WesCom News Service file photoA ranger will lead a 2-mile hike along the Crooked River on Thursday at Smith Rock State Park.

How well do you know your favorite state park?

First Day Hikes, a nationwide initiative sponsored by America’s State Parks, kicks off the new year Thursday in all 50 states. Thirty-one Oregon state parks — including Smith Rock in Central Oregon — are waiving day-use parking fees on Jan. 1 and offering free ranger-guided tours, giving outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to learn more about some of their favorite local trails.

“It’s a healthy way to start off the new year,” says Matt Davey, a ranger at Smith Rock State Park who expects to serve as Thursday’s hike guide. “This will be our third year participating in the program. Last year we had a fantastic turnout because of beautiful weather. We had 60 people show up.”

Oregon’s park rangers will be leading discussions on a wide range of topics during their hikes. Davey says he expects to take Smith Rock participants along the underused Homestead Trail along the Crooked River.

“We’ll get within viewing sight of golden eagle nests,” Davey says. “In about a month or two they’ll be back in the park, if they choose. … Last year we took people along the rim trail and saw some bald eagle nests. It’s just fun to check out trails that don’t get used as much.”

Approximately 135 miles northwest of Bend (and about 25 miles east of Salem), the popular Silver Falls State Park will dig into the park’s rich geologic and natural history. At 9,200 acres, Silver Falls is Oregon’s largest state park.

“It’s a great way to have a walk with a ranger who is usually out in the field,” says Silver Falls park ranger Martha Duckworth. “Generally they’re too busy to do that. It’s a nice time to get to know a ranger and ask him any questions about his job and the park.”

North of Bend by about 145 miles at Cottonwood Canyon State Park near Wasco, rangers are scheduled to shed some more light on how this 8,000-plus-acre park went from ranch land to Oregon’s newest state park. Other popular state parks such as Ecola, Rooster Rock, Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial, and L.L. Stub Stewart are all scheduled to offer First Day Hikes.

“These hikes are for anyone,” Duckworth says. “Hikers with babies in their backpacks to people in their 80s. As long as you can hike an hour or so and are in good health condition. They’re not too strenuous.”

—Reporter: 541-383-0305; beastes@bendbulletin.com