About Us PDF Print E-mail

trail crew Started in 2007, Trailkeepers of Oregon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization built on the collective interests and efforts of members of various outdoor organizations across the state, including the Pacific Crest Trails Association, American Hiking Society, Bark, Portlandhikers.org, Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Washington Trails Association. Guided by an early principle of creating a "WTA" for Oregon, we've quickly gained a reputation for selfless servitude and a heart for the interests of hikers.


Our Mission

Inspiring action for the protection and enhancement of the Oregon hiking experience through advocacy, stewardship, education and outreach.

Accomplishing our mission

Stewardship
Ongoing organization and execution of trail tending efforts across the state including:

  • Trail maintenance: continuing efforts to provide routine maintenance to existing trails.
  • Trail restoration: special efforts to restore old trails lost to lack of maintenance.
  • New trail construction: funding, planning and construction of new trails in cooperation with land management agencies and private land owners.

Advocacy
Active, ongoing activities to promote hikers' interests by:

  • Representing hikers when advocating to state and federal agencies, elected officials and other organizations that impact the hiking experience.
  • Raising funds from public and private sources for the preservation and expansion of Oregon's trail system.
  • Protecting hiking opportunities by tracking and prioritizing trail needs across the state, then building comprehensive strategies to address these needs.

Outreach and Education
Promoting hiking as a healthy activity for adults and children.

  • Encouraging stewardship as a responsibility for every trail user.
  • Building an infrastructure to connect volunteers with stewardship opportunities statewide.
  • Partnering with, consulting with and supporting like-minding outdoor organizations.
  • Teaching the health benefits of connecting with the outdoor world.
  • Educating hikers on trail ethics, safety and conservation.
  • Conducting training and certifying volunteers for trail work.
  • Preserving the history of foot trails and hikers in the State of Oregon.
  • Communicating news, issues and events.

Learn more

We welcome all questions and comments. Please see our Contact page.