We are excited to bring you a new Trail Blazer format. We hope you enjoy this edition of the Trail Blazer and that it helps you stay up-to-date with everything going on!

Social Trustee Needed

The Club needs to fill the board position of Social Trustee. The main commitments are to set up for the Annual Meeting in November and attend the monthly zoom board meetings. This position has also typically organized a spring picnic or banquet. The previous social chair and board members are happy to provide support. Of course, the job can be expanded as described below.

THE TRAILS CLUB OF OREGON WANTS TO THANK ALL ITS MEMBERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND CONTRIBUTIONS.
Reminisce a moment on a favorite TCO memory.

Was it a hike or an event?
Tyee or Nesika?

I was introduced on a membership hike. I joined immediately; I had found a tribe of like-minded people.
The Board is currently seeking a Social Chair.
Have great ideas? Want to see TCO grow? Membership, hikes, lodge events, backpacking trips, snowshoeing etc. There is no limit to the creativity here. Perhaps a family retreat or music event.
And you don’t have to do it alone! Grab a friend (or 2) to co-chair. You will have support from members to mentor you through the process.
TCO IS OURS TOGETHER, LET’S MAKE IT GREAT!!!!!
The nominating committee is ready for interested persons.
Please contact Julia Mace at juliamace1993@gmail.com

TRAIL BLAZER EDITOR NEEDED

The Club needs a member who will edit the Trail Blazer, our monthly publication. The editing is done on-line so no special software or tools are required. The editor compiles input from the board and the event calendar as well as articles and photos from members. Joel Reitz, Publication Trustee, can assist with the process and programs/apps.
Please contact Joel with questions at publicationchair@trailsclub.org

Check the Trails Club of Oregon website calendar for up-to-date event listings.

Meet at Wallace Park between NW 25th and 26th on Raleigh. We start at 6 PM sharp and hike until 8 PM-ish in Forest Park and the West Hills.

Don't miss out on this exciting event that promises to be informative, interactive, and enjoyable. 

Meet at Wallace Park between NW 25th and 26th on Raleigh. We start at 6 PM sharp and hike until 8 PM-ish in Forest Park and the West Hills.

Don't miss out on this exciting event that promises to be informative, interactive, and enjoyable. 

Meet at Wallace Park between NW 25th and 26th on Raleigh. We start at 6 PM sharp and hike until 8 PM-ish in Forest Park and the West Hills.

Don't miss out on this exciting event that promises to be informative, interactive, and enjoyable. 

Don't miss out on this exciting event that promises to be informative, interactive, and enjoyable. 

Meet at Wallace Park between NW 25th and 26th on Raleigh. We start at 6 PM sharp and hike until 8 PM-ish in Forest Park and the West Hills.

Meet at Wallace Park between NW 25th and 26th on Raleigh. We start at 6 PM sharp and hike until 8 PM-ish in Forest Park and the West Hills.

Lodge work parties have been scheduled. There is no charge for meals and overnight stays for work party participants. Check the Trails Club of Oregon website calendar for dates.

In the past month, we've welcomed several new  members.

First Reading: Tonia Whiteside

Provisional: Mark Barham, Robert Bonner, Michael Krauss, Kurt David, Richard Turner

Over six years after the Eagle Creek Fire devastated parts of the Columbia River Gorge around Multnomah Falls, its remarkable recovery is being painstakingly documented.

Watch the full report from KGW (the first 6 minutes of a broadcast on June 12) featuring a visit to Nesika:  https://youtube.com/live/wqCOjhDmMuw

Trails Club of Oregon Board Meeting Minutes, June 2024
Date: 6/4/24 Time: 7:00-9:00 PM Location: zoom

REGULAR BUSINESS:
May minutes were approved by email prior to the Blazer publication.

Treasurer’s Report: Nicole
Our Fidelity investment account value as of 4/30/24 was $437,933.
We should receive the May statement within the next week or so.

