The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has something refreshing to offer anyone hoping to get away from the chaos of Black Friday shopping. On November 29th, “Green Friday,” the idea of venturing outside into the peace and quiet of nature rather than standing in line for door-to-door sales becomes a reality. The government is canceling the day-use parking fees at Oregon’s state parks, a practice that has become a holiday weekend custom.
On Nov. 29, the customary $5 parking fee at several of the state’s parks will be waived in an effort to encourage locals to spend their time in nature rather than engaging in consumerist activities. Although Fall Creek and Nehalem Bay, which ordinarily charge for parking, will be closed during this time, an announcement states that the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s gesture will benefit both locals and visitors at 23 areas where the fee is regularly in effect.
Notably, effective January 2, 2025, the daily parking fee will increase from $5 to $10. However, the agency continues to offer easily available moments of respite through initiatives like Green Friday. In the announcement, Lisa Sumption, head of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, expressed her excitement about carrying on this tradition and giving everyone the chance to get outside and explore. The 12-month and 24-month permits will continue to cost $30 and $50, respectively, in spite of the upcoming rate hike. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department website has additional information on the rate adjustments for park visitors.
The parks that will have free parking include popular spots like Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, and Silver Falls. For those organizing their Green Friday activities, a complete list of the 25 parks that provide free parking on that day is posted online. As families and hikers explore Oregon’s natural splendor throughout the day, individuals who are keen to post about their adventures on social media can do so by utilizing the hashtags #OregonStateParks and #GreenFriday.
However, the charge waiver at Shore Acres State Park will finish earlier at 4 p.m. to accommodate the park’s Holiday Lights festival, a spectacular display that runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. It is important to note that Oregon State Parks offer free camping on the first Saturday in June and First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day, in addition to Green Friday where costs are eliminated.
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