Help Lead the Trails Club:
Board Openings for 2027
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The Trails Club runs on volunteers, and that includes the board. This fall we have two officer positions opening up that we'd love to talk with members about.
President. Bev Drottar is stepping down at the end of the year after leading the club through our transition to 501(c)(3) status. The President chairs the monthly board meetings and the November annual meeting, works with the trustees to keep club programs moving, and is the club's voice to members and partner organizations. You don't need prior board experience. You need to care about the club, be organized, and be willing to help a group of committed volunteers pull in the same direction.
Treasurer. Sydney Jackson is relocating and has stepped down from the board. Sydney has generously offered to help the next Treasurer get up to speed remotely, so whoever steps in won't be starting cold. The job is more manageable than it might sound. The club's books are in QuickBooks, and other board members already handle scanning the mail so the Treasurer can work from anywhere with a laptop. The core work is keeping up with money coming in and going out, giving a short financial summary at the monthly board meeting, and preparing a few annual reports for taxes and our 501(c)(3) status. If you're comfortable with QuickBooks or willing to learn it, and you like keeping things in order, this could be a good fit. This seat is open now, and it is the one we most urgently need to fill.
Both seats normally run through 2027. Because these are mid-term openings, the board will appoint replacements, and we want members to have a chance to step forward first.
Trail Blazer Editor. We're also looking for someone to take on editing this newsletter. The editor assembles each monthly issue from trip reports, lodge news, and board announcements, with support from Publications Trustee Joel Reitz. A good fit for anyone who enjoys writing, layout, or just keeping the club connected.
Other seats. Vice President, Secretary, Publications, Trips, and Outdoor Education and Outreach are up for election at the November annual meeting. The current holders have all agreed to serve another term, but nominations from the floor are always welcome.
If any of this sounds interesting, or you'd just like to know more about what a position involves before deciding, please reach out. I'm happy to talk. Contact me at eric.zimmerman@trailsclub.org.
Eric Zimmerman, Vice President
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Hi all. Jeff Churchill here, your Social Chair for the past stretch of TCO events. I'm writing because I'm stepping back from the role, and I want to tell you why I loved it and why I think the next person will love it even more.
The job is this: you decide what we do together. Spring picnic, late-summer barbecue, the Annual Meeting dessert spread, anything in between. You pick what fits our club and the year you're in. That is the whole job description. And the club has been so wonderful about supporting whatever direction I took it.
Here is what I want you to know. The board is genuinely in your corner. Every time I asked for help, I got it. You can enlist a friend or two and build a little committee, so it is never a solo lift. You can run it exactly how you want: formal, casual, outdoors, potluck, anything. The budget is healthy, $2,000 a year, and you have real spending power to make events feel special.
What I will miss most is the people. Nothing in the club connected me to our members the way planning these events did. If you have ever wanted to feel more woven into TCO, this is the role that does it.
Reach out to me at jeffrey.t.churchill@gmail.com, or any board member. Thank you!
Jeff
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Member Sponsorship Spotlight
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Trails Club is in a moment of rebirth. The Club has seen a decline in membership over the past several years, leading to less membership revenue as well as reduced involvement in club activities. This seems to be a new reality for many organizations in our post-Covid world, but we are hoping to combat this participation decline.
Many of us remember—or at least have heard about—the vivacious event calendars of years past. That volume of hikes, backpacks, ski trip, and more is due to strong membership. If every member could sponsor a couple members a year…
Several members have worked especially hard this past year to increase club membership. Since January, the following people have sponsored three or more members, helping to bolster our ranks:
Lori Leach
Paul Cutter
Sebastian Powers-Leach
Pete Recksiek
Rob Parker
Mark Barham
Silke Brunning
Volker Czechowski
A special thanks to these members! Keep promoting Trails Club!
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Winter Ski/Snowshoe Outing Near Mt Bachelor
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Registration Deadline
To any TCO members who may be interested, a winter ski/snowshoe outing has been recently posted on the club calendar for February 12-15, 2027. Due to the need to rent cabins in advance, we have set a registration deadline of November 12, 2026 (three months before the outing).
