Access to the San Bernardino National Forest be free Saturday as part of U.S. Forest Service's National Get Outdoors Day.
Fees will be waived for all areas of the 676,666-acre forest, about a third of which is in Riverside County, according to the Forest Service.
[RELATED: Click Here to View a USFS Map of Recreation Fee Areas in Southern California]
"The country's forests and grasslands beckon people from coast to coast to come hike, bike, fish and camp this weekend," U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell said. "A tank of gas can give you memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime. It's worth the trip."
National Get Outdoors Day events are planned at federally protected sites throughout the country. The tradition began in 2008 as a way to encourage exploration and greater appreciation of wilderness areas -- as well as give folks a chance to really stretch their legs, according to the Forest Service.
"These special days are our way to encourage you to be a kid again, no matter your age or your level of outdoor experience," said Joe Meade, director of the agency's Recreation, Heritage & Volunteer Resources Department. "Public lands can help you de-stress from the office or build lifelong memories with your family."
Access to 98 percent of federally protected land is free most, if not all, of the time. However, a few activities require a Daily Adventure Pass.
Another fee-waiver day is planned for Sept. 28.
More information is available at http://www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org/.
—City News Service.
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