OPRD release - FLORENCE, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting free self-guided First Day Hike at Heceta Head Lighthouse on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. It's part of the annual First Day Hikes event at 25 Oregon State Parks held in partnership with America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day. Visitors are welcome to explore the first floor of the Heceta Head Lighthouse and learn about the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families from over 130 years ago. Hikers can also enjoy miles of trails leading to several scenic overlooks. Hike hosted at Heceta Head Lighthouse: Enjoy a scenic half-mile self-guided hike from the parking lot to Oregon's most photographed lighthouse. Volunteers will be on-site to provide historical information and answer any questions. Visitors can also observe several native animal species and explore coastal plant life atop the stunning Heceta Head. Guests can access the first floor of the lighthouse from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about the life of lighthouse keepers and their families. There are numerous photo opportunities where the forest meets the sea. Hikers can also explore miles of additional trails from the lighthouse to several scenic overlooks. Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. For more information, call 541-547-3416. If you have questions about access or need any reasonable accommodations for your participation, please contact the park office at 541- 547-3416. (OPRD) is hosting a free guided First Day Hike at Bandon State Natural Area on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. Information about the hike at Bandon State Natural Area (Devils Kitchen): The approximate 1.5-mile round-trip hike is down a slight hill onto the beach and back. Hikers will learn about the geology and ecology of the ocean shore. The hike starts at 2 p.m. and begins at the Devils Kitchen access point within the Bandon State Natural Area. Entrance is located just south of the intersection of Beach Loop Road and Saturn Lane in Bandon. Meet at the sign cluster near the parking lot. The hike will traverse a sandy beach and may not be suited for strollers or other wheeled equipment not intended for operating off paved surfaces. Friendly dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes. Participants should dress in layers, including rain protection, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Contact the park office at 541-347-2209 for more information. Information about the Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park hike: Join us for a hike through the beautiful Honeyman State Park. This historic trail will wind through lush forests and alongside Woahink Lake, showcasing a variety of local flora and fauna. As we explore the park's natural beauty, we'll also marvel at the rich history that surrounds us, both from natural influences and human impact. The hike starts at 9 a.m. and begins at the East Woahink day-use area adjacent to the restroom. The approximately 3-mile, round trip hike will include very slight, gradual elevation changes. Surfaces will include pavement, gravel, sand, dirt and possibly mud, and can also be uneven at times with exposed roots. Strollers and mobility devices are not recommended. Participants should dress in warm layers and pack rain gear. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes are a must; shoes with ankle support are recommended. Bring water and snacks. Contact the park office at (541) 997-3851 for more information. If you have questions about access, please contact Park Manager Ryan Warren at 541-997-3851. Information about the hike at Fort Stevens State Park: Join us for a 1-mile and learn about the history of Fort Stevens, Battery Russell and the WWII Japanese submarine attack. There will also be opportunities for birding, wildlife viewing and plant/fungi identification. Meet at 10 a.m. in Battery Russell parking lot. Trail is mostly natural surface and paved bike trail along a moderately steep hill. Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome. Strollers are not recommended due to terrain. Dress in layers with rain gear and gloves, wear sturdy shoes and bring water, snacks, a camera, or binoculars for wildlife viewing. For more information, call 503-861-3170. Information about the paddle at Brian Booth State Park (Beaver Creek): This is a two-hour guided kayak paddle on the Beaver Creek Marsh, where paddlers will soak in the beautiful flora and fauna of the area. Registration required. The 10 a.m. tour departs from the Beaver Creek boat launch, just east of Hwy 101 on N Beaver Creek Rd., directly across the highway from Ona Beach. The water will be calm with no tidal influence or rapids. Moderate physical exertion: a brief tutorial is provided. Using a kayak paddle will require upper body strength and the use of two hands to wield the paddle for two hours. Previous kayaking experience is recommended but not required. This is a drug and alcohol-free event. No pets allowed. Please bring water to drink, shoes that can get wet, and whatever else will make you comfortable while paddling on the water for 2 hours in potentially inclement weather. We recommend a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothes that can be layered. Kayaks, paddles, and personal floatation devices are provided; no personal equipment is allowed. Single kayaks may be operated by anyone age 16 and up. Tandem kayaks may be operated by anyone aged 18 and up, accompanied by a passenger aged six and up. Kayak weight limit is 400 pounds. This program is weather-dependent. If winds of 20 miles per hour or more are forecasted for the day of the event, it will be cancelled. If necessary, cancellation will occur 24 hours before the scheduled start time. For more information, call 541-265-6949. Information about the hike at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area: Join a park ranger for a 2.5-mile guided hike through Sitka Sedge State Natural Area. Experience birdwatching on the Sandlake Estuary, hike through a coastal upland dune forest, and take a stroll along the beach. The hike provides scenic views of the estuary, and the ranger will identify plants and animals while answering any questions. Registration required. The 12 p.m. hike will begin at the trailhead parking area at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area located off Sandlake Road, north of Pacific City and south of Sandlake. If the main parking lot is full, there will be overflow parking across the street. The first half mile of the trail features compacted gravel and has a slight slope, but it is otherwise flat, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. After this section, the trail narrows and the surface becomes softer. Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome. Dress in layers with rain gear and gloves, wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. For more information, call (503) 812-2403. Information about the Shore Acres hike: On the approximate 1.5-mile, hikers will experience the ever-changing environment of the Oregon Coast. Learn about the flora, fauna and fungi that have adapted to live in such a dynamic environment. The hike starts at 10 a.m. and begins at the Shore Acres Observation Building, 89039 Cape Arago Hwy, Coos Bay, Oregon. The hike involves mostly easy to medium terrain, some areas will involve hiking up stairs. Expect wet and muddy conditions. Dogs are not allowed at the park. Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and snacks, and a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Contact the park office at 541-888-3778 for more information. Hike hosted at William M. Tugman State Park: Eel Lake offers a perfect venue for a 1-mile out-and-back hike along the shore. There will be scenic viewpoints of Eel Lake, footbridge creek crossings, and opportunities to see amphibians like red-legged frogs, as well as other wildlife. The hike starts at 1 p.m. Meet at Eel Lake day-use area at the boat ramp, 72549 Hwy 101, Lakeside. Please be on time. Meeting place and introduction frog-talk are fully accessible. South Eel Lake trail is a natural surface with exposed roots in places, 4' wide footbridges, and gentle 20' - 30' hills. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. For more information, call 541-759-3604. Information about the Oswald West State Park hike: Join us for a First Day Hike with a park ranger and a guest from the North Coast Land Conservancy at Oswald West State Park. Explore the old-growth forest and discover the natural and cultural history of the oldest state park on the north Oregon Coast. We will also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve. Registration is required. The hike starts at 10 a.m. and begins at Oswald West State Park’s main parking lot near Short Sands Beach Trail Head, 41575 Oregon Coast Hwy, Nehalem, OR 97131. The approximately 1-mile hike will be relatively level with few ups and downs. Surfaces will include compacted gravel, sand, dirt, root intrusions, potholes, and possibly mud. Participants should dress in warm layers and pack rain gear. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes with ankle support are recommended. Bring pen and paper, water, and snacks for yourself along the hike. Contact the park office at 503-812-0650 for more information. If you have questions about access, please contact Park Ranger, Nathan Emmett at 503-812-0650. If you have questions about access or to request All activities are free, but a day-use parking permit is required. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon Residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold at the park. Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes. First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.