Fireworks over lakes, rivers and the coast will cap a busy July 3-5 Independence Day weekend across the Jefferson region, with parades, food, music, rodeos, train rides, car shows and family celebrations from Crescent City to Klamath Falls, Central Point, Lakeview, Alturas and Mt. Shasta.

Free fishing, waived paddling permits, free Oregon State Parks parking and free day-use access on national forests all line up this weekend, giving families across Southern Oregon and Northern California an easy excuse to get outside.

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.

Fire season will officially begin Friday, May 22, in Klamath and Lake counties. The Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake District and partner agencies are moving into coordinated fire season operations, with Moderate fire danger and IFPL I restrictions taking effect.

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.

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.