, water and snacks. The park office can be reached at 541-997-3851.

Photo Manuela Durson Fine Arts

Near Reedsport, William M. Tugman State Park will host a one-mile out-and-back hike along Eel Lake starting at 1 p.m. Participants will meet at the Eel Lake day-use boat ramp at 72549 Highway 101 in Lakeside. The accessible meeting area includes an introductory talk, while the trail itself features natural surfaces, exposed roots, narrow footbridges and gentle hills. Wildlife sightings may include amphibians such as red-legged frogs. Leashed dogs are welcome. For details, call 541-759-3604.

Courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast

In the Coos Bay area, Shore Acres State Park will lead a 1.5-mile hike beginning at 10 a.m. at the Shore Acres Observation Building, 89039 Cape Arago Highway. The route covers easy to moderate terrain with some stair climbing and typically wet, muddy conditions. The program highlights the coastal environment and the plants, animals and fungi adapted to it. Dogs are not permitted. Participants should dress in layers and bring water, snacks and cameras. The park office can be reached at 541-888-3778.

Courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast - Devil's Kitchen

Farther south, Bandon State Natural Area will host a 1.5-mile round-trip hike at the Devils Kitchen access point at 2 p.m. The route descends a slight hill to the beach, where hikers will learn about shoreline geology and ecology. The sandy terrain is not suitable for strollers or wheeled devices. Leashed dogs are welcome. Visitors should bring layered clothing, rain protection, sturdy shoes, water and snacks. More information is available at 541-347-2209.

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