Oregon's outdoor recreation industry is worth $8.4 billion
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Outdoor recreation's impact on Oregon's economy was $8.4 billion in 2023, a roughly 8% increase from the prior year.
The big picture: The industry's growth continues post-pandemic and now accounts for 2.6% of the state's economy — up slightly from 2.5% in 2022, according to a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report released last month.
Follow the money: Oregon's outdoor recreation industry and related tourism contributed nearly 73,00 full- and part-time jobs, or roughly 4% of total employment in 2023.
- Boating, fishing and RVing made up the lion's share of the impact from activities, accounting for $1.2 billion in economic value, followed by sporting events and festivals, with $304 million and $229 million, respectively.
- Snow activities, like skiing and snowmobiling, brought in $177 million in value for the state last year.
- Sporting goods, gear and retail were the largest drivers for Oregon's outdoor economy — with companies like Nike, Columbia Sportswear and Adidas North America all headquartered here — bringing in $2.3 billion alone for the state, per the report.
Zoom in: Oregon is home to 255 state parks, one official national park (Crater Lake) and several other national monuments.
- Yes, but: Over 1.1 million acres in eastern Malheur County — the Owyhee Canyonlands — remain in political limbo as two lawmakers attempt to secure federal protections, which could be an additional boon for the state's outdoor tourism economy.
Threat level: Climate change and natural disasters threaten the future of Oregon's outdoor economy, according to the state's own economic analysis.
- Wildfires especially "are not only dangerous to the immediate population, but wildfire smoke can make recreation unhealthy to engage in throughout the state."