OPRD release - REEDSPORT, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting a free guided First Day Hike at William M. Tugman and Umpqua Lighthouse on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1. Visitors have two hikes to choose from in the Reedsport and Lakeside areas. It's part of the annual First Day Hikes event at 30 Oregon State Parks held in partnership with America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day. Hike hosted at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park: Join us on a relaxing 1-mile hike around Lake Marie. We could see mushrooms and rough-skinned newts (taricha granulosa) that are often seen walking on the trail and swimming in the lake. The hike starts at 10 a.m. Meet at the Lake Marie beach in the day-use area between the campground and the lighthouse. The trail is a dirt path and is about 3-6 feet wide. The restroom at Lake Marie is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors may use the accessible restroom in the campground about ¼-mile away. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome

Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. For more information, call 541-271-4118. Hike hosted at William M. Tugman State Park. Eel Lake offers a perfect venue for a 1.5-mile out-and-back hike along the shore. We will watch for wildlife such as squirrels, chipmunks and aquatic birds. This is a good time of year to see mushrooms. The best scenic view on the hike is at the end of the trail before our return. The hike starts at 2 p.m. Meet at Eel Lake day-use area at the kiosk on the north side of the boat ramp, 72549 Hwy 101, Lakeside. The trail is a well-maintained dirt trail about 3-6 feet wide. The day-use restroom may be suitable for wheelchairs but does not meet all accessibility standards.  Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. An off-leash dog run is on the west side of the day use area. Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. For more information, call 541-271-4118. If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation in either hike, please contact the park office at 541-271-4118. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1. The day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open. 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.