Please take a look at the Outing write-up on the February calendar, and if you would like to come, please let us know before the deadline, so we can rent cabin space for you!
Tom Thrall & Sheryl Wagner
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Nesika Road Access Closed
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The USFS Regional Bridge Engineer, who is fresh off his bi-annual road bridge inspections, says the bridge that crosses Multnomah Creek within Multnomah Basin (at the bottom of Multnomah Basin Road) is severely compromised and has been CLOSED. It appears that the huge December storms scoured away the foundations of the abutments and they're basically just "floating." In no circumstances should cars be driven across it.
The bridge is open for foot traffic which makes it about a 2 mile hike to Nesika from parking at the green gate.
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Photo: Craig Gwydir - Multnomah Creek Bridge - why it is closed
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Turn Your Bottles & Cans into Support for TCO!
Did you know your empty bottles and cans can help support the Trails Club of Oregon? TCO is a registered BottleDrop nonprofit, making it easy for members and friends to support the Club while recycling their Oregon deposit containers.
Fill a TCO Blue Bag
Pick up a BottleDrop Blue Bag and TCO bag tag at Tyee or Nesika Lodge, TCO social activities, or Club meetings. Fill the bag with your Oregon 10¢ deposit bottles and cans. Aluminum, plastic, and glass containers can all go in the same bag—no sorting required!
When your bag is full, take it to a BottleDrop or participating bag-drop location. Scan the QR code on the TCO bag tag to open the collection site door, place your bag inside, and you’re done. BottleDrop counts the containers and credits the refund value directly to TCO.
Be sure every Blue Bag has a TCO tag attached so the donation is credited to the Club.
Already Have Your Own BottleDrop Account?
If you already use Green Bags and have a personal BottleDrop account, you can support TCO without changing your recycling routine. Simply log in to your BottleDrop account, find Trails Club of Oregon in the participating nonprofit directory, and donate all or a portion of your BottleDrop account balance directly to TCO.
Every 10¢ container adds up! Whether you fill a TCO Blue Bag or donate from your personal BottleDrop account, you’re turning bottles and cans into financial support for the Trails Club of Oregon.
Grab a bag, save those containers, and help support TCO—10¢ at a time!
Questions or need Blue Bags and tags? Contact Lori Leach at lori.leach@trailsclub.org.
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Camp Namanu Mushroom Camp
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November 13th-15th, 2026
Tickets *NEW PRICING*
Registration ends November 5. See the October Trail Blazer for details.
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At the Scout Service Center - Beaverton
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Leaders: Paul Cutter / Tom Thrall @ Tyee
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Leaders: Sebastian Powers-Leach
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New Members:
Glen Schrank sponsored by Joel Reitz and Rebecca Knudeson
John Kilty sponsored by Craig Gwydir and Kate Curry
Helen Kilty sponsored by Craig Gwydir and Kate Curry
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Broken Top Loop Backpack 2026
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This was a two-night, three-day adventure circumnavigating Broken Top mountain in the Three Sisters Wilderness. The six of us (Craig Gwydir, Kate Curry, Helen Wang, Cornel Moolman, Beth Markhart and myself) hiked approximately eight miles each day, with cumulative daily elevation gains ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 feet. On Day One we set forth from the Tam McArthur Rim TH parking lot, taking the Little Three Creek Trail #4076 through open forest and the Park Meadow Tie Trail #4102 over a ridgeline scarred by the 2012 Pole Creek fire. We then followed the Park Meadow Trail #96A westward, as views of the Three Sisters and Broken Top began to open up, to reach the lovely Park Meadow and an unmarked side trail leading up to our first night’s camp at Golden Lake.
As we set up our tents for the night, a light rain and some dark clouds moved in, interspersed with a few sun breaks which treated us to a double rainbow and a changing light show on the nearby north face of Broken Top. The rain continued overnight but fortunately stopped by daybreak, leaving us in a dense fog which persisted into the morning hours.
