PORTLAND, Ore. — The sun is shining at Portland's Waterfront Park.
It's busy enough already on a Friday, even with people social distancing. Health officials remind you to keep that distance, if you come this weekend. And don't expect to be able to shop at Saturday Market, which is usually set up for business. It's closed for now.
There's no camping at state parks in Oregon or Washington. But some are open for limited day-use activities, like Battle Ground Lake State Park, where the fish are biting.
Or Tryon Creek State Natural Area in Portland, which has a great trail hiking. Oregon reopened it earlier this week, one of several parks in the state.
"There are a few state parks offering limited access and that number changes daily so check our website before making your trip close to home," said Oregon State Parks spokesperson Chris Havel.
But if you check and it's open, you're welcome if there's room.
"If you see a parking lot that's crowded or if you see trails that are crowded go home," said Havel. "That's the beauty of staying close to home, there's no big deal in turning around and trying again in a couple of hours, or try again the next day."
Staying close to home is still the strong recommendation.
If you're considering taking a road trip, you won't find state parks open in the gorge in either Oregon or Washington.
"We're not able to open anything on the coast quite yet and especially the north coast and the Columbia gorge, those are going to take some time to figure out," said Havel.
A road trip for tulips is too late. The fields never opened to the public. And they're done now.
Some regional parks are open, including Vancouver Lake, where there was enough space to relax on a breezy Friday.
It was busier at Broughton Beach in Portland. The parking lot was packed. And there was not much room on the beach itself, to have a socially distant time along the Columbia River.
Wherever you go, remember: a lot of public restrooms, water fountains or visitors centers won't be working, so stay self-sufficient.
"You need to bring as much of what you need with you as possible: water, cleaning supplies, a face covering is a really terrific idea and give people distance when you're in a park", advised Havel.
That social distancing advice holds true in your own neighborhood, which continues to be a great place to get out and enjoy this weekend!