Oregon State Parks To Offer Free Day-Use Parking June 6 For State Parks Day

Oregon residents will be able to visit state parks without paying day-use parking fees on Saturday, June 6, as Oregon State Parks marks its annual State Parks Day celebration.

The yearly tradition began in 1998 as a way to recognize Oregonians’ connection to the state park system and thank visitors for their continued support. On State Parks Day, parking fees are waived at Oregon State Parks locations that normally charge day-use fees.

“State Parks Day is a commemoration of the places that connect us to Oregon’s natural beauty and to one another,” Oregon Parks and Recreation Interim Director Stefanie Coons said. “We appreciate everyone who helps keep these spaces vibrant and welcoming.”

The free parking day comes as parks across the state prepare for the busy summer season. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff have spent recent months clearing storm damage, removing downed trees and completing infrastructure work, including improvements to electrical, water and sewage systems.

Several parks will also host special events and activities for the day.

At The Cove Palisades, the annual Festival of The Land will highlight the park’s natural, cultural and historical significance. The event will include hands-on activities with community partners, wildlife and fire education, farm games, a small farmers market, native flute music by James Greeley, food and drink vendors and new activities such as a Pollination Patrol station and community “quilt” project.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park will host the return of its summer star party series, with stargazing offered by OMSI, Rose City Astronomers and Oregon State Parks. Visitors will be able to use telescopes, attend an OMSI presentation and join a ranger-led nighttime hike focused on wildlife after dark. The event will be held at the Hilltop Day-Use Area.

At Shore Acres State Park, the botanical gardens will feature local gardening organizations and plant experts, including OSU Master Gardeners and the Southern Oregon Native Plant Society. Visitors can ask questions, learn about plants, watch a performance by the Side of the Tide Morris Dancers and visit the historic Garden House for refreshments.

LaPine State Park will offer a ranger-guided 1.5-mile hike to “Big Tree,” known as the world’s largest Ponderosa pine. The route passes an oxbow lake and Central Oregon forest habitat. Registration is required for the hike.

Prineville Reservoir State Park will host a family-friendly birdhouse building activity. Kids and families will be able to build birdhouses while learning from a park ranger about Oregon bird species. Materials, including birdhouse kits, hammers, gloves and safety glasses, will be provided at no cost.

Additional Oregon State Parks events are listed on the state parks event calendar.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages 254 state parks covering more than 100,000 acres. The department’s mission is to protect and provide access to natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for current and future generations.

More information is available at stateparks.oregon.gov.