Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road are open for the season after Deschutes County crews completed snow-clearing work earlier than many years. County officials said the work moved faster because of this year’s warm winter and limited snowfall in the Central Oregon Cascades.

A new California welcome monument has been added along U.S. 101 at the California-Oregon border in Del Norte County. The project, made possible through Caltrans and Clean California, follows a similar border monument along Highway 199 and is intended to create a stronger first impression for travelers entering the state.

HWD has introduced a new regional Weather Camera Hub that brings together more than 140 live cameras across Southern Oregon and Northern California into one convenient page. The collection includes feeds from transportation agencies, media outlets, and other providers, allowing readers to quickly check real-time road and weather conditions across major highways, mountain passes, and coastal routes.

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.

A new welcome monument has been installed along U.S. 199 at the California-Oregon border in Del Norte County, offering travelers a refreshed gateway into California. The project, funded through Caltrans and the Clean California initiative, is part of broader statewide beautification efforts, with another monument planned along U.S. 101.

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.