Free First Day Hike At Oswald West State Park Jan. 1, 2026
- 12/18/25
MANZANITA, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting a free guided First Day Hike at Oswald West State Park on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.
It's part of the annual First Day Hikes event at 25 Oregon State Parks held in partnership with America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.
Information about the Oswald West State Park hike:
- Join us for a First Day Hike with a park ranger and a guest from the North Coast Land Conservancy at Oswald West State Park. Explore the old-growth forest and discover the natural and cultural history of the oldest state park on the north Oregon Coast. We will also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve.
- Registration is required.
- The hike starts at 10 a.m. and begins at Oswald West State Park’s main parking lot near Short Sands Beach Trail Head, 41575 Oregon Coast Hwy, Nehalem, OR 97131.
- The approximately 1-mile hike will be relatively level with few ups and downs. Surfaces will include compacted gravel, sand, dirt, root intrusions, potholes, and possibly mud.
- Participants should dress in warm layers and pack rain gear. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes with ankle support are recommended. Bring pen and paper, water, and snacks for yourself along the hike.
- Contact the park office at 503-812-0650 for more information.
If you have questions about access, please contact Park Ranger, Nathan Emmett at 503-812-0650.
All activities are free, but a day-use parking permit is required. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon Residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold at the park office.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.
First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.
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Free First Day Hike At Oswald West State Park Jan. 1, 2026
- 12/18/25
MANZANITA, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting a free guided First Day Hike at Oswald West State Park on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.
It's part of the annual First Day Hikes event at 25 Oregon State Parks held in partnership with America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.
Information about the Oswald West State Park hike:
- Join us for a First Day Hike with a park ranger and a guest from the North Coast Land Conservancy at Oswald West State Park. Explore the old-growth forest and discover the natural and cultural history of the oldest state park on the north Oregon Coast. We will also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve.
- Registration is required.
- The hike starts at 10 a.m. and begins at Oswald West State Park’s main parking lot near Short Sands Beach Trail Head, 41575 Oregon Coast Hwy, Nehalem, OR 97131.
- The approximately 1-mile hike will be relatively level with few ups and downs. Surfaces will include compacted gravel, sand, dirt, root intrusions, potholes, and possibly mud.
- Participants should dress in warm layers and pack rain gear. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes with ankle support are recommended. Bring pen and paper, water, and snacks for yourself along the hike.
- Contact the park office at 503-812-0650 for more information.
If you have questions about access, please contact Park Ranger, Nathan Emmett at 503-812-0650.
All activities are free, but a day-use parking permit is required. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon Residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold at the park office.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.
First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.
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