Snow covers a trail used by skiers and snowshoers at Crater Lake National Park, where 7 feet of snow were on the ground at park headquarters, according to a park statement issued on Tuesday. The photo was taken by a park ranger and posted Tuesday to the park's social media page.

With 7 feet of snow on the ground at park headquarters in Crater Lake National Park, the road from there to the rim overlooking the lake was closed as of Tuesday, according to the park’s website.

From park headquarters, it’s about 3 miles to the rim. Plows were at work to clear the way, according to park advisories posted to the website. No one answered the phone there and messages weren’t immediately returned.

The park’s social media page carried a photo by volunteer ranger Jan McEwen that was posted Tuesday showing a snow-covered trail with tracks from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

“While we patiently (or impatiently) await access to Rim Village and lake views, Ranger Jan has been out snowshoeing on East Rim Drive and on Raven Trail,” the post stated. “Conditions have varied from deep powder to crusty powder to wet heavy snow.”

The posting also carried the message that general etiquette calls for snowshoers to stay off ski tracks and for people hiking in boots to avoid both tracks.

In a related matter, there currently are no ranger-led snowshoe walks offered at the park due to staffing shortages, but snowshoes are for rent at the Rim Cafe and Snow Shop when it’s open. Reach the cafe at 541-594-2255, ext. 3309, although no one answered there Tuesday afternoon.

It’s not clear how long the road has been closed. The park posted on Jan. 14 that three large snowstorms had closed the same route.

“Hopefully soon the gate will open and blue skies will return,” Tuesday’s posting stated. “The snow plow operators are working hard to open the road to traffic.”

Cougar reported at Medford’s Prescott Park

The city of Medford’s parks and recreation department is warning the public about cougar sightings in Prescott Park, location of Roxy Ann Peak.

“The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has received reports of a recent cougar sighting near Prescott Park, prompting the placement of warning signs in the vicinity,” according to an advisory posted Monday to the parks department’s social media page.

ODFW is urging the public to stop and not approach a cougar.

“In the event of a cougar encounter, it’s crucial to remain calm,” the advisory stated. “Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might startle the animal.”

Also, face the cougar and never turn your back.

“Cougars are less likely to see you as a threat if you maintain eye contact,” ODFW advised.

The parks department asked that any sightings be reported to ODFW, at 541-826-8774.

Watch monument documentary, meet filmmaker

Watch a 20-minute documentary about the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and meet the filmmaker, Crystal Nichols, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at Public Lands outdoor store, 293 Rossanley Drive in Medford.

The film takes viewers on a journey through the monument. Afterward, there will be a question-and-answer period.

Ashland-based Friends of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is promoting the event. Snacks and drinks are provided. Sign up at cascade siskiyou.org. Reach the Friends group at 541-378-3039.

Williams group to lead Layton Ditch Trail hike

Members of the Williams Community Forest Project will lead a guided hike along the historic Layton Ditch Trail on Saturday, Jan. 27. Meet at the Williams Grange, 20100 Williams Highway, at 10 a.m. to carpool.

The trail, a favorite of many hikers, provides views of the Williams valley. The hike will be a couple of hours on predominantly flat terrain.

The 21-mile ditch supplied water to the Layton Mine, which operated for more than 50 years, into the 1920s. The ditch is intact in many places and the mine tailings have become a scenic, mostly level walking path at 2,400 feet elevation in the east hills of Williams.

Ten miles of the trail have been restored and are maintained regularly by volunteers. It is open to hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and trail runners.

More information is available at williamscommunityforestproject.org.

Conservancy invites public to preserve on Saturday

The Southern Oregon Land Conservancy is inviting the public to its 352-acre Rogue River Preserve near Eagle Point from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, for its Open Lands Day event.

Visitors may take a self-guided hike or join a group event. Docents will be along the trails. Field guides, binoculars and other gear are available for loan.

Waterproof shoes and warm layers are highly recommended. Registration is required.

The preserve, which normally isn’t open to the public, features 2 miles of riverfront, a large floodplain forest, oak woodlands and meadows. It typically is open to the public only during special events, work parties and youth education programs.

Activities on Saturday include an easy walk from 10:30 a.m. until noon with hike leader Kristi Mergenthaler talking about how to identify plants during the winter. Bring a hand lens or borrow one.

Another activity is set for 1 to 2 p.m. and titled “Observational Drawing for Nature Journaling.” It’s led by Tara Laidlaw. Participants can learn simple creative steps. Bring a camp chair, notebook and pencil, or borrow materials.

The Conservancy is an Ashland-based nonprofit conservation organization that acts as a land trust and manager of conservation easements.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3GXGcbv. For more information, contact Paige Gerhard, event and volunteer coordinators, at 541-482-3069, ext. 107. The preserve is located at 646 Rogue River Drive.

Act locally to address climate change

Biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson will discuss how people can individually address climate change, on Jan. 30 during the monthly meeting of Southern Oregon Climate Action Now.

The meeting, open to the public, starts at 6 p.m. at the Medford library, 205 S. Central Ave.

For more information, contact Kathy Conway at kathy@socan.eco. Reach the organization at 541-500-2331.