Oregon’s libraries offering free state park parking permits

By Griffin Beach on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

SALEM – They say libraries are a window to the world, and now Oregon’s libraries are giving residents another way to explore.

The Oregon’s Parks and Recreation Department has made 200 parking permits available at libraries across the state. The permits can be checked out with a library card and used at any state park.

“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” Parks and Recreation Deputy Director JR Collier said. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”

The permits can be checked out at the following area libraries:

Baker County

Baker County Library District – Baker City

Harney County

Harney County Library – Burns

Malheur County

Emma Humphrey Library – Vale

Nyssa Public Library

Ontario Library District – Ontario

Morrow County

Ione Library District – Ione

Umatilla County

Adams Public Library

Athena Public Library

Echo Public Library

Pilot Rock Public Library

Stanfield Public Library

Weston Public Library

Union County

F. Maxine and Thomas W. Cook Memorial Library – La Grande

Union Carnegie Public Library – Union

Wallowa County

Wallowa Public Library

Oregon Parks and Recreation started the initiative as a pilot program with 28 libraries in 2024, and the parking passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. OPRD and that state’s libraries are continuing to explore options for an expanded long-term program with more libraries for 2027.

Wallowa Lake State Park