Spring Fundraiser
Trails need your support
Excited to start hiking this spring and summer? Join TKO’s spring fundraiser to ensure Oregon’s trails are cared for and ready this season. Each week, we’ll share some favorite and lesser-known hikes, along with stories of those who keep these experiences alive.
Abrupt reductions in federal funding are threatening Oregon’s trails. In 2025, TKO’s budget planned for about $500,000 in federal funding, or 40% of the budget overall. These funds included awarded grants and signed contracts, designated for trail repairs after wildfire, saw training for volunteers, and critical projects in Mt. Hood, the Gorge, and Siuslaw. Most of these federal funds are now frozen or uncertain.
To help continue our work, and keep our crews clearing rock, removing fallen trees, and building new trail, we need steady support from the Oregon hiking community.
Thank you to our Federal Partners
We also want to express gratitude to the federal land managers’ staff and personnel. While we are stepping up in honor of the lands they care for, they cannot be replaced.
Spring Campaign Matching Fund
Thanks to generous support from local hiking groups, corporate sponsors, and foundations, the first $150,000 of donations are being matched. Double your impact for trails, and give today!
Donating through a donor-advised fund? TKO’s tax ID number is 27-1209205.
Thank you to our SUPPORTERS
Keeper Level SPONSORS
HIKER Level SPONSORS
Partner Groups & Organizations
Trailmix
Women Who Explore
Cascade Prime Timers
Portland Hiking Meetup Group
Multnomah Athletic Club Hiking Committee
City of Lake Oswego Hikes & Rambles
Hoppy Hikers
Hiker Babes
Hike Oregon
Springfield Lions Club
Friends of the Columbia Gorge
Week 5
Mt Hood
Photo by Bonnie Henderson
2 Mt. Hood Hikes Worth the Trek
Vista Ridge to Elk Cove
Looking for a stunning route to Elk Cove that avoids the crowds and tough crossings? This approach via Vista Ridge is a favorite among seasoned hikers. It offers a steady, moderate climb through high country forests recovering from the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire, with wildflowers thriving in the reopened meadows. As you climb toward timberline, the views unfold: glacier-carved valleys, expansive ridges, and eventually Elk Cove itself—one of the most breathtaking alpine meadows on the mountain. Unlike the Cloud Cap route, this trail skips tricky glacial stream crossings and dusty canyon traverses, offering a more peaceful, rewarding path to the same spectacular destination.
Old Vista Ridge to Owl Point
Few hikes offer this much reward for so little effort. The Old Vista Ridge Trail was lost to time until a group of dedicated volunteers uncovered and restored it in 2007—an effort that ultimately gave rise to Trailkeepers of Oregon. Their work reopened a path to stunning Owl Point, with sweeping views of Mount Hood, Laurance Lake, and the Hood River Valley. This is a hike through history and high country: a mellow ramble along wildflower meadows and talus slopes, where old lookout phone lines still peek from the trees and every overlook tells a story. Officially adopted by the USFS in 2018, this trail is one of our proudest successes. The view from Owl Point in the late afternoon light? Unforgettable.
Photo by Dan Sharp Volunteer Spotlight: Hope McKee
Hope McKee didn’t expect that a simple invitation from a friend would change her life—but that first TKO trail party after the Eagle Creek Fire was just the beginning.
“What kept me coming back was the people,” Hope says. “Everyone was so welcoming—and being in the woods has always been my happy place.”
Since then, Hope has helped lead crews across Oregon, tackling everything from clearing giant trees on the Salmon River Trail to building gabions on the Oneonta Trail. Along the way, trail work gave her something she didn’t expect: confidence.
“I’m not a natural leader, but leading crews gave me a ton of confidence—and some amazing friends.”
Her advice to new volunteers?
“Go for it. It’s fun, we’re nice—and we’ll give you chocolate.”
Hope’s favorite part of TKO is seeing people find connection and purpose through trails—then coming back again and again.
Photo by Cheryl Hill Four Fire Lookouts Worth the Hike
Trail advocate, author, and longtime TKO volunteer Cheryl Hill has visited more than 100 fire lookouts across Oregon. She’s passionate about the stories these places hold—and the trail work that keeps them accessible.
