First Day Hikes are back at Oregon state parks, minus one familiar perk

Oregon state parks will once again host guided New Year’s Day hikes on trails across the state, though parking will no longer necessarily be free.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has released the list of state parks that will be hosting First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, from the Oregon coast to the high desert. The list includes popular spots like Silver Falls, Smith Rock and Oswald West state parks, as well as quieter places like Sitka Sedge and Cottonwood Canyon.

But while New Year’s Day has long been one of the few days when state parks have waived parking fees, that fee-free holiday has been discontinued. Oregonians will now need to pay $10 per vehicle, with nonresidents paying $12, at the 47 park sites that charge a parking fee. Parking passes can be purchased on site or online in advance. The state parks department also sells annual passes that are good for a year.

Not all First Day Hike locations charge for parking. Of the 25 parks hosting hikes this year, 15 charge a parking fee. Some parks also require advance registration for hikes, though the events themselves will be free.

Here’s a full list of the 2026 First Day Hikes at Oregon state parks:

• Bandon State Natural Area, Devil’s Kitchen Access Point.

• Brian Booth State Park, guided paddle at Beaver Creek boat launch, registration required.

• Cottonwood Canyon State Park

• Deschutes River State Recreation Area, registration required.

• Elijah Bristow State Park, registration required.

• Elijah Bristow State Park, guided equestrian trail, registration required.

• Emigrant Springs State Park, snowshoeing, registration required.

• Fort Stevens State Park.

• Guy Talbot State Park.

• Heceta Head Lighthouse.

• Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park.