Oregon State Parks gear, parking permits on sale for holidays

This holiday season, give your loved ones a year of unlimited access to Oregon’s state parks with an annual day-use parking permit. From Dec. 1-31, holiday shoppers can buy the annual parking permit for only $25–that’s $5 off the regular price of $30. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.

“Give the gift that will inspire your family and friends to explore the parks and historical sites that make Oregon special,” said Lisa Sumption, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department director.

Shoppers can round out their gift with holiday gear branded with the iconic Oregon State Parks shield, including hats, water bottles, dog bowls, ornaments and stickers. The holiday gear will be on sale during the month of December.

Gift gear and parking permits are for sale online at https://store.oregonstateparks.org/. Gift items can also be purchased in person at Oregon State Parks headquarters in Salem, 725 Summer St. NE Suite C.

Parking permits are also sold at major OPRD offices, some state park friends’ group stores and selected local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list of vendors, visit http://oregonstateparks.org/.

Alternately, if you would like to give back to the parks you love, consider becoming a member of — or giving the gift of a membership to — the nonprofit Oregon State Parks Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to raising funds to enhance the state park experience. Those who give a tax-deductible donation of $45 or more will receive a 12-month day-use parking pass as a thank you. Learn more at www.oregonstateparksfoundation.org.

Parking costs $5 a day at 26 Oregon State Parks unless you have a 12- or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The 24-month pass is $50.

Visitors are the single largest source of funding for Oregon’s state parks. Revenue from RV registrations and the Oregon Lottery, dedicated by voters in 1998 and 2010, make up the rest.