gave their time to help re-open Gorge trails in 2022.
and TKO’s service efforts have reflected that. In the Columbia River Gorge, TKO contributed to removing hundreds of downed trees and clearing countless debris slides that led to the reopening of Nesmith Point and Wyeth Trail in October 2022 for the first time since the Eagle Creek fire in 2017! These reopenings, along with specific efforts made with our friends at Daybreak Racing to improve the Gorge 400 trail along the Gorge Waterfalls 50k race route, allowed the race to resume in 2022 after four years of cancellation due to fire damage.
Similar improvements are being made at Elowah Falls. Through our partnership with the US Forest Service, a massive debris slide was cleared and vegetation cut back to open the route to trail users. The bridge at the McCord Creek crossing is yet to be repaired, though the trail is passable for those willing to get their feet wet. You can help us get to work on the remaining projects by donating to our campaign today!
Give $30 and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win one of 10 Fjallraven backpacks!
EVERY DONATION THIS WEEK GETS A FREE BEER AT GORGES BEER CO., all you have to do is show your donation receipt to your server!
Anyone who donates their time at a TKO trail party this week (12/12 – 12/18) will also be entered to win the raffle.
TKO staff and State Parks have started to plan for a new view-packed trail on Viento Bluff.
TKO is striving to create stewardship experiences that are accessible to people of all backgrounds and experiences. One way we are working to reduce barriers is hosting car-free events and connecting volunteers to alternative transportation options.
This June, TKO held an overnight service trip on Angel’s Rest that began when a shuttle picked up the crew at the Gateway Transit Center, which is accessible by public transportation throughout Portland. The crew camped at a stream crossing on Angel’s Rest and successfully brushed the entire area over two days! At the conclusion of the trip, the crew was picked up at the trailhead and shuttled back to the Gateway Transit Center.
Throughout 2023 TKO has been lucky to participate in some outstanding trail projects in the Willamette and Umpqua River Valleys. These projects, critical to maintaining and reopening trails, allowed volunteers to grow their trail construction skills in some of Oregon’s most beautiful natural areas!
Have you caught the “saw bug” yet? Join TKO on a logout and you just might! This draw to saw work, the itch to feel the saw interact with wood as you cut, captivates many a trail crew member after just one day pulling saw. Saw work is a critical aspect of trail stewardship, and it’s this feeling that TKO has worked to inspire in emerging sawyers across Oregon.
Smith Rock State Park is an outdoor recreation haven for hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, and beyond. Due to high visitation and the unique, fragile nature of the ecosystem, it is critical that the 12 trails throughout the park are well maintained. We at TKO feel very lucky to have served this special place throughout 2023, and we’re gearing up for another year!
Trailkeepers of Oregon
P.O. Box 14814
Portland, OR 97293
(971) 206-4351