State parks throughout Oregon are free Saturday, June 7, a big welcome to the public in celebration of State Parks Day. Camping is free the night of June 7 in tent and RV sites including full hookup (sewer, electricity and water) and electrical hookup (electricity and water). Parking is also free Saturday at the 26 day-use parks that charge a parking fee. Campsite reservations may be made by calling Reservations Northwest (1-800-452-5687) before 5 p.m., June 5. Or, reserve online at www.oregonstateparks.org. Approximately half of Oregon’s 53 state park campgrounds take reservations. “State Parks Day is our chance to say ‘thank you’ to our visitors,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Director Lisa Van Laanen. “Free camping and day use on the first Saturday in June has become a big tradition for visitors–and for our staff.” Typical park events include guided hikes, special barbecues and guest appearances by J.R. Beaver, Oregon’s State Park mascot. Silver Falls State Park near Salem will host the Silver Falls Challenge Foot Race followed by a free barbeque in the South Falls Lodge Courtyard. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park south of Florence will celebrate the grand opening of a new fishing dock and offer an introduction to canoes and kayaks. Volunteers and special guests will lead hikes, presentations and group bike and horseback rides at L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park west of Portland. For a complete list of events, go to http://bit.ly/OPRDcalendar. June 7 is also National Trails Day and June 7-8 is Free Fishing Weekend sponsored by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). ODFW is hosting free fishing events statewide, including several in state parks. To see the complete list, visit http://bit.ly/1pMfmDL. The Oregon State Legislature established Oregon State Parks Day in 1997 to focus public attention on Oregon’s state park system. The event is always the first Saturday in June.
