Feeling stuffed after Thanksgiving dinner? Oregon State Parks has the perfect solution: skip the crowded shopping malls and spend the day outdoors instead. Known as “Green Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, with the added bonus of waived parking fees at select state parks.
Explore Without Parking Fees
On Friday, November 29, parking fees will be waived at 23 state parks that typically charge for day-use parking. While most of Oregon’s 250 state parks already offer free parking year-round, this waiver is a treat for visitors heading to some of the state’s most popular spots, such as:
- Benson State Recreation Area (Troutdale)
- Cape Lookout State Park (Tillamook)
- Champoeg State Heritage Area (St. Paul)
- Dabney State Recreation Area (Corbett)
- Mongold Day-Use Area at Detroit Lake (Detroit)
- Ecola State Park (Cannon Beach)
- Fort Stevens State Park (Hammond)
- Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint (Florence)
- Historic Columbia River State Highway Trail (Hood River)
- Jessie M. Honeyman State Park (Florence)
- Jasper State Recreation Site (Springfield)
- Mayer State Park (Mosier)
- Milo McIver State Park (Estacada)
- Rooster Rock State Park (Corbett)
- Shore Acres State Park (Coos Bay)
- Silver Falls State Park (Silverton)
- Smith Rock State Park (Terrebonne)
- Stub Stewart State Park (Buxton)
- The Cove Palisades State Park (Culver)
- TouVelle State Recreation Site (Central Point)
- Tumalo State Park (Bend)
- Viento State Park (Hood River)
- Willamette Mission State Park (Gervais)
Keep in mind, however, that this fee waiver does not apply to Fall Creek or Nehalem Bay, as these parks will be closed during the event.
A Tradition to Celebrate the Outdoors
Green Friday is part of a broader effort by Oregon State Parks to encourage outdoor exploration. It’s one of three annual occasions when day-use parking fees are waived, alongside First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day and Oregon State Parks Day, held the first Saturday in June. Oregon State Parks Day even includes free camping opportunities.
Plan Ahead: Fee Increase Coming in January
While you’re out enjoying free parking this Green Friday, remember that the current $5 day-use parking fee will increase to $10 starting January 2. This change only affects daily permits; 12-month and 24-month parking passes will remain $30 and $50, respectively.
Special Hours at Shore Acres State Park
Visitors planning to explore Shore Acres State Park in Coos Bay should note that the fee waiver ends at 4 p.m. to accommodate the park’s Holiday Lights event, which runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
Find Your Park
Whether you’re a local or just visiting Oregon, this is the perfect chance to explore the state’s breathtaking natural beauty without worrying about parking fees. For a full list of the parks that require day-use permits, visit the Oregon State Parks website.
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