OPRD release - YACHATS, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting a free guided First Day Hike at Yachats State Recreation Area on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1.   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.  Information about the hike hosted at Yachats State Recreation Area:  Join a park ranger for a guided hike along part of the historic 804 trail from Yachats State Recreation Area to Smelt Sands State Recreation Site. This hike will have almost continuous views of the powerful Pacific Ocean and should finish just in time for a spectacular sunset (weather permitting). There is also the possibility of spotting grey whales that are on the southern leg of their annual migration.  The hike starts at 3:30 p.m. at the historic 804 Trail. Meet at the viewing deck on the west side of the parking lot. 429 W 1st St, Yachats, OR, 97498.  This will be approximately a 1.5 mile round trip walk along the ocean cliffs over easy to medium terrain, with little elevation gain. Most of the walk will be over paved or hard-packed surfaces, but there is a short section toward the turn-around point that is grassy/uneven.  Well-behaved dogs are allowed if they remain on 6-foot or shorter leash for the entire hike. No smoking or vaping will be allowed during the walk.  Participants should bring a water bottle, raincoat, and other layers as the weather dictates, closed-toe shoes with decent grip, and a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.  For more information, call 541-272-7394.  If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please contact Park Ranger Arlen Pedersen, 541-270-5304. 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.