The Trails Club of Oregon
now has 501(c)(3) status!
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This status will enable tax advantaged donations.
This has been a long time goal and required a lot of work and time.
More information will come as we update processes.
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Interested in Bike packing?
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The Trails Club is exploring one- or two-night bike packing trips in Oregon and Southwest Washington—and we want to know if you’re in!
Routes would be easy to moderate, suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Expect 15–40 miles per day, manageable climbing, and classic Pacific Northwest scenery.
Do you prefer to ride on paved paths, gravel roads, or natural dirt trails? Let us know.
Options may include traditional camping or more formal lodging such as huts, cabins, or yurts—your preference matters, so speak up!
Interested? Have ideas about routes or places to stay?
Contact Lori Leach at membership@trailsclub.org to share your thoughts.
Whether you’re curious to try bike packing or ready to help lead a trip, your input is welcome!
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Old Timers Annual Reunion - Tyee Lodge
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Tyee Lodge open Wednesday 6/3 to Friday 6/5, 2026
Wednesday 6/3/2026 meet at 9am at Safeway Sandy to carpool.
Meet at 10am at Tyee Lodge for a 3 to 4 mile hike, Camp Creek Loop leader Elaine Nelson.
Potluck lunch Wednesday at 1pm at Tyee Lodge, bring your favorite dish to share.
Afternoon, enjoy the lodge or bring your chair to sit outside visit with your longtime hiking friends. Dinner on your own.
Tyee will be open for two nights. To reserve a bunk and meals contact Gerda Eck.
Head chef Catherine Schiedler, with help from Allen Burrell and Chaz Shaw are planning 2 breakfasts, one on Thursday 6/4 and one on Friday 6/5 also a dinner on Thursday 6/4. Bring your own lunch. Lodge will close Friday afternoon 6/5 at 2pm.
Sign up and questions to host:
Gerda Eck at gerdaeck45@icloud.com or 503-804-4214
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TCO Trails Report (April-18-2026)
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- Larch Mountain Trail (#441) is currently OPEN and clear of obstacles approaching the High Water Trail.
- Wahkeena Trail #420 is currently OPEN.
- Franklin Ridge trail #427 is currently OPEN but has many trees down and across the trail.
- The 0.5 mile connector trail between Multnomah Lodge and Wahkeena Trailhead is currently OPEN.
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- The High Water Trail is currently clear of obstacles.
- The Cougar Rock is clear of obstacles.
- The bridge crossing on the Cougar Rock trail has a hole in the middle that will be repaired in the spring.
- The Elevator Shaft user path is clear of obstacles. The Elevator Shaft rock fields have poison oak beginning to grow alongside the rock path. Long pants are recommended.
- The 0.5 mile Multnomah Basin Cutoff Trail is clear of obstacles.
- The Ornament Trail is currently clear of obstacles.
- The 0.7 mile connector trail between Nesika Lodge and Franklin Ridge is clear of obstacles.
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Note that conditions can change quickly on these trails.
Please report any change in Multnomah Basin trail conditions to
tripschair@trailsclub.org Thanks!
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Leader: Rebecca Knudeson and TBD
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Leaders: Rebecca Knudeson and TBD
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Volunteer Weekend at Nesika
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Old Timers Annual Reunion, Tyee Lodge
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Provisional Members:
Craig Kuhl
New Members:
Jesse Debord sponsored by Rob Parker and Pete Recksiek
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Lower Deschutes River backpack
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Five fantastic TCO members and guests enjoyed 3 days of beautiful weather on the Lower Deschutes River. No mountain goats were spotted this trip, but we saw one gopher snake and two turkeys above us in the tree to keep us company Saturday night. All enjoyed 24 miles of beautiful scenery.
Linda Conrad
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Ray Atkeson (February 13, 1907 – 1990) was an American photographer best known for his black-and-white landscape photography. Ray was famous for lugging heavy 4x5 Speed Graphic camera equipment across rugged terrain to capture iconic winter mountain scenes. Notably, he frequently navigated steep slopes to photograph Jim Mount and others in action. Atkeson lived in Portland, Oregon, from 1928 to 1946 and was an honorary member of the Mazamas.
