State Parks Day Means One Big Freebie for Oregonians - including the coastline

Published 05/28/26 at 8:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Coos Bay, Oregon) – As the bustling and busy season begins, Oregon State Parks again marks the occasion with a giant freebie. State Parks Day happens on June 6, 2026 – including the Oregon coastline – and it's free day-use parking for all Oregon residents. (Above: the garden at Shore Acres, Coos Bay)

It's a tradition that began in 1998 to honor the public’s support for the state park system. The fee waiver applies that Saturday at parks that normally require day-use permits.

Oregon State Parks will again mark the start of the busy season with free day-use parking for Oregon residents on State Parks Day, a tradition that began in 1998 to honor the public’s support for the state park system. The fee waiver applies on June 6, 2026, at parks that normally require day-use permits.

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

Park crews have spent recent months preparing for summer, clearing storm debris, removing downed trees, and upgrading electrical, water, and sewage systems. To mark the annual celebration, parks across the state are hosting special events and activities.

At The Cove Palisades, the annual Festival of The Land invites visitors to explore the area’s natural, cultural, and historical heritage. Community partners will offer hands-on learning stations focused on wildlife, fire education, and farm activities, along with a small farmers market. New features include a Pollination Patrol station and a community quilt project reflecting what visitors value about the park. The day also includes native flute music by award-winning musician James Greeley and a selection of food and drink vendors.

Fogarty Beach, Depoe Bay

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park brings back its summer star party series with an evening of stargazing hosted by OMSI, Rose City Astronomers, and Oregon State Parks. Guests can view the night sky through telescopes, attend an OMSI presentation, and join a ranger-led nighttime hike highlighting the park’s after-dark wildlife. The event takes place at the Hilltop Day-Use Area. Warm layers and red-light flashlights are recommended, and pets on leash are welcome. Accessibility accommodations are available with advance notice.

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Shore Acres State Park will turn its botanical gardens into a gathering place for plant enthusiasts, with local gardening groups and experts from OSU Master Gardeners and the Southern Oregon Native Plant Society available to answer questions. A midday performance by the Side of the Tide Morris Dancers and refreshments at the historic Garden House round out the event.

At LaPine State Park, a ranger-guided 1.5-mile hike leads visitors to the world’s largest Ponderosa pine, known as Big Tree.

Prineville Reservoir State Park will host a hands-on birdhouse-building activity for kids and families.

A full list of ongoing Oregon State Parks events is available on the department’s event calendar.

State Parks Day was established in 1998 to recognize the support of visitors statewide and to strengthen connections between Oregonians and their public lands. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages 254 state parks covering more than 100,000 acres, with a mission to protect and provide natural, scenic, cultural, historic, and recreational sites for future generations.

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