Oregon trails, fishing and state parks are free to visitors this weekend, thanks to three events celebrating outdoor recreation.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) hosts Free Fishing Weekend June 7 and 8. For those two days, fishing licenses aren't required to fish, clam or crab anywhere in Oregon. Sturgeon, steelhead and salmon tags are waived too (but all other current fishing and shellfish regulations still apply).

Although anglers are welcome to explore any of the state's hundreds of lakes, rivers and streams on their own, the ODFW and its partners are sponsoring free fishing events throughout the state, including one at Foster Lake from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Free fishing equipment will be available for first-time anglers to use and volunteers will be available to help.

For a complete list of events with times and locations, go to www.dfw.state.or.us/free_fishing/events.

State Parks Day is June 7, the only Saturday of the year when state park visitors can camp for free and not have to pay a fee at any day-use area.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Director Tim Wood says the day's celebrations offer fun times to reflect on what outdoor recreation means throughout the state.

"It is at the core of our quality of life," he said. "These events show how outdoor recreation connects us to the state's natural beauty, broadens our education and promotes healthy lifestyles."

Several state parks will combine State Park Day activities with Free Fishing Weekend, sponsored by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Anglers of all ages and abilities can try their luck without a license at Champoeg, Detroit Lake and other areas.

Many parks will have hot dog barbecues or offer State Park Day cake to commemorate the occasion.

A park-by-park list of State Park Day events is presented on the OPRD website: www.oregonstateparks.org.

Also on June 7, as part of National Trails Day, visitors are exempt from paying fees at the recreation sites listed on the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region webpage at www.fs.fed.us/r6/passespermits/sites-willamette-nf.shtml.