Fort Hill OR – For the eighth 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 Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area is below.

Hikers can register for the hike at the Oregon State Parks Store, http://bit.ly/ParkStoreEvents. Registration—although not required—will help park staff plan for the hike and give park staff contact information should the hike be canceled because of weather or conditions.

Hike time:                               11 a.m.

Starting location:                    Parking Lot

Terrain and length of trail:     Easy, one-mile hike on the Fort Yamhill Walking Trail

Contact information:             (503) 879-5814

Additional details:                  Take an easy stroll through the historic parade grounds of Fort Yamhill and learn how the lives of soldiers, Native Americans, and Euro-Americans intersected in the mid 1800s. Please, no dogs.

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.