TKO’s 19th Anniversary – Old Vista Ridge Trail Party – Mt. Hood

Crew Leader: Carl Bohacek

Hike Distance: Up to 4 miles

Elevation Gain: up to 450’

Hike Intensity: Moderate

Work Intensity: Low

Work Type: Brushing, tread restoration

Project Information:

Old Vista Ridge Trail #626A has been brought back to life over the course of TKO’s history. It was at this trail in 2007 that we pulled out our garden tools and found the inspiration to build a nonprofit for hiking trails. As parking is limited at the trailhead, we will be encouraging car-pooling.

After a safety briefing and tool talk, we will hike to Owl Point, brushing and working tread sections along the trail. At Owl Point we will convene for our annual photograph as well as some snacks and refreshments!

Hiking information:

We will start our trail service where the first bit of trail needs attention, heading out to Owl Point by lunchtime. Total hiking distance will depend on the amount of trail we are able to clear, but should not exceed 4 miles round trip.

Event details:

Detailed event information, including directions to the meeting location, will be provided to registrants via email 48 hours prior to the event. If you’re volunteering for the first time, read this blog by a volunteer to know what to expect at your first trail party.

What to bring:

• Plenty of water
• Snacks/lunch
• Work gloves if you have them (loaner gloves available)
• Any medications or emergency supplies you may need
• Sunscreen + insect repellent
• A pack to bring all of this with you on trail
• TKO provides all tools and personal protective equipment (hard hats, gloves, glasses)
• Need gear? TKO has clothes, boots, camping gear, and more available for loan. Reach out to volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org to let us know how we can help!

What to wear:

• Boots (Please wear something sturdy that will protect your toes from sharp tools. Tennis shoes are not recommended. Open-toed shoes will not be allowed.)
• Long sleeved shirts and pants
• Rain gear, insulating layers, sun protection, etc. as appropriate for the weather

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes and communities. We are the most recent in a long line of stewards to this land, and it is our responsibility to do so with humility and respect. We are grateful to these tribes and their descendants for being the original and continuing stewards of these spaces, and encourage everyone to go beyond a land ackowledgment by supporting Indigenous communities and organizations in your area.

ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS: TKO seeks to make our events inclusive of people of all backgrounds and abilities. If you would like to discuss potential accommodations to allow for your participation in this event, please click here to complete a short Google survey. TKO staff will then contact you to discuss options. Please note: available accommodations will vary by event and typically need to be requested a minimum of two weeks in advance. If you have any questions, please contact TKO Stewardship Manager Lindsay McIntosh-Tolle at lindsay.mcintosh@trailkeepersoforegon.org.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature & one another. Not everyone feels safe or welcome in the outdoors due to issues like racism, bias, and hate. We commit to being part of the solution to this problem and to enact change. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target any individual or group will not be tolerated by TKO.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical and emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you may: interrupt directly, tell a crew leader, and/or inform TKO staff via the post-event survey.

While TKO no longer requires masking/vaccination for our events, we do support those who choose to mask for their own safety. We ask participants to respect the health of folks who wear masks by distancing or wearing a mask while in close proximity.

Directions to Vista Ridge Trailhead (there’s no cell coverage, plan before you go!):

From Zigzag: drive about 10.5 miles north on Lolo Pass Road to Lolo Pass and take the second right onto gravel FS 18, which is signed for Lost Lake. After 5.5 miles of gravel the pavement resumes, and 5 miles beyond that (a total of 10.5 miles from Lolo Pass) make a sharp right onto paved FS 16, where a sign points to Vista Ridge Trail #626.

From Hood River: Follow Tucker Road and Dee Highway to the old mill site at Dee. Fork right onto the Lost Lake Highway, and follow signs to Lost Lake at various twists and turns through orchards and forest. Turn left onto paved Lolo Pass Road, drop to a crossing of the West Fork Hood River, then climb to the junction with paved FS 16. Turn left here.

Once on FS 16 from the Lolo Pass Road junction, drive 5.4 miles on paved FS 16. Then turn sharply right at a very large intersection onto gravel FS 1650. Stay left at an unmarked junction at about 3 miles, and park along the shoulder just beyond this junction. The trailhead is a scenic 15 minute walk from here. Coordinates: 45.443267, -121.729225