Nehalem 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 Oswald West State Park 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:                               8 a.m.

Starting location:                    Elk Flats Trail parking lot. Parking is very limited at the trailhead so please try to carpool. If you have multiple cars, try parking one at the Oswald West Parking lot and use the other to shuttle up to the Elk Flats trail head.

Terrain and length of trail:     Moderate, two-mile hike on the Elk Flats Trail

Contact information:             503-368-5943, ext. 221

Additional details:      Follow the trail that leads through the heart of the park. Sites include the Devil’s Cauldron overlook and an amazing coastal forest. The hike ends at Short Sand Beach. Dogs not recommended. Terrain is not suitable for baby strollers.

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.