Oregon State Parks will welcome the new year with guided First Day Hikes at 25 parks statewide, offering free outdoor adventures for all experience levels.

From snowmobiling and skiing to winter festivals, caving, and ice skating, Klamath County offers a wide range of cold-weather adventures for visitors looking to embrace winter in Southern Oregon.

Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week from Dec. 27 through Dec. 31, offering visitors a chance to observe gray whales migrating south along the Oregon Coast with help from trained volunteers.

The National Park Service is rolling out major changes for 2026, including digital America the Beautiful passes, updated annual pass artwork, expanded motorcycle benefits, and a revised pricing structure for U.S. residents and international visitors.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued several updates ahead of the holiday weekend, including two statewide free fishing days, expanded public access on the restored Klamath River, and a coastwide delay to the commercial Dungeness crab season. Recreational crabbing and clamming remain open in many areas, while winter weather may affect river site access.

Oregon State Parks has completed several major improvement projects funded by 2021 GO Bonds, including upgrades at Beverly Beach, Nehalem Bay, and Fort Stevens. However, rising costs and a projected budget shortfall have forced the agency to delay multiple projects and redirect remaining funds to essential maintenance.

Outdoor recreation on America’s public lands generates $351 million per day in economic activity, according to a new report from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. Experts say it’s a sustainable economic powerhouse that outpaces drilling and mining.

Oregon State Parks has announced fee increases, policy changes, and new sustainability efforts for 2026, including higher parking costs and updated reservation rules. The changes aim to address a $14 million shortfall and ensure the long-term future of Oregon’s 250+ parks.