For those looking to escape the hustle of Black Friday shopping, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has a breath of fresh air to offer. Imagine stepping out into the tranquility of nature instead of queuing up for doorbuster deals—come November 29th, "Green Friday," this vision becomes a reality. In what's becoming a holiday weekend tradition, the department is waiving the day-use parking fees at Oregon's state parks.
The tradition, aimed to encourage residents to explore the great outdoors rather than spend their time in consumerist pursuits, means that on Nov. 29, the usual $5 parking fee charged at some of the state's parks will be lifted. This gesture from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is set to benefit locals and visitors at 23 locations where the fee is typically in effect, although Fall Creek and Nehalem Bay, which normally charges for parking, will be closed during this period, according to an announcement.
Notably, the price for daily parking is on the rise, jumping from $5 to $10 starting January 2, 2025. Yet, through events like Green Friday, the department continues to provide accessible moments of reprieve. “We’re excited to continue this tradition and offer everyone the opportunity to get outside and explore,” Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, conveyed in the announcement. Despite the impending fee increase, 12-month and 24-month permits will maintain their current pricing at $30 and $50, respectively. Parkgoers can find more details about the rate changes on the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department website.
Staple destinations such as Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, and Silver Falls are a few of the parks where the parking fees will be waived. A full roster of the 25 parks offering free parking that day is published online for those planning their Green Friday excursions. And while the day unfolds with hikers and families meandering through Oregon's natural beauty, those eager to share their escapades on social media can do so using the hashtags #OregonStateParks and #GreenFriday.
Shore Acres State Park, however, will have the fee waiver ending earlier at 4 p.m., making way for its Holiday Lights event, a dazzling display lasting from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. It's worth noting that Green Friday isn’t the only time fees are waived in Oregon's state parks—First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day and Oregon State Parks Day on the first Saturday in June, including free camping, are also offered.