In her latest feature, Cheryl shares four Cascade fire lookouts you can hike to this summer, each offering sweeping views, rich history, and a reminder of what dedicated volunteers help preserve.
Week 4: May 26 – June 1
Urban Hikes
Photo by Debbie Asakawa
Urban Trail Picks We Love
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
An urban gem tucked into southwest Portland, Tryon offers lush second-growth forest, seasonal wildflowers, and year-round trail access just minutes from downtown. We chose Tryon for this week’s highlight because it’s a place where TKO has built deep roots—supporting trail maintenance, leading crew leader trainings, and helping host stewardship events for new volunteers.
It’s also one of Oregon’s few state parks within city limits, making it a vital outdoor resource for nearby schools, families, and community groups. From repairing erosion on the Old Main Trail to brushing back overgrowth and maintaining bridges, our work here ensures that Tryon’s trails remain safe and welcoming for all.
Guadalupe Loop Trail
Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey
Just north of Lafayette, this serene loop trail winds through oak savanna, mixed woodland, and peaceful ridgelines with occasional mountain views. The trail is part of a 1,300-acre working monastery, home to Trappist monks who manage a bindery, guesthouse, and bakery. In 2010, the entire property became a wildlife conservation easement—protecting rare Willamette Valley habitat.
TKO helped assess this trail for accessibility and signage improvements, part of our larger commitment to increasing inclusive access across the region. Hikers are welcome dawn to dusk, but please respect the contemplative nature of the site: silence is requested near buildings and ponds, and dogs are not permitted.
It’s a peaceful walk—and a reminder of how trails can nourish both body and spirit.
Keizer Rapids Park Loop
Just north of Salem, Keizer Rapids offers a unique blend of riverside trails, oak savanna views, and historical intrigue. This park sits on land once crossed by wagon in the 1840s by Oregon Trail settler Thomas Dove Keizur, whose name—and many variant spellings—live on in the city today.
Today, the loop trail winds through forested disc golf fairways, alongside ponds and the Willamette River, and past interpretive signs that highlight the area’s cultural and ecological history. Keep an eye out for relics of sternwheeler history and seasonal changes in river height that reveal massive driftwood and flood debris.
TKO volunteers and community partners have contributed to keeping this trail system open and inviting—whether through brushing work, public cleanups, or accessibility improvements. It’s a quiet, often overlooked trail with deep roots and ongoing care.
Photo by Bonnie Henderson Trail Spotlight: Bonnie’s Walk to Lovely
Author and trail advocate Bonnie Henderson shares her favorite urban loop through Eugene and Springfield—a choose-your-own-distance journey that follows Pre’s Trail along the Willamette River and ends at a cozy café called Lovely.
From recovery walks after hip surgery to training for longer treks, Bonnie’s walk is a reminder that the hiking mindset isn’t limited to big miles or remote summits—it’s about connection.
“It’s right in the middle of the metro area, linking the two towns… It’s become even more appealing as I’ve been rehabbing. You can walk longer distances, but do you ever, umm, stop and break it up?”
This is a story of discovery, resilience, and hot tea on a rainy day—plus some bark chip gaiter tips.
Week 3: May 19-25
Willamette Valley
Photo by Debbie Asakawa
Willamette Valley Hikes to Explore
Shellburg Falls
This hike leads through dense forest and over footbridges before revealing the stunning double cascade of Shellburg Falls. After heavy storm damage, this trail was closed for months. TKO volunteers helped clear debris, repair tread, and helped reopen the route for public access.
Silver Falls State Park (Trail of Ten Falls Loop)
A true Oregon classic. This loop features ten waterfalls, canyon viewpoints, and stretches where the trail passes behind cascading falls. TKO supports stewardship efforts throughout the park, ensuring this beloved destination remains safe and accessible for the thousands of hikers who visit each year.
Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Ingrid H.
Ingrid H. (left) and Lauren L. (right) at a Trailkeepers of Oregon logout event. Photo by Susan Schen. Ingrid found Trailkeepers of Oregon in early 2020 and quickly got hooked. “I enjoyed working outdoors and meeting new people. It gave me a sense of purpose and passion I didn’t have before.”
