At its best, life in the city can be energizing. The rhythms and tempo of the traffic, the waterfront buzz, and everyday life itself – especially as the world warms up with the weather – can revitalize even the sleepiest soul. And while the immersive nature of Portland usually ends up in the “plus” column for those of us who live here, it’s undeniable that sometimes we love it even more when we can occasionally break away. Sometimes we crave the places where Oregon’s natural beauty takes center stage and where we can surround ourselves with just family and friends—or no one at all—for at least a few hours or days. That’s where Oregon State Parks come in—the perfect “reset button” for busy lives.

State Park Jewels

Maybe when you think of Oregon State Parks, you think of nearby Tryon Creek with its miles of trails and the many enlightening exhibits at its Nature Center. Just a little further from Portland, you can enjoy the Clackamas River and all the recreational activities it affords at Milo McIver State Park. Those with an appreciation for Oregon heritage (or maybe disc golf!) have undoubtedly visited Champoeg State Park, conveniently located along the Willamette River about midway between Portland and Salem. And, of course, Silver Falls State Park is only an hour-and-a-half away. It’s a wonderland for waterfall chasers and a “wanderland” for hikers seeking sweeping vistas, steep verticals, or both. No wonder it’s considered the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system!

But there’s so much more to Oregon’s unmatched state parks. Under its management umbrella, you’ll find more than 250 parks, scenic viewpoints, beaches, recreational areas, and heritage sites—all scattered across the whole of Oregon. This vast set of properties are all operated to advance the Oregon Parks’ mission: “To provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations.” It’s a remarkable mission, and it has an equally remarkable but lesser-known facet—it operates without tax dollars.

Your Lottery Play Plays a Role

 How is that possible, you ask? The short answer is because of the foresight of the Oregon voters. In the 1990s, when our parks system was threatened due to a lack of funding, Oregonians used their votes to direct a portion of Oregon Lottery proceeds to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The new funding helped bolster a then-faltering system. Today, in addition to user and license fees, Oregon Lottery dollars provide the funds needed to maintain our parks and keep them open year-round.

The Oregon Lottery is proud to be a part of the solution for Oregon State Parks. Who wouldn’t be proud to participate in the State Parks legacy that has worked to preserve Oregon’s best places for more than a century? As summer heats up, the Lottery’s decided it’s the perfect time of year to celebrate that association.

Watch for a new set of “Visit Oregon State Parks” Scratch-its at your favorite lottery retailers to get in on the fun. And when you’re ready for a break from city life this summer, they may inspire you to make a plan and build some new great-getaway memories. Hit reset and enjoy that State Parks state of mind.

Learn more.