Trails Club of Oregon dues were due on January 1. If you haven’t renewed yet, it’s not too late - but please note that a $5 late fee now applies.

You can conveniently pay your dues online at: https://trailsclub.org/renew

Stay current to keep enjoying all the benefits of club membership and help support our hiking and lodge programs for the year ahead!

We’re planning another great year of hikes, outings, and lodge activities - and we’d love your input! Please take a few minutes to fill out our short survey to help us design trips and events that match members’ interests.

Whether you’re a longtime leader, thinking about leading your first trip, or just want to assist on an outing, we’d love to hear from you. Your ideas and energy keep our club thriving.

Tell us what kinds of adventures, social gatherings, or lodge projects you’d like to see this year - your suggestions help shape the calendar.

Click the link below to participate - we appreciate your time and creativity! https://form.jotform.com/260283850444053

TCO Trails Report (Jan-10-2026)

USFS Multnomah Falls Trails

The latest USFS trails closures can be found at:

https://fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge

 Multnomah Basin Trails

 Note that conditions can change quickly on these trails.

Please report any change in Multnomah Basin trail conditions to

tripschair@trailsclub.org.  Thanks!

Check the Trails Club of Oregon website calendar for up-to-date event listings.
Click on the Details Icon for a link to the event.

See the trip reports on the TCO website to see what you have missed!

Leader: Sheryl Wagner

Leader: Paul Cutter

On Zoom

Leader: Linda Conrad

Leader: Pete Recksiek

Leader: Sheryl Wagner

Leader: Sheryl Wagner

Leader: Linda Conrad

Leader: Lori Leach

Leader: Lori Leach

Leader: Sheryl Wagner

Leader: Tom Thrall

Resignation:
Pascal Powers-Leach

New Members:
Delaney McGee – Sponsored by Sebastian Powers-Leach and Greg Barrell
Elizabeth Markhart – Sponsored by Silke Brunning and Volker Czechowski
Brian Felder - Sponsored by Lori Leach and Bruce Seymour
Kimberly Felder - Sponsored by Lori Leach and Paul Cutter
Darlene Jordan – Sponsored by Carl Buchanan and Pete Recksiek
Paul Dragulin – Sponsored by Carl Buchanan and Sonja Alonso
Rita Allotey – Sponsored by Silke Brunning and Volker Czechowski
Austin Ludwig – Sponsored by Silke Brunning and Volker Czechowski
Alexis Nixon – Sponsored by Sebastian Powers-Leach and Greg Barrel
Serge Kiselev - Sponsored by Craig Gwydir and Eric Zimmerman
Richard Turner – Sponsored by Mark Barham and Bob Bonner
Kim Streuli - Sponsored by Mark Barham and Bob Bonner
Graham Garner - Sponsored by Sebastian Powers-Leach and Maggie Klaus
Morgan Garner - Sponsored by Sebastian Powers-Leach and Maggie Klaus

Story of creation of Nesika

 Retyped word for word from Trail Blazer by Linda Conrad, Historian. 
From the June 1939 edition of the
Trail Blazer of Trails Club of Oregon

   It has been nearly two decades since a small group of members determined that a home for the Trails Club of Oregon would be beneficial.  While gathered around the camp fires and at weekly luncheons they talked about a home for the Club.  The establishment of a mountain home eventually met with approval and because the Trails Club had its inception on the summit of Larch Mountain, the territory surrounding this famous peak was selected as a logical place for a mountain home.  More than a year was spent in searching this area before the spot in the Columbia River Highlands upon which Nesika Lodge now stands was found.  To Herman Erren, George Bickel and Fred Steeble who formed the first Lodge Committee, the Club pays a tribute for their far-reaching vision in choosing this spot. 
   Ground was broken and construction started on the Lodge in 1922.  Bus service terminated at Bridal Veil and it was necessary either to walk from there or to take the Union Pacific Hikers' Special, which ran each week end from Portland.  On Sunday afternoon this train left The Falls at 4:15 PM and if you missed it you were in for an additional 3 mile walk to bridal Veil and with good lunch you could reach Portland by 11:00 o'clock AM Monday morning.  Not withstanding the hardships and inconveniences, each week-end members came to help.  
   All supplies and materials for the Lodge were carted over the old Palmer Road, a tortuous logging road, full of mud holes and broken puncheons, to the Arrington Ranch.  From there they were taken over the last half mile in packs and wheelbarrows.  The Club Roster still carries the names of some of the men and women who helped pack  materials on their backs from the Basin to the Lodge site. 
   During the excavation, a huge rock was encountered. This was blasted and the fragments used to build the fire place.  Construction proceeded rapidly; and as the building neared completion, a name was selected in keeping with Western Tradition.   Indian word "Nesika" meaning "Our" was finally chosen and today the Phrase "Nesika Lodge" is familiar to the members and to many others.  
   Nesika Lodge was dedicated in October 1924 and with the passing of the years, it stands out, becoming [sic] those who tread the mount trails to stop and enjoy.  Nesika, "Our Lodge" In the Wildwood.  
          At the end of a woodland trail, Where wild flowers bloom in abundance  And peace and quiet prevail by Edward Lenz

