Free First Day Hike Planned For Deschutes River State Recreation Area Jan. 1, 2026
- 12/18/25
WASCO, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is offering a free guided First Day Hike at Deschutes River State Recreation Area 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 hike hosted at Deschutes River Recreation Area:
- Join us on a ranger-led, three-mile hike on the historic Deschutes River Trail through the Deschutes River Canyon. The hike will start on the Deschutes River Trail and continue onto the Blackberry Trail, where you will be able to walk along the river’s edge to view the area’s natural flora and fauna.
- Registration required.
- This hike is on flat, packed with dirt and gravel terrain. Expect a relatively flat trail with some moderate hills.
- The hike starts at 9:30 a.m. and begins at the Oregon Trail Kiosk at Deschutes River State Recreation Area.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy hiking boots and gloves and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Expect cold weather conditions.
- No pets allowed.
- For more information, call 541-739-2322.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation in the hike, please contact Cottonwood Canyon Park Ranger Abby Fatland, 541-739-2322. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.
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 Planned For Deschutes River State Recreation Area Jan. 1, 2026
- 12/18/25
WASCO, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is offering a free guided First Day Hike at Deschutes River State Recreation Area 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 hike hosted at Deschutes River Recreation Area:
- Join us on a ranger-led, three-mile hike on the historic Deschutes River Trail through the Deschutes River Canyon. The hike will start on the Deschutes River Trail and continue onto the Blackberry Trail, where you will be able to walk along the river’s edge to view the area’s natural flora and fauna.
- Registration required.
- This hike is on flat, packed with dirt and gravel terrain. Expect a relatively flat trail with some moderate hills.
- The hike starts at 9:30 a.m. and begins at the Oregon Trail Kiosk at Deschutes River State Recreation Area.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy hiking boots and gloves and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Expect cold weather conditions.
- No pets allowed.
- For more information, call 541-739-2322.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation in the hike, please contact Cottonwood Canyon Park Ranger Abby Fatland, 541-739-2322. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.
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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