Southern Oregon & Northern California News
Latest local news from Southern Oregon and Northern California, covering Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Jackson County, Josephine County, Klamath County, Siskiyou County, Del Norte County, and communities throughout the region.
Lost Soda Project Could Bring Forest Treatments to 1,600 Acres Near Eagle Point
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the proposed Lost Soda Forest Management Project, which could bring thinning, limited timber harvest, prescribed fire, riparian treatments, and new access routes to about 1,600 acres roughly 10 miles east of Eagle Point. The project is intended to improve forest resilience and northern spotted owl habitat while maintaining healthy stream conditions.
Extreme Fire Conditions Close Gilchrist, Sun Pass State Forests
Extreme fire conditions have prompted ODF to immediately close the Gilchrist and Sun Pass State Forests to the public. The closures affect more than 93,000 acres in Klamath County, with no reopening date announced.
Oregon Libraries Offer Free State Parks Parking Permits
Oregon State Parks and the State Library of Oregon are offering free day-use parking permits through public libraries, helping families and residents on tight budgets access parks without paying day-use parking fees.
One Spark Can Start a Wildfire
BLM officials are urging visitors to check fire restrictions before heading onto public lands this summer, warning that local rules can vary by district and conditions. The reminder comes with a simple message for fire season: one spark can threaten firefighters, homes, and entire communities.
Yoss Creek Fire Fully Lined North of Chiloquin
Firefighters worked through the night on the Yoss Creek Fire north of Chiloquin, keeping the human-caused fire at approximately 8 acres. SCOFMP says the fire is fully lined, with no structures threatened and no road closures reported.
Free Outdoor Access Lines Up Across Oregon This Weekend
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.
Klamath Hatchery Reopens
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.
New Forest Takes Root on Mount Shasta
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.
Forest Service Says It Is Ready for 2026 Wildfire Season
The U.S. Forest Service says it has more than 28,000 responders ready for the 2026 wildfire season, along with hotshot crews, engines, aircraft, contractors and a national logistics system designed to move resources quickly when fires start.
Oregon State Parks Adds Digital Parking Permits
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.
KTA Reopens Lake of the Woods Trail Connector
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.
Smoke in Rogue Valley Linked to Prescribed Burn Near Jacksonville
Smoke visible in parts of the Rogue and Applegate valleys today is coming from a prescribed fire operation on BLM-administered land near Jacksonville. Fire officials say burn operations were expected between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with patrol and mop-up continuing after hours and through the weekend.
BLM Fire Restrictions Begin May 14
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.
Gerber And Topsy Campgrounds Open May 13
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.
Forest Crews Monitor Lightning Fires
Firefighters on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest are monitoring for possible holdover fires after more than 2,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the forest area in 24 hours. The agency said crews responded to reported strikes and visible smoke while continuing prescribed fire work designed to reduce ground fuels under favorable spring conditions.
BLM Timber Sales Bring in $8.3 Million in Oregon
BLM timber sales across Oregon in February generated more than $8.3 million, with bids exceeding appraised values by over $3 million.
3,000 Pounds of Trash Removed From Stukel Mountain
Bureau of Land Management crews recently removed approximately 3,000 pounds of trash from Stukel Mountain, restoring the area’s natural beauty and improving safety for visitors and wildlife.
Guided First Day Hikes Set for New Year’s Day Across Oregon
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.
BLM Approves Lithium Exploration in Southeast Oregon
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.
NPS Announces Digital Passes, Updated Pricing, and Expanded Access for 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.