Ray Atkeson was not a member of our Trails Club of Oregon, but in the 1920's and 1930's there was a reciprocity of membership between the Wy'East climbers, the Mazamas and the Trails Club. Most climbs lead by the Wy'Easters and the Mazamas contained open invitations to the Trails Club and vice versa. Ray Atkeson participated in lodge visits to Nesika and led two Picture Nights for the club. In Oct. 1941, he showed color slides at the home of Marjorie and Billy Wood. In May 1944, he led a Picture Night at the home of Melvin and Martha Becker. He displayed his Kodachromes and they were said to be outstanding.
Ray was a friend of Jim Mount, who is featured in many of Atkeson’s photos. According to Jeff Thomas, Jim Mount was born in 1904 and died in 1977. He joined the Mazamas in 1928, dropped his Mazamas membership in 1936, and joined the Wy’east Climbers circa 1935. In 1930, he and Ole Lien became the first people to climb Mt. Hood every month for a consecutive year. He climbed Mt. Hood approximately 54 times, including the first ascent of Leutholds Couloir in 1932 with Ralph Calkin. His other notable achievements in the Cascades include the first known ascent of the Jefferson Park Glacier (with Everett Darr and Barney McNab on Mt. Jefferson in 1933) and the first known high-altitude skin circumnavigation of Mt. Hood (with Ralph Calkin in 1934). He was also part of the Wy’east Climbers team that completed the first ascents of the South Face of Mt. Washington and St. Peter’s Dome in the Columbia River Gorge in 1940.
Jeff Thomas works in the Mazama Archives and helped shape the sport and trail system of Smith Rock State Park. Known as a "Smith Rock climbing pioneer," Thomas was highly active in the 1970s, pushing the boundaries of what was possible at Smith Rock. A documentary titled "Jeff Thomas: Oregon’s Climbing Historian" can be found online.
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Photo: Dolores Niebergall - Dog Mountain
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Photo: Dolores Niebergall - Dog Mountain
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Photo: Craig Gwydir - Nesika hike
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Photo: Linda Conrad - Nesika Snow April 18
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Photo: Juergen Steinhart - Multnomah Trail Log Jam
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Photo: Kathy Dragich - Waespe Point from Bickel Point viewpoint
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Trails Club of Oregon Board Meeting Minutes
Date: April 7, 2026 Time: 7:00-9:00 PM Location: Zoom
Attendees:
President: Bev Drottar
Treasurer: Sydney Jackson
Secretary: Rebecca Knudeson
Membership: Lori Leach
Tyee Trustee: Eric Zinger Eisinger
Nesika Trustee: Pete Recksiek
Trips Trustee: Craig Gwydir
Outdoor Ed/Outreach Trustee: Sebastian Powers-Leach
Absent:
Vice President: Eric Zimmerman
Publications: Joel Reitz
REGULAR BUSINESS
Minutes were approved by email on March 10, 2026, prior to the Blazer publication.
Treasurer’s Report, Sydney
Beginning Balance, 3/31: $15,641.10
Checks and Payment: $489.86
Deposits and Credits: $3,013.69
Cleared Balance: $8,164.93
We discussed getting recurrent bills on automatic payment. Sydney will look into it.
Sydney has completed the 2025 taxes for the Board to review. She will file them.
Complete reports can be found by the Board in Dropbox.
Membership Report, Lori
Provisional: Craig Kuhl
Readings, approved unanimously:
Jesse Debord sponsored by Rob Parker and Pete Recksiek
Total membership: 258
8 Golden, 3 Junior, 34 Life, 4 Life/Golden, 9 Provisional, 199 Regular
Publications Report
Craig is doing mail pick-up while Joel is away. Lori with help.
Nesika Report, Pete
On 3/17, Linda Conrad opened the lodge and processed historical documents while several members processed wood, planted trees and accomplished volunteer work. The water system was pressurized, but the pump failed and shut the generator down when it was turned on. Hot water was available but at a low pressure.
On 3/28, Pete Recksiek hosted a volunteer weekend. The faulty pump was removed and taken to Portland for inspection. A short was found, and the tech suggested replacing the 30 year old pump ($500) rather than repair it. The moss on the roof was treated. The land below the lodge was cleared, including the pre-existing debris pile. The oil was changed in the generator and log splitter. The corrugated roof over the bbq in the back alley was replaced. We planned the electrical system for the dorm and will work on it during the next work trip. The leaky lower water tank overflow was repaired and the runoff channeled through a cool water feature.
