Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
The annual guided first day of the year hikes will be held at Detroit Lake State Park and nearly 20 other parks on Jan. 1.
The outings are led by rangers, and the $5 parking fee that most state parks charge will be waived. Oregon State Parks has been holding the hikes since 2012 in an effort to promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature.
A 2-mile hike is scheduled for Detroit Lake State Park. It starts at 11 a.m. at the campground visitor center. The hike includes a behind-the-scenes tour of “slumbering winter campground” and offers participants everything from tiny ice skyscrapers to shoreline footprints. Also explored will be areas burned in the 2020 fires to see how they are recovering.
The trail conditions include some dirt, rock, and tree roots and an elevation change of 25 feet. The route can be made accessible if users follow the parallel interior roadway.
The outing is not recommended for baby strollers. Dogs are welcome on 6-foot leashes.
Those interested in participating should call 503-872-5271 and leave your contact information in case the hike is canceled because of weather conditions. The early forecast calls for a high of 42, a low of 32 and a 58 percent chance of rain on Jan. 1.
Participants are encouraged to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife. Hikers can share photos via Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
