The National Park Service 2022 Visitation Report Visitation Numbers (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) released last week shows visitation to America’s national parks continues to rebound from pre-pandemic levels.It also demonstrates subtle shifts in visitation patterns after two years of efforts to bolster visitation at lesser-known parks and at times of the year when parks historically saw fewer visitors.At Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, and Redwoods National and State Parks, visitation climbed higher than it has in years.In addition to the benefits visitors to parks enjoy, gateway communities also have experienced an increase in economic contributions from higher visitation. The most recent Visitor Spending Effects survey shows that gateway communities gained $88 million in economic output in areas surrounding the three parks.#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');“People from around the world come to visit the national parks of Northern California and Southern Oregon,” states Redwood National and State Park Superintendent Steve Mietz. “The parks in this region are renowned for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities, but the parks additionally provide needed restorative opportunities as we recover as a nation from the trauma caused by the pandemic.”The National Park Service also has new and helpful ways to connect with the parks. “Whether people have a bucket list park trip for 2023 or are returning to a familiar favorite, the National Park Service app and insider tips from park rangers through the Plan like a Park Ranger feature are keys to safe, sensational, and successful national park experiences,” suggests Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve Superintendent Jeremy Curtis. “To explore parks in our region, I suggest the Circle of Discovery Tour as a great way to connect with area parks!” Using these tools can help visitors have a great experience in the parks and connect with the natural beauty and history of this area.Everyone who visits a park develops their own special connection to the site. In 2023, the National Park Service is inviting everyone to share your own park story. You can take part using #MyParkStory and follow the conversation on National Park Service social media channels.Josh Hoines, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Superintendent elaborates, “I’m excited to hear more experiences from people as they share #MyParkStory. Our national parks, from the large natural parks to the smaller historic ones, remind us of what America was and can be. The stories we all share from our visits help preserve that legacy. The stories shared will be an inspiration to all of those who are looking to make the parks a part of their lives in 2023.” googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });