TRAIL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Trail Ambassador Program aims to create safe and welcoming experiences for all trail users. We do this by inviting every trail user to become a trail steward and creating a community of engaged and responsible outdoor enthusiasts through visitor engagement at trailheads and on Wilderness trails throughout the state.
WHEN AND WHERE CAN I VOLUNTEER?
From April through October, TKO’s Trail Ambassador Program places volunteers at popular trails in the Columbia Gorge, on Mt. Hood, throughout the Portland Metro Area, in the Willamette Valley, and along Oregon’s coast. As a Trail Ambassador, you give back to the trails you love by engaging with visitors around hiking safety, Leave No Trace, local flora and fauna, responsible use of public lands, and more.
BENEFITS TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Ambassadors are thanked for their service to our trails with access to our Gear Library, FREE NW Forest Passes, discounts to local businesses, and more!
TYPES OF TRAIL AMBASSADORS:
Trailhead Ambassadors
Welcoming visitors at popular trailheads, while sharing trail insights and Leave no Trace principles.
Wilderness Ambassadors
Welcoming visitors on popular backcountry trails, while sharing Leave No Trace principles and reporting data on trail conditions.
Accessibility Team
Collecting data on Accessibility Information Services to be included in the OregonHikers.org.
Outreach & events team
Tabling at popular events to share TKO’s mission and values while opening a channel for new volunteers and community partners.
Trail Ambassadors engage with and educate visitors at trailheads and on Wilderness trails across Oregon, providing resources on Leave No Trace, trail safety, area-specific resources, hazards, and more. While sharing resources with the community, we do not serve as enforcement in any way.
We use Bloomerang Volunteer to post opportunities and to communicate with volunteers from the Trail Ambassadors program.
There are multiple ways to get involved as a Trailhead Ambassador, depending on your experience and interest:
TRAILHEAD AMBASSADORS
Trailhead Ambassadors: Provide a friendly, welcoming presence at Oregon’s trails to support trail users of all backgrounds and abilities in having safe, fun experiences in the outdoors that respect and protect our natural spaces and encourage future stewardship. Ready to jump in?
- Guest Ambassador: First time here? Skip the line and shadow a Lead Ambassador who enjoys mentoring and sharing their favorite trailheads. You can also join an intro hike to learn more about a trail and the ambassador experience. If you would like to join us for an event, email us at volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org.
- Lead Ambassador: We’re always looking for Lead Ambassadors who are passionate about mentorship and community building! Lead Ambassadors support new volunteers, lead intro hikes, and provide a well-rounded experience for both trail users and fellow Ambassadors. If you want to take on a leadership role, let us know at volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.
- Private Group: Want to volunteer with friends, family, or coworkers? You can sign up for a Trailhead Ambassador shift as a team! Spend the day together engaging with trail users, hiking, or help keeping the trails clean. If you are interested, email us at volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.
Register to the Trail Ambassador Upcoming Events:
Thursday, April 9 at 6PM – Live online via Zoom
Thursday, April 23 at 6 PM – In-person training at the TKO Office
Wilderness Ambassador Program
As a Wilderness Ambassador, you’ll play an essential role in caring for public lands while connecting directly with people who love the outdoors. You’ll be a friendly, knowledgeable presence on the trail—sharing helpful information, promoting Leave No Trace practices, and supporting visitors with trip planning, safety tips, and current trail conditions. This role is perfect if you enjoy being outdoors, feel comfortable talking with a wide range of people, and want to make a positive impact through stewardship and education.
You’ll volunteer in outdoor settings and varying weather conditions, hiking 2–14 miles while carrying basic safety gear (you choose the trails that work for you). Along the way, you’ll collect visitor use data, conduct brief surveys, and help land managers better understand how trails are being used. You’ll work independently while following safety protocols and staying connected with TKO staff and partners. Volunteers must be 18 or older, able to hike safely, and willing to engage respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds. Weekend availability is strongly encouraged, and training is provided to help you feel confident and prepared.
Locations: Wilderness trails in the Mount Hood National Forest, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and the Drift Creek Wilderness.
Training requirements: Online training & annual background check, In-person training day, 3+ Mentor hikes, Understand and sign annual Trail Ambassador Volunteer Waiver and Understand and sign Trailkeeper Code.
Trail Accessibility Survey Team
The Trail Accessibility Survey Team is a volunteer program that collects on-the-ground information about trails and trailheads to help people of all abilities decide which outdoor experiences are right for them. Volunteers gather standardized accessibility data in the field, and that information is shared on OregonHikers.org, making it easier for hikers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to plan confidently and safely.
Training Requirements and Locations: Anyone can participate—no prior experience is required. We provide a training session and all materials needed to complete surveys, and volunteers choose locations that fit their interests and abilities. This is a great opportunity to support inclusive access to the outdoors while spending time on Oregon’s trails.
This program was informed by previous partnerships, including work with Accessibility Recreation and the Willamette Valley Visitors Association, and we are actively seeking new partners to help expand trail accessibility efforts across Oregon. See an example of the information gathered through surveys here If you or your organization would like to connect, please contact volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW
Guest Ambassadors | Trailhead Ambassadors | Lead Ambassadors | Wilderness Ambassadors | Accessibility Survey | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Ambassador Training | Required | Required | Required | ||
| Trail Ambassador Volunteer Waiver | Required | Required | Required | Required | |
| Trailkeepers Code | Required | Required | Required | Required | |
| Annual Background Check | Required | Required | Required | ||
| Intro Hikes or Mentor Hikes | Required | Required | Required | Required | |
| Additional Training | Required | Required | Required | ||
Field Guide Editors
TKO manages the extremely popular OregonHikers.org. We are always on the lookout for dedicated folks from around the state who are interested in helping to edit and curate this amazing, volunteer-built resource. If you would like to become a Field Guide for OregonHiker.org, email us today at please contact volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org.
Building a trail ambassador network
Trail Ambassadors has been a collaborative effort from the start. This program is built on the foundational idea that nonprofit partners, agencies, and the public are more powerful together than apart. This program is the result of many years of hard work from the partners listed here. TKO works with an extensive network of partners to support this program. We are always excited to partner with new volunteer groups who might be look for skills training, or new land managers who might be looking for field support.
Program Partners
