Camp, fish for free on June 6

Parking will also be free June 6-7 at the 26 parks that charge a day-use fee.

Campsite reservations can be made by calling 800-452-5687 before 5 p.m. June 5. Or, reserve online at www.oregonstateparks.org. Of the 52 state park campgrounds, 40 take reservations.

“State Parks Day is our chance to say ‘thank you’ to our visitors,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department spokesman Richard Walkoski. “Free camping and day use on the first Saturday in June has become a big tradition for visitors— and for our staff.”

Visitors will also be able to fish, crab and clam without a license June 6-7 for Oregon’s Free Fishing Weekend, hosted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). ODFW will provide the gear, bait and instructions at some state parks, including Champoeg, Detroit Lake, Jessie Honeyman and parks in the Columbia River Gorge. All events are listed at dfw.state.or.us/education/angling/free_fishing

Campers and visitors are encouraged to

submit Instagram photos of their park adventures throughout the weekend and this summer with #InventAdventure.

The Oregon State Legislature established Oregon State Parks Day in 1997 to focus public attention on the state’s park system.

The event is always the first Saturday in June.

Parks throughout the state will host activities this weekend, including guided hikes, open houses, tours, special barbecues and guest appearances by J.R. Beaver, the official mascot for Oregon’s state parks.

Silver Falls State Park east of Salem will host a free barbecue, guided waterfall tour and its annual Foot Race Challenge, with a 5K, 6-mile and kids race. Stub Stewart State Park west of Portland will offer a free lunch at the Hilltop Day-Use Area, along with a guided hike, bike ride and orienting workshop.

For a complete list of events, go to oregonstateparks.org and click on “Things to Do.”