WEEK 8

Next Steps (and Stairs!)

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Building steps across Oregon

Photo by Susan Schen

In 2024, TKO volunteers brushed back vegetation, removed fallen logs, fixed landslides, improved drainage, and restored fire-affected trails. Trail parties often span a wide variety of activities, though this year, one kind of trail service stood out: Trailkeepers built stairs.

TKO crews built stairs at Troutdale’s Beaver Creek, at the Bird Alliance of Oregon’s wildlife sanctuary, at Port Orford’s Fort Point, at Marion County’s North Fork park, and the Gorge’s Mosier Plateau.

During Week 8, we’re going to share stories about how TKO staff and volunteers construct and install box steps to improve hiking trail experiences across the state. We couldn’t do this work without you. Please donate today to support projects like these in 2025!

Your Donation Is Matched

This is the last week of TKO’s annual Legacy Builders fundraising campaign, and we’re excited to announce $30,000 in matching donations! Thanks to the extremely generous support of the Trailmix hiking group and the TKO Board of Directors, your donation this week will go twice as far. 

If you’ve enjoyed hiking Oregon’s trails this year and want to ensure their care in 2025, please consider a tax-deductible donation to Trailkeepers of Oregon and help us meet the match!

Your gift will make a huge impact in supporting the TKO team as we develop new trails, perform maintenance on neglected trails, restore trails affected by wildfire, and help hikers stay safe and feel welcome at parks, forests, and wilderness areas.

Thank you for supporting Trailkeepers of Oregon!

2024 by the numbers

Thanks to a massive effort from TKO volunteer and donors, Trailkeepers had a big impact on hiking trails in 2024. We improved trails at county parks, state parks, national forests, and beyond, hosting events at a total 47 natural areas spanning 15 counties.

Trailkeepers cleared 1,792 fallen logs, welcomed 10,630 visitors to trailheads, and maintained 771,869 feet of trail. TKO training courses certified 110 sawyers in crosscut or chainsaw. More than sixty volunteers earned their own green hardhat, representing their completion of at least five TKO trail parties.

In total, Trailkeepers volunteered 23,060 hours this year, a huge investment equivalent to $801,104 of in-kind service. Most importantly, we had fun, stayed safe, and cared for beloved trails around the state.

This service is only possible because of TKO donors and volunteers. Please give today to support trails in 2025!

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Latest News

You person with a hiking pack walks along a steep mountain trail with large white flowers along the hillside and scenic views.

ACTION ALERT: Forest Service cuts to seasonal staffing will hurt trails and recreational access

This post comes with big thanks to our friends at Washington Trails Association who invited us to borrow heavily from their similar action alert! We invite you to scan the similarities and differences between Oregon and Washington in WTA’s article with a carbon copy for Oregon that we created below. 

If you hike in Oregon, odds are excellent that you’ve enjoyed trails on U.S. Forest Service land. About 39% of Oregon (yes, that’s over 14 million acres of the state) is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. National forests contain some of the most iconic landscapes, popular campgrounds and beloved hiking trails in the state. Encircle Mt. Hood on the Timberline trail, hike along a National Scenic Trail like the Deschutes River trail, visit the Oregon Dunes along the coast, or backpack in the Eagle Cap Wilderness and you are enjoying some of the over 15,000 miles of national forest trails in Oregon.

You person with a hiking pack walks along a steep mountain trail with large white flowers along the hillside and scenic views.

Millions of visitors spread out in Oregon’s 14 million acres of Forest Service lands and 15,000 miles of trails. Photo by TKO volunteer leader Neil Cadsawan

A funding crisis is putting Forest Service trails, campgrounds and other types of outdoor recreation at risk. The U.S. Forest Service is currently making major cuts to its workforce that will reduce its ability to maintain trails, clean trailhead restrooms, collect trash and provide essential services. 

BUDGET CRISIS WILL CUT JOBS AND REDUCE SERVICES

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@ by Steve Kruger

Wildfire Resilience, Shellburg Falls Reopens in the Santiam State Forest

Among the many communities, natural landscapes, and hiking trails that were set ablaze in the historic 2020 Labor Day Wildfires, the Beachie Creek fire swept across Shellburg Falls Recreation Area in the Santiam State Forest southeast of Salem. Once the smoke cleared, TKO was called upon to help! […]

@ by Steve Kruger
A large group of TKO Trail Ambassadors stand in front of a waterfall. The image is overlaid by the TKO logo.

2024 Trail Ambassadors Foster a Welcoming and Accessible Outdoors

Trails have amazing potential to bring people of all backgrounds and abilities into the outdoors, yet gaps in information prevent many from doing so. That’s where TKO Trail Ambassadors come in! These volunteers help to create a welcoming environment on Oregon’s trails by offering a friendly presence to answer questions, providing maps and other information, and recommending local businesses and attractions. Looking back on the 2024 season, it’s easy to see the positive impact their passion and dedication had on Oregon’s trails and trail users.

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@ by Steve Kruger
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