News from the Trail

Urban trails are a cornerstone to nature access for urban and suburban residents, offering countless physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health benefits. TKO has been busy throughout the Portland Metro Area and beyond in 2023 ensuring that these trails can continue to safely connect communities with the outdoors!

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Throughout 2023 TKO has been lucky to participate in some outstanding trail projects in the Willamette and Umpqua River Valleys. These projects, critical to maintaining and reopening trails,  allowed volunteers to grow their trail construction skills in some of Oregon’s most beautiful natural areas!

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Have you caught the “saw bug” yet? Join TKO on a logout and you just might! This draw to saw work, the itch to feel the saw interact with wood as you cut, captivates many a trail crew member after just one day pulling saw. Saw work is a critical aspect of trail stewardship, and it’s this feeling that TKO has worked to inspire in emerging sawyers across Oregon. 

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Smith Rock State Park is an outdoor recreation haven for hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, and beyond. Due to high visitation and the unique, fragile nature of the ecosystem, it is critical that the 12 trails throughout the park are well maintained. We at TKO feel very lucky to have served this special place throughout 2023, and we’re gearing up for another year!

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Oregon’s South Coast is renowned for breathtaking views and bountiful recreation opportunities. However, challenges with staffing and funding for public agencies means some of these places have quietly slipped into disrepair. But not to fear! TKO volunteers are here to change the trajectory of these special places.

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When you picture the Oregon coast, visions of the Pacific Ocean meeting rocky shores likely come to mind. What you may not see are the folks working behind the scenes to ensure places like this remain accessible, enjoyable, and even educational! Along with our partners, Trailkeepers of Oregon has been working throughout 2023 to do just that.

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