The Oregon Coast is a sight to be seen. Known as the People’s Coast for its remarkable public access, the scenic vistas and rocky shores are endlessly connected by numerous hiking trails up and down the coastline. In 2018, TKO teamed up with Oregon Coast Visitors Association and many partners in a concerted effort to build a trail stewardship movement for the Oregon Coast Trail and connective trails systems.
Neahkahnie Mountain, at Oswald West State Park is an insider’s must-hike destination. A known “gap” in the Oregon Coast Trail is south to Manzanita and TKO has helped to see 2.5 miles of new trail developed. The north and central coast regions have been a focus, and now we have a concerted effort to the south coast region in 2020. The Samuel Boardman corridor of the Oregon Coast is breathtaking and we have our sights set on making a difference throughout this area. Join us in protecting this iconic place in Oregon. The video from some of our first trail parties sums up how we engage in our mission for trail stewardship and advocacy.
In 2015, TKO wrote a letter of support for a project to address a gap in the OCT between the South Neahkahnie Mt. trailhead of Oswald West State Park and the town of Manzanita. As it stands, hikers are limited to walking the busy should of Hwy. 101. Years later, the trail is under construction and TKO has been steadily helping in seeing the development through. The project had many challenges, but TKO helped in the final stages of approval by committing to being a lifelong partner in maintenance. The trail opens in the spring of 2020. Join us to help with the finishing touches throughout the winter and see how the development is shaping up.
Phase 2 of our Oregon Coast Visitors Association funding is going to help us build a movement of trail stewardship in the southern Oregon Coast region. We’ve signed volunteer agreements with Oregon State Parks Harris Beach Management Unit, assessed trails to build a portfolio of projects to tackle and have an internship position to help drum up a beat of stewardship within communities that are eager to get out and improve their trails. Short term funding is here now, but we need a long term approach. That’s where you can come in!
TKO has been busy on many segments of the Oregon Coast Trail. From Ecola all the way down to Lincoln City, we got after stewardship efforts and found a real need from our partners and land managers to step up. Not long after starting our efforts in August of 2018, Siuslaw National Forest staff reached out to TKO and we came with tools in hand. We have steadily worked to bring the trail close to opening, after the mighty wind storms of 2008. Come join us this week to get after it, we may just have a bunk bed for you too!
Support Oregon’s trails by serving on the TKO Board
Trailkeepers of Oregon’s annual Board application window is now open! We invite applications from those who are interested in broadening access to nature and Oregon’s outdoor places and who are passionate about TKO’s mission: protecting and enhancing the Oregon hiking experience through stewardship, advocacy, outreach and education.
This spring, the Trailkeepers of Oregon launched our very first “hike-a-thon” style fundraising campaign. This campaign, dubbed the Trailkeeper Challenge, was centered around inspiring folks to engage their communities in spending time outside the ways they enjoy most.
Spring is quickly approaching! That means before we know it, Trailkeepers of Oregon will be kicking off another Trail Ambassador season. Through partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service, Oregon State Parks, the Mt. Hood – Columbia River Gorge Tourism Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, and Friends of the Columbia River Gorge, Trail Ambassadors will take to trails beginning April 22nd to engage with trail users across the state. We are always looking to grow our team – if you’ve been looking to give back to the trails you love, we want you on board!
Trailkeepers of Oregon
P.O. Box 14814
Portland, OR 97293
(971) 206-4351