Butte Falls is a small town nestled within the scenic Pacific Northwest landscape. It traces its roots to the 19th century timber industry, which brought the first mill to the area in 1906, situated along South Fork Big Butte Creek. As the timber industry grew over time, railroad development started in the area with the Oregon and California Railroad Company making a connection from Butte Falls to Medford to support timber operations. With a rich and storied history, Butte Falls Community Forest seeks to celebrate its timber and cultural heritage roots as well as reimagine how the surrounding forest can continue to nourish the community’s values and way of life.
Over time, the town and its dedicated community members had a dream to acquire the land that was near and dear to their heart such as the old mill by Big Butte Creek. In 2020, an opportunity arose to purchase 446 acres surrounding Butte Falls from Weyerhaeuser Timber Company. A dedicated team including the Town of Butte Falls, community members, and several partners worked hard to purchase the land and created a vision for its long-term management which includes wildfire protection, ecological resiliency, health and recreation, youth programming, community stewardship, and sustainable economic development.
This document reflects the community’s voice in deciding the future of their lands. While focused on access and recreation, the plan also highlights the dedicated work that is ongoing as well as past efforts that allowed this plan to come to fruition.
Download the Plan
Last updated: January 16, 2025