SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon’s waterways are therapeutic, no matter the activity. For mental health, physical fitness, angling, and spending time with friends and family. That is why recreational boating is one of the best ways to create memories. The Oregon State Marine Board advocates that all boaters be aware of their surroundings while on
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — May is being recognized as Wildfire Awareness Month in Oregon, with the State Parks and Forestry Department’s both partnering to promote safety. The initiative emphasizes safe campfire practices but reminds residents that violations can result in a Class A violation with a presumptive fine of up to $400. While campfires are
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SOUTHERN DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — A quiet drive home turned into a rare, and for some, unsettling wildlife encounter in southern Deschutes County. A wolf sighting near La Pine is once again putting a spotlight on the growing presence of apex predators in Central Oregon. The video, captured by a local college student, was
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Campers of varying ability levels took to the trails and waters this weekend, experiencing the thrill of adaptive mountain biking and paddling, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Kelly Brush Foundation and Oregon Adaptive Sports. The multi-day sports program offered participants a unique opportunity to connect with fellow adventurers and
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Park and Recreation District is inviting community members to join its Natural Resources and Trails team with upcoming volunteer project days from May to October. Volunteers are needed to roll up barbed wire, pull weeds, remove trash, close off unofficial trails, and plant native vegetation at several volunteer projects scheduled
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Editor’s Note: The pictures and video provided for this story have been removed. The original photographer did not give permission for use to the person who shared the content with KTVZ News.WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new viewer video shows what appears to be a cougar and possibly two cubs along a rural road
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a warning about a recent increase in vehicle break-ins and theft at local trailheads and parks. The crimes of opportunity have been reported at popular recreation sites, including Phil’s Trailhead, Shevlin Park, Maston, Pine Nursery and Big Sky, as spring weather brings more people
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(Update: 1 person confirmed killed, adding pictures from the scene). GOVERNMENT CAMP, Ore. (KTVZ) — One employee died, and another was injured Thursday morning, April 30, 2026, after a maintenance basket fell from an upper-bowl chairlift at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl. The incident, which occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m., is being investigated as a workplace
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SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission held a virtual meeting on April 22 where it approved several grant recommendations totaling over $11 million and adopted new rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS, operations. The commission also denied a petition seeking to change the extra vehicle fee rule for motorhomes. The
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — As the busy recreation season begins, the Bureau of Land Management’s Prineville District is reminding visitors that Teaters Road remains open for public access. Gates along the road may be closed for short periods of time, but they will remain unlocked, officials said Monday. Visitors may pass through and should leave gates as they
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon’s gray wolf population continued its steady comeback in 2025, but the latest state report shows that growth is coming with new challenges. While the higher numbers are good news for wildlife conservationists, it’s sure to bring frustration from farmers and ranchers. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed in
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DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt.Bachelor recently received seven inches of fresh snow and expects up to 10 more, promising snowy conditions for the final weekend celebration. Mt. Bachelor will close its 2025-26 winter season on Sunday, April 19, coinciding with the four-day RendezVan festival. The spring snowfall comes as our Chief Meteorologist John Carroll
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTVZ) — The U.S. Forest Service announced it will issue $248 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for 2025. This critical funding will be delivered to eligible states and counties with National Forest System lands. These payments are designed to sustain public schools, maintain local roads, strengthen wildfire preparedness and support other essential
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JOHN DAY & HINES, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening Next: The Malheur National Forest will soon begin invasive plant control across its lands, with work scheduled to continue from April through November. This initiative aims to mitigate the negative effects of invasive species on biodiversity, wildlife habitat, animal forage and streamside vegetation. The control efforts will
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — In Bend, dogs are part of the culture, often spotted on trails, at breweries, and in nearly every park. But those encounters aren’t always positive. For people with disabilities or anyone uneasy around dogs, off-leash behavior can lead to tense or even dangerous situations. Parks, trails, and even dogs are part
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THE DALLES, Ore. (KTVZ) —The lower Deschutes River will be open for spring Chinook salmon from May 5-20, the first such season in eight years, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said Wednesday. “This is exciting news for anglers as the last spring Chinook season on the Deschutes was in 2018,” said Jason Seals,
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Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced Wednesday it will open the summit road at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint to vehicle traffic starting at 10 a.m. Friday, May 1, for the 2026 season. Find more details from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department below: Despite a short, dry winter, this year’s opening comes
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A crowd of community members, environmental advocates, and local leaders filled the atrium at Oregon State University–Cascades Monday evening, weighing in on the future of some of Oregon’s most untouched public lands. The town hall, held April 6, focused on the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a federal policy that has limited
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, the Bend Parks and Recreation District is hiring for summer positions! Hopeful helpers ages 15 and up are invited and encouraged to apply for positions supporting summer camps, swimming, outdoor recreation and all things fun. Here are some of the positions you can apply for: Youth Summer Camp Leader
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The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department needs to conduct more safety inspections and keep better track of its assets, state auditors recommended Wednesday.
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