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Medford, ORE. – With the lifting of public health and safety restrictions enacted by Oregon health officials, the Bureau of Land Management today announced that the Medford District is increasing recreational access. The BLM is working agency-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.

“We are excited to reopen many of our popular developed recreation sites in the Medford District,” said Elizabeth Burghard, Medford District Manager.  “These sites provide easy access for local residents to get outside and enjoy our public lands. We appreciate the public’s patience while these sites were closed.”

Beginning June 1, the BLM Medford District will reopen access to:

• Table Rocks Trails
• Cathedral Hills Trails
• Eight Dollar Mountain Boardwalk
• Dollar Mountain Trails

Many BLM recreation sites remained open and continue to be available, including:

• The Rogue River recreation section and day use sites
• Mountain of the Rogue Trails, Pacific Crest Trail, Rogue River Trail, and dozens of other trails on BLM lands in southern Oregon

Previously, the BLM Medford District re-opened:

• Elderberry Flat Campground
• Mountain View Boat Ramp at Hyatt Lake

With public health in mind, the following sites remain closed at this time:

• Provolt Recreation Site
• Hyatt Lake Developed Campground

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At the BLM Medford District, our operational approach will be to examine each facility, function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and to regularly monitor these. We continue to work closely with the Department of the Interior and follow CDC guidance to ensure public and employee spaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. 

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, pack out their trash, practice Leave No Trace principles, practice social distancing and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating on public lands prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.  

The BLM provides online educational resources available for the popular Upper and Lower Table Rocks. Students who are homeschooling and others who are not traveling at this time can learn more about the site at https://www.handsontheland.org/site-profiles?Itemid=5&alias=table-rocks.

Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted on our website https://www.blm.gov/office/medford-district-office and social media channels. Updates about BLM operations will be posted on www.blm.gov