On Day Two we continued westward on the Green Lakes Trail #17 into the Green Lakes basin, where the slowly clearing fog played peek-a-boo with the lakes as we passed them by. A gusty wind picked up briefly as we reached the junction with the Broken Top Trail #10, but thankfully the sun soon came out thereafter, and we enjoyed a pleasant day as we moved eastward to reach our second night’s camp near Crater Creek.
Day Three brought blue skies with scattered clouds dancing among the sharp spires of Broken Top’s crest, as we climbed steadily up an unmarked “user trail” to gorgeous No Name Lake. Set in a small cirque surround by jagged, snow-painted peaks, the turquoise waters of the lake can only be described as otherworldly. Having this very special place to ourselves, we lingered awhile until dark clouds began to form and the wind picked up again. We dropped our packs and made a quick side trip up to the viewpoint above the lake, where we were treated to an expansive panorama of the Oregon Cascades, from Broken Top and the Three Sisters, past Mt. Washington, Three-Fingered Jack and Mt. Jefferson, and all the way north to Mt. Hood. Reluctantly, we then picked up our packs and began our return to the trailhead.
Fortunately, the dark clouds and wind cleared as we headed east on intermittent user trails and across open country below the prominence called Broken Hand. We stayed roughly parallel to the upper part of the Tam McArthur Rim until we could eventually move up to join the Rim trail and follow it back to our cars. It had been an amazing adventure!
Tom Thrall
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Trails Club of Oregon Board Meeting Minutes
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Date: October 13, 2026 Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m. Location: Zoom
Attendees:
President: Bev Drottar
Vice President: Eric Zimmerman
Secretary: Rebecca Knudeson
Publications: Joel Reitz
Membership: Lori Leach
Nesika Trustee: Pete Recksiek
Trips Trustee: Craig Gwydir
Outdoor Ed/Outreach Trustee: Sebastian Powers-Leach
Absent:
Tyee Trustee: Eric “Zinger” Eisinger
Treasurer: Sydney Jackson
REGULAR BUSINESS approved by email
On September 15, 2026, the minutes of the September meeting were unanimously approved prior to the Blazer publication.
On September 21, 2026, the request for Pathfinders, troop 636, to use one Tyee dorm from January 22-24, 2027, was unanimously approved.
On September 29, 2026, the Trackers’ use of one Tyee dorm from December 26-30, 2026, was approved.
Treasurer Report
We discussed how to manage checks and income while seeking a replacement for Sydney. We need to be sure the club has full ownership of the QuickBooks account. Lori will review the amount transferred last year from the Fidelity account to estimate how much may need to be transferred this year, keeping in mind that Tyee’s oil payment will be higher than last year. She will manage QuickBooks and payments.
Membership Report, Lori
Approved unanimously for membership:
Glen Schrank sponsored by Joel Reitz and Rebecca Knudeson
John Kilty sponsored by Craig Gwydir and Kate Curry
Helen Kilty sponsored by Craig Gwydir and Kate Curry
Membership summary, 10/13/26
273 total members: 8 Golden, 3 Junior, 33 Life, 5 Life/Golden, 8 Provisional, 216 Regular
Publications Report, Joel
Joel will contact Chris Monti to get the monthly Fidelity statements via email.
President’s Report, Bev
Columbia Threadneedle account: Bev has not heard from Chris Monti recently. Rebecca sent him a copy of the February minutes in which we voted to have him move the account to
Fidelity. Bev sent a follow-up letter Monday evening. Physical mail forwarding from the club’s
old post office box is ending, so the account needs an updated address.
Nesika Report, Pete
September 13, 2026 work trip: Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the following:
• Harvesting big rounds of the Doug fir by the wood shed
• Installing siding and battens on the dorm and painting railings
• Painting the chain at the viewpoint
• Painting the lodge window siding and staining timbers
• Clearing Monster trail and Franklin Connector
Forest Service engineers have declared the Multnomah Creek Bridge closed to vehicular
use. Unauthorized repairs are not permitted. The October work party is canceled. See Linda’s backpacking trip.
The club may be able to apply for emergency access to its land in order to winterize the lodge, but the situation is unclear. Diesel must be conserved until it can be replenished. Pete will contact the Forest Service and Randy Dietrich regarding permits and access.
