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

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, in addition to the decorated covered bridge.

Holiday lights remain up through the end of the year. For more information, visit mckeebridge.org.

Bicycle-pedestrian upgrades proposed for byway

An online meeting is set for noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, to discuss draft designs for bicycle and pedestrian improvements along the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway, which includes portions of highways 234, 62, 230 and 138. Join the meeting online at bit.ly/3CH7Gn3. Visit the project website at bit.ly/3B9n0bk.

Jet boat hearing slated for Medford

The Oregon State Marine Board will hold a public hearing Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Medford about proposed limits on jet boat use on the Rogue River upstream of Gold Hill.

The hearing is set for 2-6 p.m. in Room HEC 129 at the Rogue Community College Medford campus, 114 S. Bartlett St. To view the hearing notice and proposed rules, visit bit.ly/3Z4wjBp.

Learn about draft NW forest plan

The U.S Forest Service and Oregon Wild are hosting separate online sessions on Thursday and Dec. 11, respectively, about a draft environmental impact statement for a revised Northwest Forest Plan. The plan will guide future Forest Service actions.

The Forest Service session is set for noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Register at shorturl.at/2edLg. The Oregon Wild session is set for 6 p.m. Dec. 11. Register at oregonwild.org. The public may comment on the draft through January.

Bird observatory hosts raptor workshop, outing

Join Klamath Bird Observatory board members Amanda Alford and Dick Ashford as they lead a hawk identification workshop from 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday at 2425 Siskiyou Blvd. in Ashland, followed by a day-long outing for raptor viewing in the Klamath Basin on Saturday or Dec 15. Cost is $65. Sign up at klamathbird.org. Call 541-201-0866 for more information.

Mt. Ashland, Mt. Shasta ski areas to open

The Mt. Ashland Ski Area opens for the season Friday for season passholders and Saturday to the general public. The ski area’s flagship Ariel chairlift is 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.

The Mt. Shasta Ski Park is scheduled to open Dec. 11. For more information, call 530-926-8600 or go to skipark.com.

Annual ski and gear swap set for this weekend

The annual Ashland Ski & Gear Swap is scheduled 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday in the Rogue River Room of Stevenson Union at Southern Oregon University, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland.

The swap features new and used outdoor equipment and clothing. It’s managed by Indigo Creek Outfitters, with help from the Southern Oregon University Outdoor Program.

Gear drop-off times are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. For more information, go to ashlandskiswap.com or call 541-282-4535.

Learn about the importance of trees and plants

Central Point Parks and Recreation is offering a class, “Trees & Plants with Bugs R Us,” for people ages 3 years and older from 3-4 p.m. Saturday at 405 S. Fourth St. in Central Point.

Learn about the importance of local trees and plants, their life cycles and how they contribute to the ecosystem. Visitors can take home a tree and plant activity.

Cost is $9. Register at bit.ly/3Vmr1jH. Call 541-664-3321, ext. 130 for information.

Rogue Valley YMCA hosts ‘Jingle Bell Jog’

The Rogue Valley Family YMCA is hosting a “Jingle Bell Jog” on Monday in Medford to view Christmas lights along a 2.5-mile jogging route or a 1-mile walking route. The event, set for 6:30 p.m., begins and ends at Pony Espresso Medford, 3240 Hillcrest Drive. For more information, contact the YMCA at 541-772-6294.

Snowshoe with a ranger near Hyatt Lake

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. Register at bit.ly/3VvloQv.

Ashland seeks comment on parks projects plan

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 offers class about 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.

Wood House hosts annual Christmas event

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. For more information, go to oldwoodhouse.org.

Josephine County parks passes on sale

Annual Josephine County park passes for 2025 are on sale for $25, which is $5 off, through the end of the year. For details, go to bit.ly/4f0ZlHY. For more information, call 541-474-5285.

Take a hike with Medford Parks and Rec

People 55 and older are invited to take a hike with Medford Parks and Recreation on Dec. 10 to Cantrall Creek for a 2.5-mile trek of moderate difficulty. Cost is $18 for Medford residents and $24 for non-residents. Space is limited. Call 541-774-2400 for more information or visit playmedford.com.

Obtain permits to cut down Christmas trees in the forest

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.

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.