Visits to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail and L.L. "Stub" Stewart State Park both declined in 2025, mirroring a statewide trend that saw Oregon's park system dip slightly from record-breaking numbers the year before.
The Banks-Vernonia State Trail recorded an estimated 109,050 day-use visits in 2025, down about 14% from 127,313 in 2024. The 21-mile rail trail, which connects the cities of Banks and Vernonia through the foothills of the northern Coast Range, has seen a gradual decline from a peak of 136,205 visits in 2021.
Stub Stewart State Park saw day-use visits fall to 153,248, down from 250,612 in 2024 — a drop of nearly 39%. Overnight stays at the park remained relatively steady, with 70,947 camper nights in 2025 compared to 72,782 the year before.
Day-use fees at the park and others across the state doubled in 2025, requiring visitors to shell out $10 to park at the park.
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banks-Vernonia Trail (day use) | 136,205 | 118,571 | 122,241 | 127,313 | 109,050 |
| Stub Stewart (day use) | 423,484 | 144,716 | 204,592 | 250,612 | 153,248 |
| Stub Stewart (overnight) | 73,986 | 74,989 | 73,352 | 72,782 | 70,947 |
Oregon state parks welcomed 51.46 million day-use visits in 2025, down from a record 53.85 million in 2024. Willamette Valley parks — which include Banks-Vernonia and Stub Stewart — dropped from 11.44M to 10.71M. Central and Eastern Oregon parks bucked the trend, rising to 10.09M.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department does not receive general fund tax dollars and relies on user fees, a portion of Oregon State Lottery revenue, and a share of recreational vehicle registration fees. The agency is navigating a projected budget shortfall.
"Even with small year to year changes in visitation, the love people have for Oregon State Parks is clear," said Interim Director Stefanie Coons. "We want to do everything we can to continue to provide high quality experiences and create treasured memories for our visitors."
