Join a Community Conversation about Oregon State Forests
Sharing Our Trails
For decades, local chapters of Oregon Equestrian Trails (OET) have partnered with Oregon Department of Forestry(ODF) to help design, build and maintain horse camps. They also help steward non-motorized trails used by horseback riders, as well as hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers. Many of the non-motorized trails on Oregon State Forests are classified as multiple use.
For example, in 2006, ODF partnered with the Silver Falls Chapter of OET and other local volunteers to design and construct the Santiam State Forest Horse Camp and surrounding trail system. Nearly 2,000 hours of volunteer time went into the build-out of that area, and countless hours of volunteers have since invested their time and talent in assisting ODF staff in restoring and maintaining the area after the 2020 Labor Day Fire.
One oft hose volunteers is Bonnie DePriest, a member of the Silver Falls Chapter of OET. “What makes Santiam State Forest so special is there’s not many people,” she says. “Until the fire, you felt you were in the wilderness. After the fire you can see how close things are. Even so, there are still so many scenic areas.” The trails on the Santiam - used by equestrians, hikers and bikers - traverse diverse and unique forests and landscapes.
“Today, chapter members are older, but we still lend a hand,” says Bonnie. “We bring our heavy equipment to move gravel and redo trails.”
Up on the Tillamook State Forest, Wendy Zurcher of OET’s Northwest Chapter (which helped to build Reeher’s Horse Camp) recalls working on trails with volunteers who hiked or biked the trails there. “It was great working with people who enjoyed the forest in different ways,” she says. “Working together we built relationships that help to reduce tensions.”
One other important way OET has contributed to the state forest community is the Share the Trail program. Share the Trail recognizes diverse groups all want to enjoy the trails, and by sharing them, there are more opportunities for everyone to enjoy Oregon’s State Forests. It’s a simple mindset to expect, respect and connect with others.
Bonnie says, “We love to share the trails because we love to share our horses. I remember meeting a couple of young guys on the trail who were afraid to touch my horse. I encouraged them and they finally came around.”
Wendy agrees. “Sharing our horses is a great way to engage with kids and families and then have a conversation with them about making the trails safe and welcoming for everyone.”
“The thing to remember is horses are flight animals”, Bonnie says. “They know you are there. My only worry is people wearing headphones and not realizing we are on the trail.”
Sharing the trail involves these simple steps: STOP, SPEAK, SMILE. It also involves understanding who yields to whom: Hikers yield to horses, bikes yield to both hikers and horses, downhill bikes yield to uphill bikes.
Meeting others on the trail can be a good experience. When we take a friendly approach, it makes the trails a nicer place for everyone. Click here to learn more about Share the Trails.
Volunteer Opportunities on Oregon State Forests
Tens of thousands of people enjoy visiting and exploring Oregon’s state forests. But to keep access affordable, ODF depends on dedicated groups of volunteers to welcome visitors, maintain trails and facilities, and create new opportunities for recreation and learning. If you enjoy your state forests, consider giving some of your time and talents to help ensure the state forest experiences remain special.
Volunteer with ODF’s Recreation, Education & Interpretation Program
Camp Hosts
Oregon Department of Forestry(ODF) is looking for Volunteer Camp Hosts for 8 campgrounds across the Tillamook, Clatsop, and Santiam State Forests for the 2024 season! Campgrounds operate from May through October with flexible scheduling opportunities to include both full-season and short-season commitments. To learn more, please visit the ODF Volunteer Page or fill out a Volunteer Camp Host application here.
Tillamook Forest Center
Winter Cleaning Party
March 2, 2024 (Saturday) - 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Join us for a special volunteer opportunity at the Tillamook Forest Center - it’s time to clean! As the saying goes, “Many hands make light work.” Help us get ready tore-open for the 2024 season with a quick indoor cleanup to make sure the Centeris ready to welcome visitors on opening day, March 6th! Tasks will include cleaning exhibits, sprucing up the facility, and more. Be the first visitors of 2024!
No prior training is required
Wear comfortable clothing
Ability to follow directions, bend, lift 10 pounds and work in a group setting
Lunch will be provided by the State Forests Trust of Oregon
Registration is required, and the deadline is Wednesday, February 28. To register, please call (503) 815-6807 Monday– Friday from 8:30 – 4 pm or email tfc.info@odf.oregon.gov. This opportunity is for ages 12 – adult. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Register now, as space is limited!
A variety of other volunteer opportunities are also available at the Center:
Day Volunteers play a number of roles, including Greeters, Trail Ambassadors and Maintenance Host, School Field Trip Assistants, Experience Guides, and Forest History Research Assistants.
On-site volunteer hosts live in their own RV at a full-hookup facility in the center. Two spaces are available.
Work Party / Event Volunteers join a group of other volunteers to complete various projects at the center, inside or out, for a single day or event.
Learn more about these opportunities by emailing tfc.info@odf.oregon.gov.
Soul River Deployment & Volunteer Opportunities
Do you have a passion or an interest in protecting our public lands, indigenous spaces, environmental justice, and/or climate change? If so, consider applying to Soul River Inc.! Soul River Inc.(SRI) is an active partner of ODF and the Trust and is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Deployment Season!
Soul River connects inner city youth and US military veterans to the outdoors through incredible outdoor educational transformation experiences. By engaging U.S. veterans as mentors for inner-city youth, we believe that rich, powerful opportunities for healing authentically happen in the midst of Mother Nature .
Whether you are new or experienced within the climate justice and environmental advocacy world, you are welcome to apply! Youth 14-18 years of age, veterans, and volunteers are encouraged to apply! Learn more here. https://soulriverinc.org/deployments/
Wilson River Trail Party - March 3, 2024 Click here to register.
Trailkeepers of Oregon’s (TKO) mission is to protect and enhance the Oregon hiking experience through trail stewardship, advocacy, outreach, and education. They provide safe and fun experiences to volunteers, build and restore trails to provide a quality hiking experience and teach stewardship ethics to visitors of Oregon’s natural places. Join TKO on March 3, 2024, for a day of brushing out a corridor for new trail construction along the Wilson River Trail.
Dig Day on the Tillamook State Forest - March 30, 2024 Click here to register.
Trail work is a big part of what NWTA does, putting in tens of thousands of hours of volunteer work into trail building and maintenance every year. Working in partnership with ODF, our dig days vary from small midweek groups and medium-sized weekend groups to large 50-100 person events a half dozen times per year. Fall through Spring in the Pacific Northwest is the prime digging season. Click here for more information about the upcoming on the Tillamook State Forest, and click here for their full calendar.
