Oregon adds parking fees at 22 more state parks

SALEM Ore. (KPTV) - The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will begin charging day-use parking fees at 22 additional state parks starting March 30, ending fee waivers at those sites.

Day-use parking costs $10 for Oregon residents and $12 for out-of-state visitors and is valid for the entire day at any Oregon state park. Visitors who walk, bike or use public transit can enter for free. Drivers may use a valid camping hangtag or a 12-or-24-month parking permit.

The agency currently charges parking fees at 46 parks and waives them at more than 150 others. The added parks were selected because they have amenities that require ongoing maintenance, such as restrooms, trails and boat ramps.

“These updates are about protecting the experiences visitors love,” said interim director Stefanie Coons.

Oregon State Parks is funded by lottery proceeds, RV license plate fees and visitor fees, not general tax funds. Frequent visitors can buy a 12-month permit for $60. The 24-month permit is no longer sold, but existing permits remain valid until they expire.

Also starting March 30, the state will charge $10 to use 19 RV dump stations. Payment can be made by QR code or online.

Parks adding fees March 30:

• Agate Beach State Recreation Area
• Angel’s Rest Trailhead
• Banks-Vernonia State Trail
• Bob Straub State Park
• Brian Booth State Park
• Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
• Cape Blanco State Park
• Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
• Carl G Washburne Memorial State Park
• Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
• Elijah Bristow State Park
• Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area
• Gleneden Beach State Recreation Area
• Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site
• Lake Owyhee State Park
• Latourell Falls Trailhead at Guy Talbot State Park
• Molalla River State Park
• Oceanside Beach State Recreation Area
• Roads End State Recreation Site
• Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
• Wallowa Lake State Park
• William M Tugman State Park