The Oregon State Parks system was created on June 4, 1922, and as they’ve done every year since 1998, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is offering a birthday present to you – they are waiving entry fees at the 26 locations which normally charge admission, and camping fees at the 22 locations where fees are charged for tent, RV, and horse camping on Saturday, June 4.
There will also be several birthday events happening across Oregon.
In Monmouth, a birthday party will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sarah Helmick State Recreation Site, located at 11545 Helmick Rd.
Port Orford will celebrate both the Parks’ centennial and the Cape Blanco Lighthouse’s sesquicentennial with a Coast Guard flyover scheduled for 2:00p.m. Go to the lighthouse, located at 91100 Cape Blanco Rd, Port Orford for the fun.
St. Paul is hosting a “living history event” from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Champoeg State Heritage Area, located along the Willamette River.
Down in Medford at Valley of the Rogue State Park there will be professional wood cutters making art out of trees. Come see them work their magic from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Valley of the Rogue rest area, right along the Rogue River.
In short, the state is telling folks to “Come on in!” at all 259 venues, as well as at the Oregon Coast, which is also all state-owned and a public treasure.
Lisa Sumption, Director of the Department, said in announcing State Parks Day 2022, “State parks are here because Oregonians know our state parks are special. You’ve invested in them, helped care for them and kept them open to all. Thank you. This year’s State Parks Day is even more meaningful in light of our centennial. We hope you will come out and wish Happy 100th Birthday to Oregon State Parks.”
By John M. Burt
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