Free First Day Hike At LaPine State Park Jan. 1, 2026
- 12/18/25
LA PINE, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting a free guided First Day Hike at La Pine State Park on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.
It's part of the annual First Day Hikes in partnership with America’s State Parks for free guided hikes in state parks on New Year’s Day.
Information about the hike hosted at La Pine State Park:
- The approximately 1.5-mile round-trip hike offers scenic views of an oxbow lake and a chance to see the largest ponderosa pine in the world. Beautiful winter conditions.
- Registration is required.
- The hike starts at 1 p.m. at the Cougar Woods Day-Use Parking Area. 15800 State Recreation Rd.
- The hike is on a dirt trail with 80 feet of elevation gain. Possible ice and snow may limit accessibility on the day of the hike.
- Children’s strollers are not recommended because of the possibility of snow or ice. Dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Snowshoes may be needed depending on conditions.
- For more information, call 541-536-2428.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please get in touch with Park Manager Scott Bown, 541-280-4953. Requests must be submitted at least three days before January 1.
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.
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.
# # #
Free First Day Hike At LaPine State Park Jan. 1, 2026
- 12/18/25
LA PINE, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting a free guided First Day Hike at La Pine State Park on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.
It's part of the annual First Day Hikes in partnership with America’s State Parks for free guided hikes in state parks on New Year’s Day.
Information about the hike hosted at La Pine State Park:
- The approximately 1.5-mile round-trip hike offers scenic views of an oxbow lake and a chance to see the largest ponderosa pine in the world. Beautiful winter conditions.
- Registration is required.
- The hike starts at 1 p.m. at the Cougar Woods Day-Use Parking Area. 15800 State Recreation Rd.
- The hike is on a dirt trail with 80 feet of elevation gain. Possible ice and snow may limit accessibility on the day of the hike.
- Children’s strollers are not recommended because of the possibility of snow or ice. Dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Snowshoes may be needed depending on conditions.
- For more information, call 541-536-2428.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please get in touch with Park Manager Scott Bown, 541-280-4953. Requests must be submitted at least three days before January 1.
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.
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.
# # #
