In 2017, the Eagle Creek fire changed the Columbia Gorge forever – running over 40+ thousand acres and closing over 122 miles of trails. This event changed the trajectory of our small nonprofit, propelling us into a role that we hustled to keep up with. It was only by way of a motivated community of volunteers that we were able to grow quickly and step in to help these trails. We knew then that we had a long journey ahead of us.
Three years later the heart of the Gorge has revived to be a different but equally vibrant place with new success stories every week! But many trails remain closed. Thanks to our volunteers and supporters, TKO will continue to hoof it up the steep Gorge trails and get after the next place that we seek to recover. We’re not done yet! Help us continue the work we started in 2017.
This spectacular mini-gorge within the Gorge leaves most visitors in silent awe, not just because figuring out how to say its name can be elusive. Pronounced “Oh-nee-ON-ta”, this deep channel and its accompanying waterfalls was a classic Gorge sight until the Eagle Creek Fire rendered it too dangerous to access. This beloved trail has been closed to public access since 2017 – but we have exciting updates!
With ongoing support from the Forest Service, TKO volunteers have been steadily working their way up the trail from below Triple Falls. They accomplished a huge amount of work to clear the trail to the Horsetail Junction and above onto the switchback portion. The trail was waiting on the construction of the a new bridge to replace one lost in the fire. Check it out in the photo here!
Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, partner groups, and the support of donors, we are excited to share that the Forest Service reopened the Oneonta Trail earlier this month!
While we are celebrating this accomplishment, our Crew Leaders have already begun turning their attention towards the next trail. Nesmith Point, here we come! If you want to see a similar success story unfold next year for other beloved but closed trails in the Gorge, donate today!
Did you know that there is no experience required to join in any of TKO’s trail party events? If you want to join the amazing group of folks who have been bringing Gorge trails back to life one step at a time, you can! Check out our events calendar for upcoming trail parties and sign up today.
Every spring, Trailkeepers of Oregon Trail Ambassadors head out onto some of Oregon’s most well-loved trails to welcome visitors and share important information about the trail, hiking safety, Leave No Trace, local flora and fauna, and more. We’ve added more locations to our repertoire for this season and we need your help to meet the growing demand on our trails!
Happy Holidays Trailkeepers,
The TKO Legacy Builders end-of-year campaign is coming to a close on December 31st. We are so proud that this campaign is fueled by a grassroots donor base that builds a kick start of support for a new year. Our approach continues to be that everyone in their own way is a Trailkeeper – giving time, giving passion, or giving dollars. Each of these contributions amount to more protection and enhancement of Oregon’s hiking trails.
From Latourell Falls to Mosier Plateau, TKO volunteers put in 6,171 hours (257 days!) in the Columbia River Gorge throughout 2023 ensuring your favorite trails remain ready to welcome you on your adventures. Read on for fun insight on the wide variety of trails and projects that you, our community, helped us to pursue!
Trailkeepers of Oregon
P.O. Box 14814
Portland, OR 97293
(971) 206-4351