Oregon residents get free parking at state parks on June 6 for State Parks Day
The Dalles, Ore., June 3, 2026 — Oregon residents can visit state parks across the state without paying day-use parking fees on Saturday, June 6, as Oregon celebrates State Parks Day, an annual tradition that marks the beginning of the busy summer recreation season.
Day-use parking fees will be waived at parks that normally require them, allowing residents to explore some of Oregon's most popular outdoor destinations at no cost.
The event, which began in 1998, was created as a way for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to thank Oregonians for their support of the state park system.
For residents of Wasco and Hood River counties, the free parking day offers an opportunity to visit nearby destinations such as Memaloose State Park, Mayer State Park, Deschutes River State Recreation Area near Biggs Junction and Cottonwood Canyon State Park south of Wasco.
Deschutes River State Recreation Area sits at the confluence of the Deschutes and Columbia rivers and serves as a gateway to one of Oregon's premier outdoor recreation corridors. The park offers hiking, mountain biking, camping, rafting and world-class steelhead and trout fishing along the Lower Deschutes River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River. Visitors can explore miles of canyon trails while taking in views of the Columbia Gorge and surrounding high desert landscape.
Farther south, Cottonwood Canyon State Park has become one of Oregon's hidden gems. Covering more than 8,000 acres along the lower John Day River, it is Oregon's second-largest state park and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing and stargazing. The remote park is home to bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer and numerous bird species, while its dark skies recently earned designation as an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in Oregon for viewing the night sky.
State Parks Day also falls on the first day of Oregon's June free fishing weekend, which means anglers can fish, crab or clam without purchasing a fishing license while also taking advantage of free parking at state parks. Fishing regulations, bag limits and area closures remain in effect.
"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 Department Interim Director Stefanie Coons said in a statement. "We appreciate everyone who helps keep these spaces vibrant and welcoming."
Park staff have spent the spring preparing for the summer season by clearing storm damage, removing downed trees and completing infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to water, sewer and electrical systems.
Several state parks will host special events throughout the day, including nature programs, guided hikes, stargazing activities, gardening demonstrations and family-oriented educational programs. Featured events are planned at The Cove Palisades State Park, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, Shore Acres State Park, LaPine State Park and Prineville Reservoir State Park.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages 254 state parks covering more than 100,000 acres statewide. Oregon expanded parking permit requirements to additional state parks in recent years, making State Parks Day one of the few opportunities to visit fee areas without purchasing a permit.
More information about State Parks Day activities and participating parks is available through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
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