Photo: Craig Gwydir - Slide between Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls THs

Photo: Craig Gwydir - Wahkeena Slide from above - tread restored after this photo

Photo: Craig Gwydir - Multnomah Basin Road

Photo: Craig Gwydir - Nesika

Photo: Craig Gwydir - Winter Creek

Photo: Craig Gwydir - Eric on Larch Mountain Trail Slide

Photo: Juergen Steinhart -  Nesika New Year

Photo: Dave Lechter - Monster Trail before

Photo: Dave Lechter - Monster Trail after

Trails Club of Oregon Board Meeting Minutes
Date: January 13, 2026 Time: 7:00-9:00 PM Location: zoom

Attendees:
President:                                     Bev Drottar
Vice President:                             Eric Zimmerman
Treasurer:                                     Sydney Jackson
Secretary:                                     Rebecca Knudeson
Publications:                                 Joel Reitz
Membership:                                 Lori Leach
Tyee Trustee:                                Eric "Zinger" Eisinger
Nesika Trustee:                             Pete Recksiek
Trips Trustee:                                Craig Gwydir
Outdoor Ed/Outreach Trustee:      Sebastian Powers-Leach

REGULAR BUSINESS
Minutes were approved on December 15, 2025, by email prior to the Blazer publication.

Treasurer’s Report, Sydney

Beginning Balance, 1/1/25 :    $8,250.09
Checks and Payment:             11,168.72
Deposits and Credits:              10,460.03
Cleared Balance:                       7,541.40

Comprehensive reports for December financials can be found at: Monthly Treasurer's
Reports - Dropbox

Membership Report, Lori
Resignations: Pascal Powers-Leach

Membership Readings, all unanimously approved:
Delaney McGee – Sponsored by Sebastian Powers-Leach and Greg Barrell
Elizabeth Markhart – Sponsored by Silke Brunning and Volker Czechowski
Brian Felder - Sponsored by Lori Leach and Bruce Seymour
Kimberly Felder - Sponsored by Lori Leach and Paul Cutter
Darlene Jordan – Sponsored by Carl Buchanan and Pete Recksiek
Paul Dragulin – Sponsored by Carl Buchanan and Sonja Alonso
Rita Allotey – Sponsored by Silke Brunning and Volker Czechowski
Austin Ludwig – Sponsored by Silke Brunning and Volker Czechowski
Alexis Nixon – Sponsored by Sebastian Powers-Leach and Greg Barrel
Serge Kiselev - Sponsored by Craig Gwydir and Eric Zimmerman
Richard Turner – Sponsored by Mark Barham and Bob Bonner
Kim Streuli - Sponsored by Mark Barham and Bob Bonner
Graham Garner - Sponsored by Sebastian Powers-Leach and Maggie Klaus
Morgan Garner - Sponsored by Sebastian Powers-Leach and Maggie Klaus

Life Membership: Kathleen Mace, Pete Nelson

Membership Summary: 272 total
8 Golden, 2 Junior, 32 Life, 3 Life/Golden, 23 Provisional, 1 Provisional Jr, 202 Regular

Publications Report, Joel
The Blazer will be different this month to avoid the higher fees charged by Mailchimp.

Insurance, Eric Zimmerman
We reduced the overall price by almost $1000 on our insurance by raising our deductible from
$1000 to $10,000.

Nesika Report, Pete
The Basin Road was cleared of fallen trees on 12/23 by Glen and Linda Conrad, Rob Parker and Pete Recksiek on a day trip. Many water bars had to be cleared because of the heavy rain the previous week. Dave Lechter spent time repairing water bars and planting silver fir trees around the footpath above the dorm. Pete Recksiek hosted New Year's Eve for 3 days, which drew 16 guests and $334. The lodge has not seen any snow yet this year. The water supply (spring box) has a caving wooden roof. They are considering how to fix it.

Tyee Report, Paul Cutter via email
The lodge was opened the second weekend. Thank you to Sebastian. It was also open from the Dec 26 through to Jan 3, averaging 8 people per night. Power was lost after the major storm for 5 days, with Zinger, Lori and Joergen spending an afternoon removing fallen trees on the winter trail. Thank you. The lodge suffered no damage. The storm runoff repair appears to be working. The big test will be when there is frozen ground and snow followed by a rapid thaw. The Forest Service notified us that we need to apply by March 1 for any changes to our permit. Apparently, this application process will be available yearly. We discussed a couple dead trees near our trail that need to be removed.