Tyee Report, Eric (Zinger) Eisinger
The Forest Service has approved the club’s emergency order to place a new power pole
outside the roof’s avalanche zone. A work-in-lieu project is scheduled for Saturday, October
17. Friendsgiving at Tyee is scheduled for November 21.
Trips Report, Craig
In September, there were 3 day hikes and 2 backpacking trips, as well as the weekly Wednesday Evening Conditioning Hikes. Thanks to everyone who led these trips! Tom Thrall organized an excellent 3 day backpack around Broken Top. Glen Schrank is a new TCO Trips Leader and has led two excellent day trips. Thanks Glen! Multnomah Basin trails were found to be in excellent shape as of Saturday, October 3, with no obstacles.
Outdoor Ed and Outreach, Sebastian Powers-Leach
Planning is beginning for an Oregon Nordic Club crossover event at Tyee in January. Thank you to Julia Carroll for all her hard work. More details will be shared soon, along with the official online calendar event. A virtual meeting is scheduled for October 22, to continue preparing for this and other events.
Anyone interested in helping with club outreach or outdoor education can email
oeo@trailsclub.org. More volunteers are always welcome!
History Committee, Linda via email
Nesika backpacking trip: November 13-15.
Leave No Trace, Dolores via email
Leave No Trace committee had a busy summer, with two members volunteering more than 100 hours combined with Cascade Volunteers and the Willamette National Forest. Dolores will teach a basic Leave No Trace Class at REI in Hillsboro on November 14, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
She will host a Leave No Trace information table at REI in Hillsboro from 1:00 p.m. until shortly before the class. She is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to answer questions and share Leave No Trace information at the table. Please contact her if you are interested in helping.
Let’s work together to help others learn how to protect the places where they recreate. Thank you.
OLD BUSINESS
Matching Funds Campaign
The fundraising campaign is underway. The club has received $6,550 to date, which is 66% of the goal. The campaign ends November 30.
The club is expecting a sizable, unrelated contribution designated for Nesika.
NEW BUSINESS
Archives
Nonmembers must request permission to access old Trail Blazers. Directories will remain
restricted. Eric Z. has recovered and is scanning missing issues of the Trail Blazer from the
1990s along with other gaps, to complete a digital catalog. He also archived 8,000-9,000
photos from Meetup into Google Drive, organized by year and event.
Annual Budget
The board reviewed next year’s budget line by line and expects to adopt it at the November
board meeting. The board decided to solicit donations at social events to help pay for club
provided items.
Annual Meeting will be held at the new Scouting office in Beaverton on November 8, from
2:00-4:00 p.m.
This week, Lori is sending out notices for next year’s dues, the challenge grant and the annual meeting. The meeting will include a dessert potluck and a vote for the best dessert. The board will work with the Scouts to make the meeting available on Zoom. Bev will be the MC host and needs a short blurb from each board member. Board members may present their own blurbs, or Bev can if she receives them a week in advance. Eric Z. will prepare a slide show of some of the historical material he has. He will also work on the board presentation. Jeff and Eric Z. will set up for the meeting with the help of others.
The board discussed awards, especially for miles hiked. Interest in these awards appears to
have waned. Instead, the club may recognize members who have sponsored the most new
members. The club will continue presenting the Waespe Service award.
Open Board Positions
President
Treasurer
The club also needs a Blazer editor, and the social chair would like to be replaced. Jeff will
write a paragraph describing the social chair position. Eric Z. will write a short notice about the need for a treasurer.
Partnership The board received an inquiry about a partnership from “Still Out There.” The
board decided to decline unsolicited partnership offers unless a direct relationship with the
organization exists.
Adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
Next meeting: November 3 at 7 p.m. on Zoom
December potluck board meeting will be at Bev’s house, date to be decided
Submitted by Rebecca Knudeson, Secretary
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Outdoor Education and Outreach
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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 for day activities. 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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Trails Club of Oregon is a tax-exempt public charity under IRC Section 501(c)(3),
effective March 2, 2026 (EIN: 93-6026721).
Donor contributions are fully tax-deductible,
and the organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible bequests and gifts.
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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