This spring we celebrated our 30th anniversary of programs that support Oregon's parks and forests. Now more than ever, we need your help. Join us this month as a sustaining member to help continue this vital work and recieve a bonus from Columbia Sportswear. More

As summer draws to a close, we start planning autumn activities; whether its camping at less-crowded parks or back-to-school, plan your adventures with a new fit from Columbia Sportswear while supporting Oregon Parks Forever.

To help you stylishly plan for the fall adventures, we are offering a Columbia Employees Store Pass (worth 40-60% off through September 30th) when you join or renew Oregon Parks Forever with a new —  or renewal —  Sustaining Friend: $60 Membership at $5.00 a month. Of course, we also appreciate higher levels: $10 a month adds up to a $120 yearly tax-deductible gift  — And think of the savings with the special gift certificate to the Columbia store. (What you save, could go to funding improved experiences for everyone in our forests and parks.)

Help fund improved experiences in Oregon's forests and parks, so that they receive the extra care they need. Won't you join us as a Park Friend with a sustaining gift? You make a smaller donation monthly, and it really adds up for us. If you sign up for sustaining memberships or renew now in August, you will receive the Columbia Employees Store Pass. 

You make our work possible.  Join Today 

Not only does your membership support Oregon Parks Forever's work in parks and forests, at the Columbia Employees store, you can pick up super-special gifts for your friends and family at a 40-60 % off discount — and bring them along — the pass allows 4 guests. Don't delay, the passes are limited so join today and help our important work continue.

As nights grow longer, what better time to visit Oregon’s dark sky parks to view celestial events. Oregon is a prime destination for stargazing enthusiasts, thanks to its diverse natural lands and relatively low light pollution in many areas.

Nestled in Lake County of Southern Oregon, the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary offers one of the most breathtaking night sky viewing experiences in the United States.

One of the best places to see stars is the Prineville Reservoir State Park. Designated as Oregon’s first official International Dark Sky Park, this area offers stunning views of the night sky, especially during the summer months when special tours are offered. The park is in Central Oregon, far from the light pollution of major cities, making it ideal for observing constellations, meteor showers, and even the Milky Way.

READ MORE...

August sees seven astronomical events including meteor showers and a Mercury sighting

How about a summer night beneath the stars, especially in August, when the shimmery Milky Way core is at its brightest. Read the article here.

Oregon has quite a few "Dark Sky" parks to view the celestial events. More...

The portion of southeastern Oregon known as the Oregon Outback, largely centered on eastern Lake County, was designated an International Sky Sanctuary in 2024. It's the biggest sky sanctuary in the U.S. By day, visitors can hike, cycle, and view ancient petroglyphs left behind by the area's Indigenous Northern Paiute people, before spending the night gazing up at the twinkling canopy.

Check out the Rose City Astronomers site for more events.

           Harris Beach (photo Wikipedia)

Want to avoid the crowds at National Parks? 

Check out this article from National Geographic on the best of the most underrated U.S. state parks including Harris Beach State Park. 

Harris Beach State Park’s sea stacks epitomize the Pacific Northwest coast. While the main road ramps down to easy coastline access, the Rockaway Beach Trailhead’s steep descent yields hidden tidepools in front of the notched Goat Island. Search for sea stars, anemones, and crabs. To the immediate north, the area offers more cliff walks and a natural stone arch bridge.

Coming Soon: Encore screenings of Out There, A National Park Story

This fall, we will be touring in eastern Oregon with the film Out There, A National Park Story with a Q & A with the director, dates and places will be announced soon. So become a member or sign up for our monthly enews so you don't miss out. (The spring film events sold out quickly.)

Sign up for enews here.