Free State Park Entrance on New Year’s Day

Start your year off on the right foot with free state park entrance.

Oregon State Parks and Washington State Parks invite you to get outdoors on New Year’s Day. Day-use parking fees will be waived at participating parks on January 1, 2022.

State parks have a range of activities to partake in, such as hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking and disc golfing. Below you’ll find details about free activities at Oregon and Washington state parks on New Year’s Day. 

Free State Park Entrance on New Year’s Day

Oregon

The parking fee for the 25 parks that normally require a parking permit will be waived for First Day Hikes on January 1, 2022. Some parks are hosting free guided hikes, including Silver Falls and Willamette Mission. Others may display posters that include recommended hikes and ranger favorites. Tryon Creek State Natural Area will have volunteers guiding visitors on various guided hikes throughout the park.

Here is a map of the 25 state parks waiving day-use fees on New Year’s Day. For more information, check Oregon State Parks’ map.

Washington

Washington State Parks will offer free entrance at more than 40 parks on New Year’s Day. Some Washington parks are hosting free guided hikes, including Battle Ground Lake and Beacon Rock. Registration is required for many of the guided tours. 

Here are some of the closest Washington State Parks to Portland: 

• Reed Island
• Beacon Rock
• Paradise Point
• Battle Ground Lake
• Doug’s Beach
• Columbia Hills
• Maryhill

Portland’s Urban Parks

Another option is heading to one of Portland’s best urban parks. Chances are you have one located 10 minutes from your home. A few years ago, I hiked around Tryon Creek Natural Area on the first day of the year. It was such a beautiful way to welcome in the new year.

My personal favorite is Powell Butte Nature Park. It has expansive trails, panoramic views, an interpretive center. Best of all, it is accessible to everyone with well maintained paths, some are even paved. 

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Guided First Day Hike at Tryon Creek State Natural Area

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