Every year Oregon State Parks begins the busier season with a small thank you to its visitors — free camping and day-use parking on State Parks Day.
State Parks Day has been a tradition since 1998 to thank Oregonians for their long-standing support of the state park system. It falls on the first Saturday of June, which is June 7 this year.
“We are honored to steward and share these places with Oregonians and all visitors. We appreciate their commitment to preserving and maintaining Oregon’s special places. We would not have the park system that we have today without their support,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive day-use parking fees at the 25 parks that charge them and camping fees for all tent, RV and horse campsites on June 7. State Parks Day also includes free events at many parks around the state.
State Parks Day Events
- The Cove Palisades: Festival of the Land is a free festival that celebrates the diverse history, food and culture of Central Oregon 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, kids’ games and activities, petting “zoo”, mini farmers market, pollinator, wildfire and more.
- L.L. Stub Stewart will host a star party in partnership with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers at 9:30 p.m. in the Hilltop Day-Use Area. Visit OMSI’s website on the day of the party for possible weather-related cancellations: https://omsi.edu/whats-on/
- Carl G. Washburne will host a BBQ from noon to 1 p.m.
- Spring Valley Access will host a trail work party from 9 a.m. to noon. The event includes clearing brush, raking debris and picking up trash.
- Tryon Creek invites visitors to explore its Interpretive Nature Center, navigate its extensive trail system to enjoy spring flora and fauna or attend the Saturday Guided Nature Hike.
- Prineville Reservoir will host a free BBQ from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. near the Dark Sky Observatory.
- Silver Falls will host an exhibit about the emerald ash borer (EAB) and its role as a threat to Oregon’s ash trees 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oregon State Parks and Oregon Department of Forestry staff will be on hand to share information about the importance of ash trees and this destructive invasive beetle.
- Collier will offer a guided tour through the Collier Logging Museum 11 a.m. to noon. Visitors can learn about old logging camps and the machines they used to make life easier.
- Fort Stevens will host disc golf lessons 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Stevens State Park-Historic Area Columbia Shores Disc Golf Course.
- Harris Beach will have a multi-park scavenger hunt where visitors can seek natural formations, unique flora and historical locations. Pick up scavenger hunt cards at Harris Beach registration booth or from a ranger or host at Alfred Loeb.
For a list of events, visit the event calendar.
