TROUTDALE, Ore. — Visiting Glenn Otto Park this summer? If you're not a Troutdale local, prepare to pay for parking.
Beginning July 10, the City of Troutdale is launching a new paid parking system for non-residents at Glenn Otto Park. The new fees are aimed at easing congestion, supporting public safety, and funding park maintenance.
Here’s what visitors need to know:
- Parking will cost $2 per hour, capped at $10 per day.
- Troutdale residents are exempt—but only if they fill out a fee exemption form and submit it to the city.
- The form can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at City Hall or the Public Works building.
The city postponed the original July 1 start date to avoid confusion during the 4th of July rush and to give residents more time to register their plates.
City Manager Ray Young said the new policy reflects the park’s overwhelming popularity, especially during hot summer weekends. “The lot gets packed and overflows into the neighborhood,” he explained.
According to Young, three main issues prompted the change:
- Reduce overflow: The city hopes visitors will consider parking downtown or using alternative transportation (like bikes or scooters).
- Curb misuse: Some drivers leave their cars at Glenn Otto and venture into the Columbia River Gorge for the day, using the lot as free long-term parking.
- Cost-sharing fairness: The vast majority of parkgoers are from out of town and contribute nothing to upkeep. The city believes it’s only fair they pitch in.
The revenue, Troutdale says, will go exclusively to the city’s Parks Division to maintain the park and ensure safety. “All of our other wonderful parks, and our downtown business district, remain free parking,” Young said.
Other key info:
- Vehicles with ADA placards must still pay. The park has 5 ADA-designated spaces.
- Payment can be made via the Passport Parking App (iOS, Android) or at passportparking.com.
- A kiosk accepting credit and debit cards will be installed soon.
- For the first 30 days, enforcement will be soft: just warnings and reminders. After that, expect tickets.
The city is also exploring a shuttle service from downtown to the park, which could be up and running by summer 2026.
Currently, Glenn Otto is the only park in Troutdale with paid parking, but other nearby parks—like Blue Lake and the Sandy River Delta—already charge fees.
Address: 1102 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy
Summer Hours: 8am - 9pm (April - Sept.)
Winter Hours: 8am - 6pm (Oct. - March)
Dogs: Not allowed
