Two First Day Hikes At Milo McIver State Park Jan. 1, 2026
- 12/18/25
ESTACADA, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will offer two free guided First Day Hikes at Milo McIver State Park on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.
OPRD is partnering with America’s State Parks for free guided hikes at parks across the state on New Year’s Day. Milo McIver State Park will host two hikes, one at 10 a.m. on the Dog Creek Trail and the other at 1 p.m. on the Maple Ridge Trail.
Dog Creek Trail hike at 10 a.m.:
- On this half-mile hike, the guide will share the ecology of the park, including the Mt Hood watershed, clean drinking water and future healthy salmon and steelhead populations. Learn about the significance of the Pacific Yew tree and many other tree species and native plants found in the park as well as the role state parks play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Meet at 10 a.m. at the Dog Creek Trailhead - Riverside Day-use Area parking lot, 24101 S Entrance Road, Estacada.
- The hike terrain is generally flat aside from a few bridge crossings and a slight gain in elevation. The dirt and compacted trail surface is accessible to wheelchairs with assistance in some areas.
- No dogs allowed.
- Participants should dress in layers with rain gear and gloves, wear shoes appropriate for the activity and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, call 503-630-7150.
Maple Ridge Trail hike at 1 p.m.:
- This 1.5-mile, moderate hike passes through an older forest. We’ll explore winter ferns, mossy canyons and expansive big-leaf maple groves.
- Meet at 1 p.m. at the Maple Ridge Trailhead - Riverbend Day-use Area E parking lot, 24101 S Entrance Road, Estacada. The trailhead is at the far end of the lot.
- The approximately one-hour hike will loop through the Cedar Knoll Trail and return to the same trailhead.
- No dogs allowed.
- Participants should dress in layers with rain gear and gloves, wear shoes appropriate for the activity and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, call 503-630-7150.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please get in touch with Park Ranger Matthew Nelson at 503-630-7150. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to 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.
# # #
Two First Day Hikes At Milo McIver State Park Jan. 1, 2026
- 12/18/25
ESTACADA, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will offer two free guided First Day Hikes at Milo McIver State Park on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.
OPRD is partnering with America’s State Parks for free guided hikes at parks across the state on New Year’s Day. Milo McIver State Park will host two hikes, one at 10 a.m. on the Dog Creek Trail and the other at 1 p.m. on the Maple Ridge Trail.
Dog Creek Trail hike at 10 a.m.:
- On this half-mile hike, the guide will share the ecology of the park, including the Mt Hood watershed, clean drinking water and future healthy salmon and steelhead populations. Learn about the significance of the Pacific Yew tree and many other tree species and native plants found in the park as well as the role state parks play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Meet at 10 a.m. at the Dog Creek Trailhead - Riverside Day-use Area parking lot, 24101 S Entrance Road, Estacada.
- The hike terrain is generally flat aside from a few bridge crossings and a slight gain in elevation. The dirt and compacted trail surface is accessible to wheelchairs with assistance in some areas.
- No dogs allowed.
- Participants should dress in layers with rain gear and gloves, wear shoes appropriate for the activity and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, call 503-630-7150.
Maple Ridge Trail hike at 1 p.m.:
- This 1.5-mile, moderate hike passes through an older forest. We’ll explore winter ferns, mossy canyons and expansive big-leaf maple groves.
- Meet at 1 p.m. at the Maple Ridge Trailhead - Riverbend Day-use Area E parking lot, 24101 S Entrance Road, Estacada. The trailhead is at the far end of the lot.
- The approximately one-hour hike will loop through the Cedar Knoll Trail and return to the same trailhead.
- No dogs allowed.
- Participants should dress in layers with rain gear and gloves, wear shoes appropriate for the activity and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, call 503-630-7150.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please get in touch with Park Ranger Matthew Nelson at 503-630-7150. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to 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.
# # #
