Pilot Rock in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument outside Ashland is blanketed by fresh snow, as seen in this photo posted online Dec. 2 by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The monument, located at the crossroads of the Cascade, Klamath and Siskiyou Mountain ranges, offers 33 miles of connected trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Snow tubers and sledders will find additional adventures at the sled hill located in the Table Mountain Winter Play Area.

See full listings and web hyperlinks at rv-times.com/outdoors

Join Bureau of Land Management rangers for a free snowshoe hike through the forest at Hyatt Lake Recreation Area 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 11 or Feb. 8, leaving from Ashland with optional carpooling.

The outings are suitable for ages 12 and older. Snowshoes and poles are provided. Tickets can go fast. Register at bit.ly/3VvloQv.

Mt. Ashland, Mt. Shasta ski areas start their seasons

The Mt. Ashland Ski Area is open for the season, and the Mt. Shasta Ski Area is slated to open Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Ashland’s flagship Ariel chairlift remains under repair this week due to a fallen tree, with an uncertain date for reopening. For more information, go to mtashland.com or call 541-482-2897.

For more information on the Mt. Shasta Ski area, call 530-926-8600 or go to skipark.com.

Ashland ice rink open

The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, 95 Winburn Way in Lithia Park, is open for the winter season, but may close if skating conditions become unsafe. A “First Frost” skating event featuring live music and figure skating performances is set for 4-9 p.m. Dec. 21. Skate lessons are available on various dates.

Visit bit.ly/4gqkwVg or call 541-488-9189 for more information.

Bear Camp Road closed for the winter season

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has closed the gate on Bear Camp Road near Galice in Josephine County until snow conditions allow for safe passage in the spring. Travelers are advised to use Highway 199 as an alternate route.

Bear Camp Road, which is managed by both the BLM and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, is a remote, mountainous route that connects the Rogue Valley to coastal areas. It is not plowed during the winter, and weather conditions can often change quickly, making road conditions hazardous.

Mountain Club hosts holiday party

The Siskiyou Mountain Club is hosting a holiday party from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at its store and office location, 33 N. Third St. in Ashland. The event features Sasquatch Santa, homemade cookies and hot cocoa.

Parks passes on sale

Annual Oregon State Parks and Josephine County park passes for 2025 are on sale for $25, which is $5 off, through the end of the year. For details on state parks passes, go to stateparks.oregon.gov; for details on the county passes, go to bit.ly/4f0ZlHY. For more information, call 800-452-5687 for state parks and 541-474-5285 for Josephine County parks.

Learn about draft forest plan

Oregon Wild is hosting an online session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, about a draft environmental impact statement for a revised Northwest Forest Plan. The plan will guide future Forest Service actions. Register at oregonwild.org. The public may comment on the draft through January.

Two surveys with outdoors focus under way

A survey of small businesses is in progress in the Applegate Valley to study local economic conditions and the role of public lands in the economic health of the region. A Greater Applegate and the Wellington Wildlands Council have partnered with the Institute for Policy Research and Engagement at the University of Oregon to conduct the study, which can be used to secure funding for the Applegate Valley Business Network. For more information, visit bit.ly/4g9t8Qq.

Meanwhile, the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking public comments through Dec. 15 on a draft capital improvements plan, which might be approved in final form on Jan. 8. View the plan at bit.ly/412rv21. For more information, contact Rocky Houston, department director, at 541-488-5340.

Extension Center class is on former hemp farms

The Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center is offering an online class Dec. 18 about land management challenges left behind at properties that formerly were home to hemp farms. Challenges include materials left behind, potential hazards and ideas for future management.

The class runs from 6-7:30 p.m. Cost is $15. Register at beav.es/UcY. Call 541-776-7371 for more information.

Holiday events at historic sites and outdoor areas

Visit historic Hanley Farm, 1053 Hanley Road, Central Point, which is decorated with more than 15,000 lights. Free walking tours are offered from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit sohs.org/event or call 541-622-2025.

Visit the annual holiday lights display in the formal gardens at Shore Acres State Park near Coos Bay from dusk until 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. Timed entry and $5 parking must be purchased before arrival at bit.ly/2024holidaylights or by calling 800-452-5687 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

The decorations are up at the historic McKee Bridge, 9161 Upper Applegate Road, where the 6th Annual “Christmas On a Covered Bridge” is set for noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 14. The event is hosted by the McKee Bridge Historical Society and features a bake sale, handcrafted gifts, Santa and free hot beverages. Holiday lights remain up through the end of the year. For more information, visit mckeebridge.org.

The Annual Old Fashioned Christmas at the historic Wood House is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 21 at the 1800s-era homesteaded property, 12988 Highway 62, Eagle Point. Admission is free and donations are accepted. For more information, go to oldwoodhouse.org.

Take a 45-minute trolley ride past locations in Jacksonville decorated for the season. Tickets are $15 and reservations are required. Go to christmasinjacksonville.com or call 541-899-8118.

While in Jacksonville, visit the Beekman House, 470 E. California St., for a holiday tour, from noon to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 29. For tickets, go to historicjacksonville.org/victorian-christmas.

Obtain permits to cut down Christmas trees

People may cut Christmas trees on U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management lands using a $5 permit from either agency. Details about permits, maps, tips and safety information are available at tinyurl.com/3vuuruar.

Many local businesses sell permits. See a list of vendors at tinyurl.com/4krdamye. Free printable maps that identify areas where tree-cutting is allowed are available at agency offices or online at tinyurl.com/pxew72em.

Cities publish activities guides

The cities of Medford, Ashland and Central Point publish seasonal guides to activities, including classes, events and outings. View them at playmedford.com, ashlandoregon.gov/parks and centralpointoregon.gov/parksrec.

Send us news about your upcoming events Want to publicize your upcoming outdoors event for free? Send details to writer Shaun Hall at 541-761-6726 or shaunmichaelhall@gmail.com. Submissions about upcoming events are encouraged. {related_content_uuid}cf140a7f-8b7b-4f66-babe-9cd7e0d2fed9{/related_content_uuid}

Want to publicize your upcoming outdoors event for free? Send details to writer Shaun Hall at 541-761-6726 or shaunmichaelhall@gmail.com. Submissions about upcoming events are encouraged.