In 2017, the Eagle Creek fire changed the Columbia Gorge forever – running over 40+ thousand acres and closing over 122 miles of trails. This event changed the trajectory of our small nonprofit, propelling us into a role that we hustled to keep up with. It was only by way of a motivated community of volunteers that we were able to grow quickly and step in to help these trails. We knew then that we had a long journey ahead of us.
Three years later the heart of the Gorge has revived to be a different but equally vibrant place with new success stories every week! But many trails remain closed. Thanks to our volunteers and supporters, TKO will continue to hoof it up the steep Gorge trails and get after the next place that we seek to recover. We’re not done yet! Help us continue the work we started in 2017.
This spectacular mini-gorge within the Gorge leaves most visitors in silent awe, not just because figuring out how to say its name can be elusive. Pronounced “Oh-nee-ON-ta”, this deep channel and its accompanying waterfalls was a classic Gorge sight until the Eagle Creek Fire rendered it too dangerous to access. This beloved trail has been closed to public access since 2017 – but we have exciting updates!
With ongoing support from the Forest Service, TKO volunteers have been steadily working their way up the trail from below Triple Falls. They accomplished a huge amount of work to clear the trail to the Horsetail Junction and above onto the switchback portion. The trail was waiting on the construction of the a new bridge to replace one lost in the fire. Check it out in the photo here!
Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, partner groups, and the support of donors, we are excited to share that the Forest Service reopened the Oneonta Trail earlier this month!
While we are celebrating this accomplishment, our Crew Leaders have already begun turning their attention towards the next trail. Nesmith Point, here we come! If you want to see a similar success story unfold next year for other beloved but closed trails in the Gorge, donate today!
Did you know that there is no experience required to join in any of TKO’s trail party events? If you want to join the amazing group of folks who have been bringing Gorge trails back to life one step at a time, you can! Check out our events calendar for upcoming trail parties and sign up today.
Support Oregon’s trails by serving on the TKO Board
Trailkeepers of Oregon’s annual Board application window is now open! We invite applications from those who are interested in broadening access to nature and Oregon’s outdoor places and who are passionate about TKO’s mission: protecting and enhancing the Oregon hiking experience through stewardship, advocacy, outreach and education.
This spring, the Trailkeepers of Oregon launched our very first “hike-a-thon” style fundraising campaign. This campaign, dubbed the Trailkeeper Challenge, was centered around inspiring folks to engage their communities in spending time outside the ways they enjoy most.
Spring is quickly approaching! That means before we know it, Trailkeepers of Oregon will be kicking off another Trail Ambassador season. Through partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service, Oregon State Parks, the Mt. Hood – Columbia River Gorge Tourism Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, and Friends of the Columbia River Gorge, Trail Ambassadors will take to trails beginning April 22nd to engage with trail users across the state. We are always looking to grow our team – if you’ve been looking to give back to the trails you love, we want you on board!
Trailkeepers of Oregon
P.O. Box 14814
Portland, OR 97293
(971) 206-4351