Intro to Wilderness Ambassadors

Hike Leaders: Nat F., Josh A.

Hike Distance: 4.5 miles

Elevation Gain: ~450′

Hike Intensity: Low

Hike Overview:

We will be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) #2000 from the Bridge of the Gods Trailhead headed south to Dry Creek Falls.

Hiking information:

This is the lowest elevation section of the PCT and gains approximately 700 feet in elevation. A total of 4.4 miles out-and-back, this is rated as a moderate intensity hike.

What to expect:

We will gather as a group at the trailhead and talk briefly about the Wilderness Ambassador program before heading onto the trail to answer questions and practice visitor engagement techniques.

You will be asked to electronically sign the e-waiver for this event and perform a self-assessment health screening within the 24 hours proceeding the event. The hike leader for this event will verify that you have done both of these requirements at the trailhead before the party begins. Your pre-event emails will contain further details and links for both of these requirements.

You should expect to participate in this hike for its entirety. For safety reasons, please do not arrive late or expect to be able to leave early.

COVID-19 Procedures

Beginning April 15th, 2023 TKO will discontinue the requirement for event participants to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Participants will not be required to wear masks for outdoor activities. We do ask that you continue to respect those who prefer to wear a mask by maintaining appropriate distancing and wearing a mask when working in close proximity with someone who’s choosing to mask up. If you have any questions or concerns about this change, please contact our Executive Director (steve.kruger@trailkeepersoforegon.org) or Stewardship Manager (lindsay.mcintosh@trailkeepersoforegon.org).

Please help us keep our community safe and healthy by staying home and joining us another time if you have any symptoms of illness or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

What to bring:

• Plenty of water
• Lunch + snacks
• A pack to carry your water, snacks, lunch and other items in.

What to wear:

• Comfortable shoes – Please wear something sturdy that will protect your toes from sharp rocks and give good traction on steep trails such as a hiking boot or trail runners. No open toed shoes!
• Layered clothing that can be removed or put on to meet rapidly changing weather conditions.
• Rain gear as appropriate for the weather

Directions to the trailhead will be provided 48 hours prior to the event.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes. In every corner of what we now call Oregon, these people were forced to cede their land, their home, to the US government at various times throughout history. We are privileged to be here today & express gratitude to the descendants of these tribes for being the original stewards of this land.

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 & welcome in the outdoors due to racism, bias & hate. We commit to being part of the solution to change that. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target individuals or groups will not be tolerated by TKO, regardless of whether they are based on age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, geographic origin, language, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

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