Klamath Falls has been named a 2026 IMBA Trail Town, a national designation recognizing communities that prioritize trail development, outdoor recreation access, and long-term stewardship. The city was one of just 28 selected nationwide and one of only two in Oregon, highlighting the growing role of trails in supporting tourism, economic development, and community engagement.

Ride the Rim at Crater Lake National Park has been cancelled for 2026 due to major construction projects affecting roads, trails, and visitor areas. Officials say the work includes improvements to East Rim Drive, Cleetwood Cove Trail and Marina, and other park facilities. While the event will not take place this year, the park will remain open to visitors, and planning is already underway to bring Ride the Rim back in 2027.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is reporting an increase in gray wolf sightings near homes and a rise in livestock depredations this spring. Officials say at least 16 confirmed depredations have occurred since early February, including a recent incident in Butte Valley where two wolves were reported stalking dogs near a residence. Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue is calling for changes to California’s gray wolf management plan and urging residents to take precautions.

An injured snowboarder was rescued near Broken Top after a multi-agency response involving a Black Hawk helicopter and 22 SAR volunteers. Crews navigated steep, snow-covered terrain and changing weather conditions to reach the woman. She was stabilized and flown to a Bend hospital for treatment.

The Tillamook Forest Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary with events and a new exhibit highlighting forest history and restoration. The Oregon Department of Forestry says the center has served as a hands-on learning facility focused on forest ecology and stewardship. A public Birthday Bash is scheduled for April 4 to mark the milestone.

Historic trees across Medford, Ashland, Central Point, Jacksonville and other Southern Oregon communities are being highlighted as the Oregon Heritage Tree Program marks 30 years. Several locally significant trees tied to pioneers, industry, and historic events are included.

Mt. Ashland Ski Area has paused all ski operations indefinitely beginning January 15 due to low snowpack, warm weather, and no snowfall forecasted.

One year after dam removal on the Klamath River, advanced sonar, artificial intelligence, and tagging data show thousands of Chinook salmon returning to habitat closed for more than a century.

ODFW announced new fishing regulations affecting Oregon anglers and commercial fishermen, including wild Chinook harvest restrictions in the Umpqua Basin and the opening of the north coast Dungeness crab season.

Oregon State Parks will welcome the new year with guided First Day Hikes at 25 parks statewide, offering free outdoor adventures for all experience levels.

From snowmobiling and skiing to winter festivals, caving, and ice skating, Klamath County offers a wide range of cold-weather adventures for visitors looking to embrace winter in Southern Oregon.

Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife troopers have issued a criminal citation for the unlawful taking of Chinook salmon in the Klamath Basin, marking the first such case since the removal of dams on the Klamath River and the historic return of salmon to local waterways.

Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week from Dec. 27 through Dec. 31, offering visitors a chance to observe gray whales migrating south along the Oregon Coast with help from trained volunteers.

The Bureau of Land Management has approved expanded lithium exploration activities in southeast Oregon, authorizing a multi-year project on public lands near the Oregon-Nevada border.

Oregon will open its commercial Dungeness crab season Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon to the California border, with additional areas to open later once quality testing benchmarks are met.

A collaborative effort between ODF, ODFW, and the Oregon Hunters Association is helping the Walker Point meadow near Veneta flourish with native pollinators and wildlife in its second year of restoration.

Deschutes County will conduct winter pile burns on up to 24 acres near Seventh Mountain Resort and Points West, with weekday ignitions planned between December and February.

A prohibited Chinese mitten crab was found in the Willamette River near Portland, marking the second confirmed sighting of the invasive species in Oregon this year. ODFW is urging residents to report any suspected mitten crab sightings to help prevent potential environmental damage.

Oregon State Parks is seeking public input on proposed changes to reservations, fee ranges, and Special Access Pass rules as the agency works to address a projected $8 million operational shortfall. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 15, with comments accepted through Jan. 15, 2026.

The National Park Service is rolling out major changes for 2026, including digital America the Beautiful passes, updated annual pass artwork, expanded motorcycle benefits, and a revised pricing structure for U.S. residents and international visitors.