America’s 250th birthday, the Semi-quincentennial, will be celebrated on July 4th, 2026, marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 

As we mark 250 years of American history. For those planning trips this summer, several state parks and national trails (in Oregon and beyond) stand out for their connections to exploration, westward expansion, Native peoples’ history, military history, and early settlement. 

Let’s travel to two National Historic Trails that call for summer exploration.  

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Best Oregon Tours offers some of the best tour experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Small group tours (max size is 12) are perfect for solo travelers and people who want to explore the wonders of our beautiful state while leaving the driving to us. Visitors can explore the rugged coastline, travel through the scenic Columbia River Gorge, or discover the volcanic landscapes of central Oregon. Through our partnership, Best Oregon Tours brings travelers into the places Oregon Parks Forever works to protect, and every booking made through this page sends a portion of the proceeds back to support our mission. So the experience of exploring Oregon's coast and parks just keeps getting better now and for the travelers who come after you. Learn more and book a trip.

We welcome Anna LaPointe as our new Development Director, thanks to a generous “capacity building “grant from M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. Anna will lead the organization’s fundraising efforts to ensure financial sustainability and growth. She will focus on developing and implementing strategies to expand individual major gifts, corporate, and planned-giving efforts.

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For US residents, the next National Parks Fee Free Days are July 3–5, Independence Day weekend. To celebrate America's birthday, the National Park Service has events planned across the country find events on their site: National Park Service page.

Always Free: Keep in mind that about 300 of the 400+ National Park Service sites are already free to enter every day of the year. 

National Park Week 2026 Celebrates America’s Story 
In 2026, National Park Week will be celebrated from August 22 to 30, with National Park Service's 110th Birthday celebrated on August 25. On this birthday, entrance fees will be waived for all U.S. citizens and residents at parks that normally charge.

Hey 4th Graders – You and your family get free access to hundreds of National parks, lands, and waters for an entire year. Check it out, fill out the form, and bring along the family, and take a trip this summer.

P.S. Oregon State Parks reminds visitors to leave the fireworks at home this 4th of July weekend. With the warm days this spring and lack of rain, the danger of wild fire is high. Enjoy the Fourth and keep our forests safe.

We really count on your memberships and donations to fund our current programs that enhance your experience in Oregon’s parks and forests so that everyone will have access to enjoy nature, see places replanted and restored, and where kids can learn and have fun. Join Now 

Summer Special Fan

Camper Membership

Explorer Membership

Director Membership