LATE SPRING finds trails in prime condition for some welcome time in the woods. Our disappointing winter season left little residual snow, so high country trails will be accessible much earlier than normal. We can even expect mosquitoes will be out and about early, and in great numbers, before hot summer […]
AS THE SPRING SEASON rolls around in our local woodland areas, we find ourselves eager to get out to enjoy the trails. How lucky we are to live where trails abound in all directions, and where the climate is mild enough to enjoy them year-round. As the daylight hours extend further […]
THAT FEELING we get that something or someone is watching us seems to be a residual reaction from our cell memory of living a much more tenuous existence. But it also gives rise to our inherent ability to take in clues from our environment that allow us to develop a strong […]
As this is written, our Grayback Forestry crews continue the fuels reduction work in Forest Park. The contracted work will continue well into the winter, and visitors to the park are expected to respect all trail closures. The closure of trails is necessary for public safety as well as the […]
December 6, 2023—Greyback crews are continuing with cutting, handpiling, and burning in Forest Park. We are currently able to open Rail, Siskiyou, Pipsissewa, and Eastern Halls of Manzanita Trails. The Siskiyou View Loop and Upper Rattlesnake Gulch Trails along with Knobcone Pine Trail will remain closed at this time because of […]
For this issue’s musings, I’m putting on my Forest Park Volunteer cap. The last two years have seen a considerable growth in the number of folks enjoying Forest Park. In a recent issue, an explanation was given of the relationship between Jacksonville Woodlands Association and Forest Park, which is managed as […]
Trails in valley bottoms are buried in yellow maple leaves. Streams are coming to life after a long, hot summer. It’s truly a wonderful time of year to be in Forest Park. This fall, we’re sharing the park with a family of black bears, as I discovered during a close encounter with them last week […]
On Saturday, June 5, 2021, a newly-constructed suspension bridge below the reservoir in Forest Park was officially named the “Tony Hess Bridge,” in honor of its long-standing champion. Back in 2003, Tony Hess headed up an ad-hoc group of volunteers to work with the City Council to transform 1800 acres of city-owned land into a […]
There will be a dedication/ribbon cutting at the new suspension bridge in Forest Park on June 5 at 10:00am. At that time, the official name will also be unveiled.
Visitors to Jacksonville’s Forest Park, a large city park located in the Jackson Creek Watershed, have given rave reviews on the newest park […]
Summer is upon us. We can only hope for occasional rain to dampen our extreme fire season and keep the smoke from our skies. Dry, dusty conditions under a blazing sun do little to entice our walkabout mojo into action. But to be out and about during a rare summer shower, […]
This question comes up from time to time and the correct answer is…. not yet! The City of Jacksonville, the Forest Park Volunteers and some volunteers from local equestrian groups have been working for about a year to be able to permit horse riding within Forest Park. Currently, horses are NOT allowed in the Forest […]
“Take care of the resource and the resource will take care of you.” This mantra that connects us to our environment resonates loudly as we look forward to a springtime of blooms and budding life. Winter’s icy grip will soon be a distant memory and our legs will take us out […]
The Forest Park and the City of Jacksonville have been the beneficiaries of two Eagle Scout projects this year. An Eagle Scout project is one of many requirements a scout must complete to achieve this highly-respected rank. As defined by the Boy Scouts of America, the project purpose is “To learn leadership skills, or to […]
Trail Talk – October 2016
A recent fast-pack adventure through the Strawberry Mt. Wilderness made me appreciate the well-maintained trail system of Jacksonville’s parks all the more. Steeple-chasing through downed timber on overgrown trails that disappear into brush fields becomes a bit work-like. A follow-up trip into Sky Lakes saw more of the same. So here’s […]
The first three Forest Park Guided Hikes have been well-attended, and it has been fun to meet new trail enthusiasts as well as to see some favorite trails through eyes that are seeing them for the first time. The new Forest Park maps have been a hit and some of our new hikers have been […]
If you want to start-off the third week of July with a friendly group of people, outstanding scenery and some exercise, join us for another guided hike in the Forest Park! The hike is set for Monday, July 18—meet at 8:30am at P-3 (parking lot 3 on Norling Creek Road) in the Forest Park and […]
Forest Park is unlike most city parks in that there aren’t amenities like flush toilets and playgrounds. As the name implies, it is a park in the forest, and is designed to be a place where folks can enjoy a walk (or run or bike) in the woods. […]
Ok. So you’re a first-time visitor to Jacksonville’s Forest Park. Yes, you’ve heard the talk about Jacksonville’s claim to being the “Hiking Capital of Southern Oregon,” and you want to experience the trails in the Jackson Creek Watershed. Where to start?
As you drive up Reservoir Road […]
A wiser man than most once observed that if one can’t see the forest for the trees, then maybe one should focus on just one tree and the forest will come into view in all its splendor. And that is the essence of living in the moment…being aware of the one thing you can see, […]
Let me start by introducing myself! My name is Omer Kem, husband/dad/business owner in that order. My wife, son and I recently moved back to Jacksonville after spending two years away living in Ashland. We are so very excited to be back in what we feel is “trail heaven.”
My commitment […]
If you were thinking that winter would bring your cycling season to an end, you may want to reconsider! Jacksonville’s Forest Park offers miles of trails to be explored, and opportunities to keep your level of fitness maintained until next spring!
Now, keep in mind that the following information is recommended for […]
It’s often said that what trail hikers love the most is running streams and trail loops. Of course right now, in this super dry spell, running streams rarely exist, and won’t until the fall rains return. The good news is that in the Forest Park, there are some short parts of […]
A great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or any day) with a loved one is to take a hike on one of the Jacksonville Woodlands or Forest Park trails.
We are pleased to invite you to check-out the two new interpretive panels on the three-quarter mile-long Zigler Trail in the Woodlands system. […]
The deal, when closed, will transfer 380 acres of city-owned land...
Lovely trails, views and Madrones await you in our Forest Park...
Join a Park Ranger at 10:00 AM on Saturday March 24 for a mile-long hike...
On Tuesday, December 8, the City Council voted 5-2 in favor of entering formal negotiations with the Motorcycle Riders Association on a proposed land swap in the city’s 1800 acre watershed. If successful, a closing would likely occur in mid to late 2013, assuming the […]
Exciting new things are happening in the Forest Park.