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Oregon Topics: Parks and Recreation

Oregon's state park system began in 1921 as an outgrowth of state highway development. It has since grown to be one of the most popular in the nation.

Over the decades state leaders purchased and set aside some of Oregon's most beautiful places for protection and recreation as state parks. Many new parks have been added in recent years. This guide lists key resources related to these parks as well as other recreational highlights such as national parks and monuments and scenic highways.

Oregon Resources︿

From Oregon Blue Book

Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department information

Oregon Tourism Commission information

From State Agencies

Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department

State Fair and Expo Center

Oregon Heritage Programs

Helps protect significant historic and prehistoric sites- includes services, National Register, and related laws.

State Lands Department

Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department (includes fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing information)

Oregon Fairs Association (includes county fair dates)

Oregon Recreation and Park Association

Federal and Other Resources ︿

National Parks Service

National Forest Foundation (find a forest)

Oregon resources from National Parks Service

U.S. Forest Service

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Recreation.gov (a cooperative effort of many federal agencies)

Oregon national wildlife refuge links (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Oregon/Washington offices (U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

Army Corps of Engineers Portland District (includes recreation information)

Thompson's Mills State Heritage site — Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site, managed by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department. (Oregon State Archives Photo)