Klamath Hatchery has reopened to the public after a long rebuild following the 2020 Two Four Two Fire in Klamath County. The new Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife facility includes fish-viewing areas, restrooms, picnic spots and a modern hatchery building designed to be safer and more resilient.

A fireworks show is tentatively planned for Lake of the Woods on July 4, 2026, after the Lake of the Woods Homeowners Association signed a contract with a vendor for the event. Organizers say the show remains dependent on fire conditions, weather and Forest Service guidance.

Nearly five years after the Lava Fire burned across the northern slopes of Mount Shasta, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest says crews have planted more than 1.47 million seedlings across 2,769 acres as part of a long-term reforestation effort.

Oregon’s expanded Waterway Access Permit requirement is now in effect for all nonmotorized boats, including kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, canoes and inflatable versions regardless of length. State officials say the fees help fund waterway access and aquatic invasive species prevention, while opponents argue the law places an unfair burden on low-risk paddlers.

A spring wildflower bloom is spreading across the former Iron Gate and Copco reservoir footprints, where the Yurok Tribe says crews have planted millions of native seeds since the removal of four Klamath River dams in 2024. The returning plants are helping stabilize soil, support wildlife and rebuild habitat along the river.

Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational use advisory for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge after cyanotoxins were detected above recreational use values. Visitors are urged to avoid swimming, high-speed boating and water spray in areas where blooms are present.

An imperiled newt found only in and around Crater Lake may soon receive protection under the federal Endangered Species Act after a settlement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Center for Biological Diversity.

A new used outdoor goods and consignment store is now open in Klamath Falls, offering a place for residents to sell, donate and shop for gently used outdoor gear. The store was created to make outdoor recreation more affordable while keeping usable equipment, clothing and bikes in circulation.

Oregon State Parks visitors now have a digital option for 12-month parking permits ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The new permits allow visitors to register up to two license plates, making the plate itself the proof of permit at state park day-use parking lots where fees are required.

Klamath Trails Alliance volunteers, working with the U.S. Forest Service Fremont-Winema National Forest, have reopened a 600-foot connector trail near Lake of the Woods. The High-Rye Connector links the High Lakes Trail with the Rye Spur Trail and Billie Creek Nature Loop near Highway 140.

Klamath County is now under a state drought emergency after Governor Tina Kotek declared emergency status for Klamath, Coos, and Wheeler counties. State officials say 70% of Klamath County is in moderate to severe drought, while the Klamath Basin’s snow water equivalent was reported at just 4% of normal in late April.

Fire restrictions will begin May 14 on all BLM-administered lands in Oregon and Washington. The restrictions prohibit fireworks, exploding targets, certain ammunition, tracer and incendiary devices, and sky lanterns as officials warn of increasing heat and dryness across the Pacific Northwest.

The Bureau of Land Management will open Gerber and Topsy campgrounds for the 2026 recreation season on Wednesday, May 13. The two Klamath-area public lands destinations offer camping, fishing, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and day-use access ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

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.

Several park and recreation projects are moving forward across Medford, including completed upgrades at Harry & David Field, continued construction at Howard Memorial Sports Park, and a major renovation planned for Jackson Park. The projects include field improvements, new pickleball and volleyball facilities, a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica, and a future splash pad.

Youth ages 6 through 15 can take part in hands-on ATV, motorcycle and side-by-side safety evaluation classes May 30 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeview. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office says pre-registration is required, a parent or guardian must be present, and riders must bring their own properly fitted vehicle and required safety gear.

Klamath Falls has been named a 2025 Tree City USA for the 23rd consecutive year, recognizing its long-standing commitment to urban forestry and community sustainability.

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.