Free First Day Hike And Guided Equestrian Ride At Elijah Bristow State Park Jan. 1, 2026
- 12/18/25
DEXTER, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will offer two free guided First Day Hikes events at Elijah Bristow State Park on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.
OPRD is partnering with America’s State Parks for free guided First Day Hikes around the state on New Year’s Day.
Information about a horseback trail ride and a guided hike hosted at Elijah Bristow State Park is below:
First Day Ride
- Please meet at 10 a.m. in the equestrian parking lot at Elijah Bristow State Park for a First Day Ride, co-led by Oregon Equestrian Trails.
- Accessible mounting ramp available at the parking lot.
- Riders can explore a variety of trail loops along Lost Creek and the Middle Fork Willamette River. The 3–4-mile loop is on compacted gravel, with some muddy spots possible. The trail is generally flat with easy riding conditions.
- Please leave dogs at home, but bring warm clothes, boots and water.
- If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please contact Park Ranger Steve Hancock at 541-912-2047.
First Day Hike
- This approximately 1-mile loop provides scenic views of the Willamette River and its many inhabitants, wetland exploration and bird watching.
- Meet at the Middle Fork trailhead at 10 a.m. in the main parking lot near the restrooms.
- The path is unpaved, compacted soil and gravel, and uneven terrain at times. Trails may be slippery
- No dogs allowed on the hike. Service animals are welcome.
- Participants should dress warmly, including gloves, a warm coat, and a hat. Boots are preferable as there may be wet or muddy patches. It is also recommended to carry water and a snack.
- For more information, call 541-937-1173
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodation needed for your participation, please contact Park Manager, John Mullen, 541-937-1173. 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.
# # #
Free First Day Hike And Guided Equestrian Ride At Elijah Bristow State Park Jan. 1, 2026
- 12/18/25
DEXTER, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will offer two free guided First Day Hikes events at Elijah Bristow State Park on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.
OPRD is partnering with America’s State Parks for free guided First Day Hikes around the state on New Year’s Day.
Information about a horseback trail ride and a guided hike hosted at Elijah Bristow State Park is below:
First Day Ride
- Please meet at 10 a.m. in the equestrian parking lot at Elijah Bristow State Park for a First Day Ride, co-led by Oregon Equestrian Trails.
- Accessible mounting ramp available at the parking lot.
- Riders can explore a variety of trail loops along Lost Creek and the Middle Fork Willamette River. The 3–4-mile loop is on compacted gravel, with some muddy spots possible. The trail is generally flat with easy riding conditions.
- Please leave dogs at home, but bring warm clothes, boots and water.
- If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please contact Park Ranger Steve Hancock at 541-912-2047.
First Day Hike
- This approximately 1-mile loop provides scenic views of the Willamette River and its many inhabitants, wetland exploration and bird watching.
- Meet at the Middle Fork trailhead at 10 a.m. in the main parking lot near the restrooms.
- The path is unpaved, compacted soil and gravel, and uneven terrain at times. Trails may be slippery
- No dogs allowed on the hike. Service animals are welcome.
- Participants should dress warmly, including gloves, a warm coat, and a hat. Boots are preferable as there may be wet or muddy patches. It is also recommended to carry water and a snack.
- For more information, call 541-937-1173
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodation needed for your participation, please contact Park Manager, John Mullen, 541-937-1173. 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.
# # #
