Celebrate Oregon’s Forest Champions—Nominate a Volunteer Today!
Oregon’s state forests thrive because of the countless hours volunteers dedicate to these treasured spaces for recreation, learning, and connection.
In 2024 alone, volunteers contributed thousands of hours through the Oregon Department of Forestry and its partner organizations. These are the hands and hearts that maintain trails, connect with recreators and steward the forests we all love.
To honor these extraordinary contributions, the State Forests Trust of Oregon is thrilled to launch the Forest Champions Volunteer Awards. This program recognizes individuals and groups who go above and beyond to enrich the visitor experience and care for our state forests.
Do you know a volunteer who deserves to be celebrated? Share their story with us! Submit your nomination today by emailing kelly.lau@stateforeststrust.org. Let’s celebrate the people who make your state forests extraordinary. Nominate a Forest Champion today and help us honor their legacy!
Key Dates:
Nomination Deadline: March 3, 2025
Award Announcement: April 26, 2025
Who Visits the Tillamook State Forest?
Preliminary data from visitor-use monitoring
The Tillamook State Forest’s Highway 6 corridor is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts from near and far, drawing visitors from across the United States.
To learn more about who these outdoor enthusiasts are, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Recreation, Education, and
Interpretation Program, along with the State Forests Trust of Oregon, has begun a year long study aimed at finding out more.
So far, a majority of visitors hail from Oregon, however, the survey highlights some surprising outliers. Since July of this past year, visitors from as far as Hawaii, Florida, and Massachusetts have made the trek to enjoy the forest’s trails and natural beauty.
Closer to home, visitors from 13 of Oregon’s 36 counties have taken part in the survey, with the top three being Washington County (49.3% of all visitors), Multnomah County (13.4%) and Clackamas County (9.2%).
The research is revealing the broad appeal of the Tillamook State Forest. It is not only held in high esteem as a beloved local destination but also as a draw for adventurers from across the country, reinforcing the forest’s role as a vital recreational and cultural asset.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Volunteer Opportunities
Spring Cleaning for the Trails You Love
Ready to get outside, get moving, and give back? Join the State Forests Trust of Oregon and partners—NW Trail Alliance, Westside Trail Federation, Trailkeepers of Oregon, Oregon Equestrian Trails and Daybreak Racing - for a day of trail clean-up and good times in the Tillamook State Forest!
When: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Where: Tillamook State Forest
We’ll clear brush, tackle fallen trees, and spruce up the trails to get them ready for hikers, bikers, runners, and riders. After a day of rewarding work, kick back and enjoy a hot lunch with fellow trail enthusiasts!
Click on your favorite partner group below and help us get Tillamook’s trails in top shape for the 2025 season. Grab your gloves and join the fun!
Explore more volunteer opportunities to support recreation and learning on Oregon’s state forests! Whether you’re up for trail work, event support, or helping with educational programs, there’s a role for everyone. Click on the links below to learn more.
Oregon Department of Forestry offers a variety of ways to volunteer, at campsites, the Tillamook Forest Center and on the trails.
Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) has numerous trail parties in January and February on the Tillamook and Santiam State Forests.
Westside Trail Federation is out working on trails nearly every weekend. Sign up for the information on events.
NW Trail Alliance (NWTA) is hosting a trail party February 1 on the Tillamook State Forest
Black Rock Mountain Bike Association (BRMBA) has trail parties scheduled monthly February through May.
