Staff at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area are praying to the snow gods in advance of the 2024 Guided First Day Hikes.
Emigrant Springs and Cottonwood Canyon State Park are among the 34 ranger-guided hikes planned by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department on New Year’s Day — Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. There is no charge to participate and any parking fees are waived for the day.
Participants should wear hats, gloves, sturdy shoes and layered winter clothing. Hikers can bring cameras to capture pictures and binoculars for wildlife viewing — as well as water and snacks.
As part of a national initiative, OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said the program encourages people to start their year outdoors and connect with nature. The Beaver State, she said, has participated since 2012, and she’s excited about hikes planned for 2024.
“When more parks offer hikes, Oregonians have more options to hike near their homes or explore a new park and trail,” Sumption said.
Emigrant Springs
About 20 miles east of Pendleton, Emigrant Springs is between Deadman Pass and Meacham, off Interstate 84 at Exit 234. Participants will depart from the Community Building at 10 a.m. to snowshoe through the park’s 1.5-mile Nature Trail. Dogs are not allowed for this event.
The program lasts about two hours. In addition to enjoying the beauty of the Blue Mountains, participants will learn a little local history along the way.
Park Manager Steve Garcia said Emigrant Springs received a light blanket of snow a couple of weeks ago. However, it was followed by rain a few days later.
“Nothing is sticking yet,” he said. “If we can’t do the snowshoeing, we’re going to go ahead and keep the hike going.”
Garcia said the park has about a dozen sets of snowshoes for participants to use. However, people should bring their own equipment, if available.
For more information, call 541-983-2277. To request accommodations to participate, call Park Ranger John Breding by Thursday, Dec. 28 at 541-786-2513.
Cottonwood Canyon
Located off Highway 206, between Condon and Wasco, Cottonwood Canyon participants will depart at 10 a.m. from the park’s Experience Center. According to the park’s website, the moderate 3-mile hike on the Pinnacles Trail follows the John Day River canyon with picturesque geologic formations in a natural desert landscape.
Well-behaved dogs are permitted on a 6-foot leash. Strollers are not recommended because of narrow and sloping trail sections.
Hikers may catch a glimpse of mule deer, red-tailed hawks and the park’s resident herd of California bighorn sheep. For questions, call 800-551-6949.
Garcia said the guided programs provide reassurance to people who might otherwise be hesitant to go into the wilderness. Also, he said it exposes young people to adventures beyond their screens.
“Some people don’t grow up doing things like that,” he said. “In recent times, kids are more into technology than going out and taking walks. We want folks to come out … and do something they haven’t experienced before.”
For a full list and additional information about First Day Hikes, search stateparks.oregon.gov.