Trips Report, Craig
There were 2 day hikes during the month of December. The TCO Stormy Trails committee examined the following trails and found them clear of obstacles as of Jan 10: High Water Trail, Basin Cutoff Trail, and Ornament Trail. The Elevator Shaft user path has obstacles/snags that are relatively easy to work around. The TCO Stormy Trails committee examined the following trails and found them clear of obstacles as of Dec 26: Cougar Rock and Franklin Ridge/Nesika Lodge Connector Trail.

Please email tripschair@trailsclub.org if you are interested in assisting with trail work, including
trail scouting, restoration and maintenance.
Call for help: If you are interested in learning about adventures on the Multnomah Plateau and
willing to help co-lead hikes and/or join a TCO trips planning committee, please join our "TCO
Hike Leaders Meeting" this month, or send questions to tripschair@trailsclub.org.

Outdoor Ed and Outreach
Sebastian is looking into activities for his new committee.

OLD BUSINESS
501c3 application
Nothing new has happened with our non-profit efforts. We are waiting for a response from
Startchurch on our application to the feds.

2026 Budget
We discussed the budget and moved, seconded and unanimously approved to adopt the 2026
budget.

NEW BUSINESS
None

Adjourned at 9:00
Next meeting, Feb. 10, 2026, zoom
Submitted by Rebecca Knudeson, Secretary

President
@TrailsClub.org

VicePres
@TrailsClub.org

Secretary
@TrailsClub.org

Treasurer
@TrailsClub.org

NesikaChair
@TrailsClub.org

TyeeChair
@TrailsClub.org

MembershipChair
@TrailsClub.org

PublicationChair
@TrailsClub.org

OEOChair
@TrailsClub.org

TripsChair
@TrailsClub.org

 

Social
@TrailsClub.org

LeaveNoTrace
@TrailsClub.org

History
@TrailsClub.org

Conservation
@TrailsClub.org

Ads from TCO members for mutual benefit can be placed in the Trail Blazer

If you would like to place an ad send your input to: Blazer@TrailsClub.org

For activities such as bicycle, snowshoe, and XC skiing check with the leaders for the difficulty level. Good equipment for the specific activity is required for all events. For hikes, snowshoes:

Harsh conditions may increase the exertion and skill required; be prepared. Contact the trip leader if you have any questions and to let him or her know that you will be attending. Bring the 10 Essentials and please, no alcohol. Pets allowed on designated trips only. 

Stay with the group and follow the leader. The leader is responsible for the group's safety. The leader determines which route is taken. The leader has authority to determine if a participant is prepared for the activity. Group safety must come first.

There is no charge to Trails Club members for day activities; non-members pay $2. Please contribute to any carpooling expenses at the rate of $.20 per mile. With multiple riders the driver can collect up to $.50 per mile shared by all the riders. Other fees may apply. 

If you have RSVP'd for an activity at a lodge involving food expense and are unable to participate, you are obligated to do one of the following: Cancel before the food is purchased, find someone to take your place, or pay for your share of the food. 

All activities must be approved by the appropriate activity coordinator or the Trips Trustee.

Published monthly by the

Organized 1915                            Incorporated 1923

Member of the Federation of Western Outdoors Clubs (FWOC)

Electronic subscription is included with membership.
Send address changes and club correspondence to:
Membership@TrailsClub.org or the address above.

The purpose of the Trails Club is to foster and stimulate interest in hiking, climbing, skiing, camping and
other similar outdoor activities and to promote activities of a social nature for the benefit of its members.
The Club’s interests and concerns are conservation of natural beauty and resources of the country.
All Club activities are affected by the voluntary participation of the members.
Membership requirements include an approved outdoor activity, a scheduled lodge visit, recommendations by two members within a one-year period, approval by the Board of Trustees, and payment of $50 in dues and a $15 entrance fee. 

Usually second Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm, over Zoom.
See the calendar on the TCO website for the link if you wish to attend.
Contact the President prior to a meeting if you have an issue to bring to the board. 

Our website (TrailsClub.org) is the official site for club events and information.
There is also a Trails Club Meetup site that allows event planners to organize TCO events online, and
publicize these events to a wider audience (Meetup.com/Trails-Club-ofOregon/events/).
However, all events posted on the TCO Meetup site should be added to our TCO website as well.
While we try to get every event in the Trail Blazer and on the Trails Club website (www.trailsclub.org), some events, especially those planned on short notice, may not appear in The Blazer.
Use the Calendar menu item for a listing of events.
Registration on the website is not required to view the events.
Also: All may use the Payment menu item on our website to pay your membership dues.
You can pay for all members in a household in one transaction. 

Send write-ups to: Blazer@TrailsClub.org
Submissions are due by the fifteenth of the month prior to publication.
Trail Blazer Editor: Joel Reitz
Send pictures, new events, corrections and anything else for the
Trails Club of Oregon website to: webmaster@TrailsClub.org