Now a regular on the North Coast, Ingrid has helped lead projects like the Beaver Creek box step build—one of the most rewarding challenges yet. “We built real camaraderie, cheering each other on with every swing of the sledgehammer.”
For Ingrid, trail work is about more than fixing tread. “It’s given me friendships that mean a lot to me. I feel like I’m helping make the world better for future generations.”
Ingrid and her family also host TKO’s annual Summer Volunteer Celebration at their home in the Coast Range—a tradition they began three years ago to help the community relax, connect, and celebrate the work we’ve accomplished together.
Volunteers like Ingrid make this work possible.
Week 2: May 12-18
Oregon Coast
Photo by Debbie Asakawa
Neahkahnie Mountain to Manzanita
This stretch of the Oregon Coast Trail is a favorite for good reason. You’ll climb through Sitka spruce and open meadows to a panoramic bluff view over Manzanita—and descend to town with a view that stretches for miles. Look closely and you might spot gabions (wire-wrapped rock structures) that TKO crews installed to stabilize the trail after storm damage.
Amanda’s Trail (Yachats to Cape Perpetua)
This powerful coastal hike offers both beauty and reflection—beginning near tidepools and ocean churn, then climbing through lush forest to sweeping views from Cape Perpetua. Along the way, you’ll cross a dramatic suspension bridge and pass the Amanda Statue, a memorial honoring Indigenous resilience and history.TKO and partners have helped repair tread, restore erosion damage, and ensure safe access to this deeply meaningful place.
Cape Falcon
This short but rewarding coastal hike winds through towering Sitka spruce to a dramatic headland with sweeping views of Neahkahnie Mountain and the Pacific. Expect rugged, muddy tread most of the year—sturdy footwear is a must for navigating roots and rough sections. TKO crews have helped improve trail conditions here by building tread across eroded areas and clearing fallen trees to keep this section of the Oregon Coast Trail accessible.
Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Kai Lewis
(they/them)
Kai found TKO through a social media post and joined their first trail party just two days later. What began as a way to connect turned into something more.
“I keep coming back because of the friends I’ve made—and I just really love doing trail work!”
Based on the coast, Kai is proud to be helping maintain trails they’ve loved for years, like Gwynn Creek. “It makes me proud that my work will help others enjoy such a beautiful place. I think I love it even more now that I’m part of the trail.”
Trail work has brought Kai purpose, connection, and strength. “I’ve learned that small things really add up. And as a queer person, I haven’t always felt welcome in outdoor spaces. But with TKO, I feel accepted. It’s just a great group of folks who love the outdoors as much as me.”
Week 1: May 5-11
The Columbia River Gorge
Photo by Matt Ruddy
TKO Picks: 3 Gorge Hikes We Love
Wahclella Falls
An all-time favorite for families and waterfall lovers, Wahclella offers a short, scenic loop through mossy canyon walls to a dramatic two-tiered waterfall. The trail is well-maintained, with gentle elevation and plenty of photo ops. Be sure to go early or on a weekday—this one’s popular for good reason. Find out more on OregonHikers.org
Angel’s Rest
This classic Columbia Gorge hike climbs through switchbacks to a rocky bluff with panoramic views of the river, cliffs, and beyond. It’s a favorite for experienced hikers and active families looking for a rewarding challenge. Wildflowers in spring and golden light in fall make it a beauty in every season. Find out more on OregonHikers.org
Bridal Veil Falls & Bluff Trail
This short, family-friendly hike offers a double dose of scenic beauty: a lush forest trail to a viewing platform for the two-tiered falls, and a bluff overlook with sweeping Columbia River views. Once the heart of a historic timber town, the area still holds echoes of Oregon’s past. Amenities include restrooms and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a relaxed outing. Find out more on OregonHikers.org
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Karen Campbell
Karen and her husband Neil moved to Oregon in 2020—and found community on the trail.
“I’m an introvert, and moving during the pandemic was isolating. But from the first trail party at Wahkeena Falls, I felt welcomed. It wasn’t long before I signed up for another—and another.”
Since then, Karen has completed over 250 trail parties, earned her saw certification, and become a Crew Leader.
“I’ve learned so much and made amazing friends. With every trail project, I feel more connected—to nature, to others, and to this state I now call home.”