(DECEMBER 14, 2018) If you tell someone to "Go take a hike!", you usually mean "Go away!" or "Get out of here!" However, Oregon state park rangers mean it literally. Rangers are people who take care of the parks. They want people to take a hike in state parks.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department offers free guided hikes in 31 parks across the state on January 1. Parking is free, too. It happens every day on New Year's Day.
Park rangers and volunteers tell visitors about each park's history, geology, wildlife, and plants. Registration is not required. However, park rangers suggest wearing warm clothing and sturdy shoes for walking outside.
You can read about all of the different hikes at https://store.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=&itemTypeId=2
Oregon's state parks are very popular. About 40 million people visit the parks every year. Activities are paid by park fees, Oregon Lottery dollars, and recreation vehicle license fees.