The Oregon Parks and Recreation tradition of offering a free guided hike to ring in the new year at Stub Stewart and other state parks continues, but the assertion that it's free is a stretch.
There's still a guided hike, and it's free, but the day-use parking fee, typically waived for the event, is no longer being waived, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said. Expect to shell out $10 if you're an Oregon resident or $12 if you're from somewhere else to park a motor vehicle at the Buxton-area park.
There are numerous hikes available on Jan. 1, 2026 across the system; at Stub Stewart State Park, visitors will take a guided 3-mile round-trip hike starting at 9 a.m., passing through a forest offering scenic views. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bikes are not.
“Across Oregon, First Day Hikes have grown into a beloved New Year’s tradition for visitors and staff alike. On January 1st, park rangers and volunteers share stories of park history, geology, wildlife, and plants, as families and friends kick off the year together with an engaging outdoor adventure,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
The hike will connect several trails in a loop, including Boomscooter Trail, Unfit Settlement Trail, Peavey Hook Bridleway, and Lasso Loop. The park's event notice for the hike described moderate elevation gain in some sections of the trail, and urged hikers to bring waterproof hiking shoes or boots appropriate for the dirt trail, which could be muddy.
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"The route is a compacted dirt trail that is narrow in certain sections, making it unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs," a press release for the hike noted.
Full details:
- The hike starts at 9 a.m. Meet at the Hilltop Day-use area picnic shelter. 30380 NW Hwy 47, Buxton, OR 97109.
- 3-mile round-trip hike through the forest over easy to medium difficulty trails, moderate elevation gain. The route is a compacted dirt trail that is narrow in certain sections, making it unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
- Leashed dogs are welcome. Please bring water for your companion. No bicycles on the hike.
- Dress for the weather, wearing hiking boots or comfortable shoes with good traction. We will hike regardless of rain or snow, so bring warm, breathable clothes, gloves, and a windbreaker or raincoat. Pack a water bottle and snacks, and feel free to bring your phone or camera for photo opportunities along the way.
For more information, or to request special accommodations, call Park Manager Aaron Raines at 503-324-0606. Special requests must be made at least three days prior to the hike.
Across the department's state parks, 980 people took part in the 2025 First Day Hike, a spokesperson for the department told News in the Grove.
By ending the tradition of waiving day use parking fees on Jan. 1, the park could earn up to $9,800 if the same amount of visitors from the 2205 hikes hit the trail on Jan. 1, 2026 and all park their own motor vehicle.
The department's penny-pinching comes from what officials say is a projected $14 million budget shortfall this biennium.
In November, the department said increasing costs and decreasing lottery fees were the cause of the budget shortfall, along with what the agency described as "a long-standing need for more sustainable funding."
"OPRD does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations," the agency said.
Other measures will begin Jan. 1 and later in the year.
Starting Jan. 1, the agency said these actions would be taken:
- No more free parking at First Day Hikes
- 12-month parking permits will increase from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and to $75 for out-of-state residents
- 24-month parking permits will not be sold in 2026. Existing permits will continue to be honored.
- Oregon State Parks will no longer sell Oregon Pacific Coast Passports but will honor passports purchased in 2025 until they expire.
- Oregon State Parks will no longer honor Jackson County parking permits.
Starting sometime in the winter or spring, OPRD said additional parks will add parking fees, dump stations will require a fee, and other measures are being considered.
The department plans to streamline other costs, add more cabins and yurts to increase revenue, and is seeking sponsorships and partnerships.
“We appreciate visitors’ continued support as these necessary changes are implemented. The changes are critical to sustaining state park operations and services now and for the future,” said Sumption.
