A new TRACK Trail outdoor activity kiosk, designed to give children an interactive way to explore the Fruitdale Trail was installed by Oregon Parks Forever in Grants Pass on September 9.

TRACK Trails are part of a nationwide initiative that incorporates nature treasure- hunts and guided activities for outdoor recreation. Pamphlets are available at participating kiosks that provide children with activities they can complete while traveling along the trail, encouraging them to observe features of the natural environment as part of the walk.

Rather than creating a separate recreation area, the program uses existing trails as the setting for the activities. Children can follow the materials while walking with family members, combining the physical activity of a trail outing with specific things to find and observe along the route.

We are pleased to announce the opening of a fantastic new Hiker-Biker campsite at Harbor Vista Park, outside Florence, OR. Just finished at the beginning of August, it has all the amenities: bike lockers, 7 camp sites, a bike fix-it station, a bike rack at each camp site, benches, smaller picnic tables, and a fire pit.

This park offers year-round camping with 45 RV sites (full hookup and water/electric), three cozy cabins, and a small day-use area featuring swings, an open field, a webcam overlooking the mouth of the Siuslaw River, and a scenic viewing platform with sweeping views of the river and Pacific Ocean.

More about our hiker-biker installations

September is back to school for some, and back to your favorite places minus the summer crowds in the mountains or on the Coast for others. So it's time to refresh your gear at Columbia Sportswear while supporting our work in Oregon's parks and forests by becoming a sustaining member and donating monthly, quarterly or annually. This is a limited-time offer this month only.

Becoming a Sustaining Member is the best way to enhance and preserve special places and experiences in Oregon’s parks now and for future generations.

By signing up for recurring donations, we will send you an invitation to shop at the Columbia Employee Store as a thank you gift. The gift invitation gives you and 4 guests entry. Originally created as an exclusive benefit for Columbia employees, the Employee Store now offers an invite-only shopping experience extended to select members of the community. Visitors can shop premium gear from a family of brands like Prana, Mountain Hardware, and the house brand, while enjoying exclusive Employee Store pricing — 40% off.

Consider a small gift of $10 a month -  joining us at the Park Explorer level think about all your savings while shopping for winter needs, and subscribe today.

We salute our friends and volunteers who are inspired to give some time to keep our lands and waters pristine. Join in some worthwhile volunteer events in September.

National Public Lands Day - September 26
Since 1994, this annual event on the fourth Saturday of September has been the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. Through our program, We Care For Parks, Oregon Parks Forever has partnered with SOLVE Oregon to help restore and preserve Oregon's parks and forests for all to enjoy for years to come. This year, SOLVE Oregon will be at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Join the Yaquina Head crew on September 26th for fee-free National Public Lands Day festivities! Celebrate the stewardship of public lands and the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) 80th birthday. There will be a wide range of volunteer projects including a beach clean-up, invasive plant removal, and garden maintenance. Additionally, a few of our amazing local partners and the BLM's very own Seymour the Antelope will be present. More info and register here.

International Coastal Cleanup Day - Sept 19 
Join SOLVE Oregon, River Sea Ranger Ken Sund, and Oregon Shores for a paddle on the Salmon River and guided walk of the Salmon River South Spit (Mile 247) as part of Oregon Shores’ CoastWatch Adopt-a-Mile Program. On September 19th from 9 am - 1 pm take a leisurely paddle 1 km on the Salmon River Estuary to the beach. Meet at the Knight Park Boat Launch, and help each other get our kayaks or other watercraft to the launch location. More info

Join SOLVE and Fort George Brewery on Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. for a community cleanup at beautiful Peter Iredale Beach in Fort Stevens State Park. This event is part of SOLVE’s annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, taking place September 18–27. Throughout this region-wide effort, volunteers will come together at sites along the Oregon Coast and major waterways across Oregon and Southwest Washington to remove litter and hazardous debris before it can harm wildlife, pollute our waterways, or reach the Pacific Ocean. More info here.

You don't need an special occasion to work with Trail Keepers of Oregon. Their September calendar is full of volunteer restoration and clean-up events. From day trips to overnight camps. There is so much to do on our well-loved trails.

Celebrate the natural beauty of Oregon with our limited edition 2027 Oregon Parks Forever Calendar, "Oregon from Above" featuring stunning drone photography by acclaimed photographer Stephen Proctor. Size is 9" x 11.75"  

Fall is a great time to revisit your charitable giving strategy. Your IRA charitable gift can make a lasting difference. If you are age 70½ or older, and have a Minimum Required Distribution from your IRA, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to Oregon Parks Forever (OPF). There is no federal minimum gift amount, and QCD gifts may help reduce taxable income. Visit OPF’s website and the Ways to Give tab to review a variety of giving vehicles and find the one best for you.