Trail Tending

Upcoming Trail Tending Events can be seen on the Trail Trip Schedule, updated around the first of every month.

Help our Coast Range trails! Complete info on the Tillamook State Forest Volunteer Work Days will be posted in spring 2007.

The Trail Tending sub-committee is a branch of the Trail Trips Committee that helps to construct and maintain our favorite trails. In 1996, we were a prime force in reopening trails in the Columbia River Gorge that were devastated by the floods and harsh weather of the winter. We organized and led over 20 trail reconstruction trips that year.  There is no charge to participate on trail tending activities.  Members and non-members are welcome to join in trail tending.

There are about nine members of this sub-committee as well as over two dozen other special volunteers that are dedicated (along with the general membership and non-Mazama volunteers) to providing safe and accessible trails for use. This sub-committee meets four times a year, typically on the first Monday of the month (October, January, April, July). It works in cooperation with the US Forest Service and local agencies in maintaining trail access for the hiking community.

Trail Maintenance

Our primary tasks are helping to keep open trails that have been damaged by storms, erosion and the whims of nature. We will go into trail areas at the behest of the Forest Service or other local agencies and augment re-building efforts and maintenance that is needed. Because of budget cutbacks in the Forest Service, much of our work is done under their guidance. We typically will go into a trail area and do such tasks as removing downed trees from blocking the trail, re-grading hiking paths covered by slides or washed away by erosion, re-routing paths around unstable ground, re-constructing access across streams and creeks, and general cleanup of branches, bushes, boulders and other path obstructions.

We supply tools for working on these trips. Such tools include rock rakes, pick-axes, pry bars, come-alongs, saws and loppers. Participants are expected to supply their own work clothes, (long pants!) leather gloves, boots, rain gear, food and water. Trips are within commuting distance to Portland. Each trip typically lasts four to eight hours. We try to schedule at least one trip per month and will add more trips if the need is there.  No experience is necessary.  As for most all Mazama activities, Trail Tending days are open to members and non-members alike.  If you’d like to join a work party, please contact the leaders listed below.  Feel free to call us at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (503-227-2345) if you need a phone number.

Trail Construction

A prime activity of the Mazamas in the early 90’s was the construction of the Mazama Trail on Mt. Hood. This was a project taken on as a centennial activity that provides new, well graded access to the Timberline Trail on the Northwest section of the mountain. We are working with the Forest Service in an ongoing effort to perform annual maintenance work on this trail to keep it clear and safe for all hikers to use.

In past years, the Mazamas were instrumental in creating and constructing trails such as Trapper Creek and Chetwoot. We currently have four adopted trails including the Mazama trail, Elk-King traverse, and several sections of trail in Trapper Creek and Forest Park.

Trail Tenders Awards

An incentive we’ve used is a Trail Tender bandanna. Each participant got one bandanna to recognize their effort.  Another recognition is for leadership of Trail Tending events. The Trail Trips Committee awards a patch and certificate for leaders of 10 and 25 Trail Tending events.

The Trail Tenders are looking to add new trail tending leaders. Contact us at the Mazama Mountaineering Center and we’ll connect you with right person.

Look for details on all trail tending events in the Mazama Bulletin or call the leader. We hope you can join us!