Newport OR -- For the seventh year in a row, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is partnering with America's State Parks to offer free guided First Day Hikes in state parks across Oregon on New Year's Day. Information about the special hike hosted at South Beach State Park is below.

Hikers can register for the hike at the Oregon State Parks Store, http://bit.ly/SouthBeachFDH2018 . Online registration is new this year--although not required--and will help park staff plan for the hike and provide them with participant contact information should hike details change.

Hike time: 10 a.m.
Starting location: South Beach day-use area
Terrain and length of trail: Easy, two-mile round trip hike on the South Jetty Trail. Dogs permitted on 6-foot leash. No child strollers on the second leg through dune grass. We recommend this hike for children at least 5 years old.
Contact information: (541) 867-7451
Additional details: Come and see a beautiful and crooked coastal pine forest that leads into a dune and beach-grass soft trail. Learn about the ever expanding coastline.

Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.

Share photos of First Day Hikes via Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging "Oregon State Parks" on Facebook.