Thanks for the creative idea, Rob Parker! The fire extinguishers in lodge, dorm, shop and generator shack were all certified. The Forest Service will work on the water bars in the next few weeks which will require parking at the green gate during the week.
Tyee Report, Eric Zinger
All is well at Tyee lodge! Eric is attending a Forest Service zoom meeting about a defensible zone on the 9th. He has a fair amount of paper work to do. The lodge has been open almost every weekend this past month. We have had some water intrusion in the basement again. He got it slowed by using a sealant. This summer we will pull the workbench to inspect the situation. Eric has planned a work party for the last weekend of May. He canceled his hosting this weekend due to a work obligation. West Leg Road is open now.
Trips Report, Craig
There was a TCO group day hike to Nesika Lodge in March. The TCO Deschutes River Backpack was successful and well attended. The Wednesday night evening hikes have resumed for spring. Please see the online trailsclub.org calendar for information. Thirteen people attended the March online "TCO Trails Talk Meeting.” Tom Thrall listed 2 backpacks on the calendar for the summer.
The TCO Stormy Trails committee examined Basin trails on Mar 28. The High Water Trail, Ornament Trail, Basin Cutoff Trail, Nesika/Franklin Connector path and Cougar Rock Trail were all clear. Snags/obstacles were cleared on the Elevator Shaft path.
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 Powers-Leach
The Outdoor Education & Outreach Committee members continue to work toward their goals including connecting with other outdoor groups, tabling events and flier distribution. A couple of committee members attended the Leave No Trace presentation at Cedar Mill Library on 3/19, where we were able to table and chat with potential members. Also, a couple committee members assisted with a Leave No Trace presentation to a local Scout troop. Our next committee meeting is scheduled for 4/26 in person, where we expect to make more headway on each of our assigned tasks.
Leave No Trace, Dolores via email
March included two successful outreach events. A March 19 presentation at Cedar Mill Library drew approximately 12 attendees, including four Trails Club members. On March 23, we presented to 28 Camas Boy Scouts with the support of TCO volunteers Beverly Drottar, Sanjana Sachdeva, Sebastian Powers-Leach, and Lori Leach. Feedback from both a parent and Scoutmaster noted strong engagement, with several scouts wishing for more time. Thank you to the volunteers who helped make this event a success. We also shared 10 Leave No Trace posts on Facebook, continuing to build awareness and engagement.
Chair Dolores Niebergall has accepted a volunteer role as Oregon State Advocate with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. This role will support expanded outreach, partnerships, and stewardship efforts across the state. The goal is to foster a culture of responsible recreation that protects Oregon’s natural places for future generations. Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is based in Boulder, Colorado, operates across all 50 states and 90 countries and uses science based education to inspire responsible recreation.
OLD BUSINESS
Chris Monte sent the most recent Threadneedle account, and we are waiting to hear what
steps come next to move this account into a Fidelity account.
We’re still waiting to hear back from the Feds about our 501(c)(3) status.
NEW BUSINESS
Lori and/or Joel, with the help of an AI summary, will take minutes for the May meeting.
We will decide next month about omitting the July or August meeting.
Trail Keepers of Oregon will hold a Tread School at Namanu on May 1-3.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1923QWuNZt/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Lori will inquire about Xerces Pollinator Habitat Kits for use in restoration around Nesika.
Adjourned at 7:47
Next meeting, May 12, Zoom
Submitted by Rebecca Knudeson, Secretary
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Outdoor Education and Outreach
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Ads from TCO members for mutual benefit can be placed in the Trail Blazer
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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:
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- Class A - Shorter, less strenuous activity, typically 4 to 8 miles, less than 1500 feet elevation gain.
- Class B - Moderate to difficult, typically 6 to 12 miles, up to 3000 feet of elevation gain.
- Class C - Long and difficult, strong experienced participants only, typically over 8 miles, and over 3000 feet of elevation gain. Boots are recommended for B/C hikes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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All activities must be approved by the appropriate activity coordinator or the Trips Trustee.
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P.O. Box 19891
Portland, OR 97208-0891
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Organized 1915 Incorporated 1923
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Member of the Federation of Western Outdoors Clubs (FWOC)
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Electronic subscription is included with membership.
Send address changes and club correspondence to:
Membership@TrailsClub.org or the address above.
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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.
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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.
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Trails Club of Oregon & Meetup Websites
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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.
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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
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