Mosier 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 the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is below. The usual $5 parking fee will be waived Jan. 1 only.
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: 1 p.m.
Starting location: Mark O. Hatfield Visitors Center West Trailhead
Terrain and length of trail: Moderate, two-mile hike on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
Contact information: (503) 695-2261
Additional details: Enjoy this hike starting from the Hatfield Visitor's Center to the Twin Tunnels Trailhead. Experience beautiful vistas of the Columbia River Gorge and learn about the formation and significance of the gorge. Dogs must be on a six-foot leash. Children under twelve years old must be accompanied by an adult.
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.