TKO’s Trail Ambassador Program places volunteers at popular trails in the Columbia Gorge, on Mt. Hood, and along Oregon’s coast. Volunteers give back to the trails they love by engaging with visitors around hiking safety and etiquette, Leave No Trace, responsible use of public lands, and more. There are multiple ways to be an Ambassador – scroll down to learn more!
Trailhead Ambassadors
Trailhead Ambassadors are friendly folks excited to engage with trail users just heading out on their adventures. These volunteers set up a table at some of the most popular trails in the Columbia River Gorge, on Mount Hood, and along the Coast to help and educate visitors on topics like Leave No Trace, wayfinding on the trail, safety, and more!
You can even volunteer as a Trailhead Ambassador with a team! Bring your group of friends, family, or coworkers, and spend the day together supporting trails by engaging with trail users, hiking, and cleaning up the trail. Click below to learn more!
Wilderness Ambassadors
Wilderness Ambassadors are a special type of volunteer. Experts at public engagement and education, these adventurous folks head out on some of the most beloved wilderness trails on Mount Hood and in the Columbia River Gorge to share Leave No Trace principles, hiking etiquette, and trail stewardship with trail users. Click the link below for more info!
Getting Started as an Ambassador
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A TRAIL AMBASSADOR?
- For both Trailhead and Wilderness Ambassadors, we ask that you complete the online Trail Ambassador training. This is a short series of videos and quizzes that can be done at your own pace.
- Wilderness Ambassador Volunteers will also need to complete a classroom training day and 3 mentor hikes before going out solo. Read more here.
- In these trainings, we will go over volunteer logistics, Leave No Trace principles, and tips for you to help folks have a safer and more enjoyable experience on the trail. This will equip you with the resources to feel confident in your role talking to visitors and navigating potentially challenging situations.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
Start by taking the online Trail Ambassador Training!
And sign up for our monthly Trail Ambassador Newsletter to receive program updates and event notices!
Other ways to be an Ambassador
Field Guide Editors
TKO manages the extremely popular OregonHikers.org. We are always on the lookout for dedicated folks from around the state who are interested in helping to edit and curate this amazing, volunteer-built resource. Apply to be a Field Guide Editor today!
Building a Trail Ambassador Network
Trail Ambassadors has been a collaborative effort from the start. This program is built on the foundational idea that nonprofit partners, agencies, and the public are more powerful together than apart. This program is the result of many years of hard work from the partners listed here. TKO works with an extensive network of partners to support this program. We are always excited to partner with new volunteer groups who might be look for skills training, or new land managers who might be looking for field support.
If you are involved with a nonprofit, agency, or business interested in becoming a part of the Trail Ambassador Network, please email:
Want to Get Involved?
Email volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org for more information on TKO programs.
Or contact us at:
Trailkeepers of Oregon
P.O. Box 14814
Portland, Oregon 97293
(971) 206-4351
Subscribe for News and Events
Trailkeepers of Oregon
P.O. Box 14814
Portland, OR 97293
(971) 206-4351