Beginning Balance May 31, 2024: $14,618.41
Checks and Payment:                        1,129.61
Deposits and Credits:                            810.00
Cleared Balance:                              14,298.80

Detailed reports for May financials can be found at: Monthly Treasurer's Reports - Dropbox

We received one new Nesika key application and payment for Duane Bolland that can be found at: Lodge Key Request Forms - Dropbox
We voted unanimously for Duane Bolland to be issued a Nesika key.
One new membership application was added to: Membership Applications - Dropbox

Membership Report: Lori
Reinstatements: John Heaton, Pamela Moore, Kassie Swenson
First Readings: Tonia Whiteside, Sponsored by Beverly Drottar and Julia Mace
Provisional: Mark Barham, Robert Bonner, Michael Krauss, Kurt David, Richard Turner
Membership Summary:
8 Golden, 3 Junior, 34 Life, 2 Life/Golden, 10 Provisional, 196 Regular, 254 Total

Publications Report: Joel
Joel changed the trip form so visitors can use a QR code to pay their $2 fee.

Nesika Report: Pete
May 10-12: Linda Conrad hosted History Weekend. 4 members attended and organized
historical documents and photos. Wood was cut into rounds and hauled from the Basin Road
to the wood shed to be processed later. Monster Trail was trimmed of large stumps and
obstructive logs to give tractor clearance for safer transfer of supplies to/from the parking lot.
New and old saplings were cleared of impeding growth and tended. Cougar Rock Trail was
cleared to Multnomah Creek Trail, but some work still needs to be done to complete the loop.
Trish Schultz prepared delicious meals for the weekend, helped by Nina and others.

Pete Recksiek, Bob Walker and Trish Schultz planned upcoming summer work trips to order
supplies for wiring the dorm, fixing the water system, ordering a boiler, and other odd jobs.
Craig and Nicole led hikes up from Multnomah Falls with several day hikers. Julia hosted a DEI
group from Portland. Beverly led the group on a nature walk to identify local flora.

May 23: 8 windows were delivered to the Conrad’s house. Glen Conrad, Dave Lechter and Pete
Bryant delivered the windows to the basement to be installed this summer. Glen brought the
wood splitter which is in the basement of the dorm. 4 cords of wood were split and stacked by
the woodsmen. Key blanks & number punches were delivered to Pete.

May 31-June 2: Beverly and Nina prepped and cooked meals for the volunteer work crew.
Cougar Rock Trail was cleared to Multnomah Creek High Water trail. Valve boxes on the hill by
the water pump were cleared of weeds and the box cover replaced with pressure treated
wood, then painted. Cracked west bay window and wood room windows were replaced with
new glass and painted trim. Another leak under the sink was discovered (from the hard freeze).
The cold water braided hose will be replaced on the next work trip. $244 was collected to pay
for new shelving in the dorm basement, all donated in the “Tip Jar” these past several weeks.

Notes: no fees were collected by Nesika trustees, as all were work trips.
Bob Walker has ordered a wood stove water boiler for $2,538. It will be a challenge to get the
old boiler out.
Next trip is 6/21. Bob will lead and Trish cook.

Tyee Report: Paul
Twenty members gathered at Trillium Lake Snow Park on May 18. Some headed down the lake
access road, picking up litter en route to the lake and campgrounds, and also across the dam.
The rest cleaned Trillium Lake and Snow Bunny parking lots. These great folks raised $2580
towards Tyee work-in-lieu 2024 fees. A special thank you to Rebecca Knudeson for the 2 very
good lasagnas for lunch, Bill Rude for the use of his truck and delivering one heaped pile of
litter to Zig Zag Ranger Station and to Lori Leach for moving a carload of recyclable metal. The
lodge was opened for any litter pick-up participants who wished to stay overnight.

Photos: Nicole Rogers

Joel reported the water valve had been successfully installed in late May. The lean-to will be
removed at the next work party on June 22.

Troop 396 from West Linn has requested lodge use Sat 11/9 thru to 11/10. Olivia Baake has
agreed to be their host. This troop stayed in Dec 2022 and were a fine group. There will be
approximately 20 boys and 8 adults. Approval for use was given by email from the board. We
received and deposited their $100 deposit.

Trips Report: Craig
The last month had 2 TCO day hikes, as well as the Wednesday evening conditioning hikes.
All trips were listed on the trailsclub.org calendar. There were 2 trail parties over the past
month to completely clear the Cougar Rock trail. It is now accessible for hiking. We have
assembled a "TCO Trail Renaissance Committee". Its purpose is to identify, clear and maintain
legacy trails in the Multnomah Basin. We are next looking to flag, clear, sign and maintain the
legacy 0.5 mile connector between the Monster Trail and the Franklin Ridge trail.
Contact tripschair@trailsclub.org if you wish to be informed of our trail parties.

Photos: Nicole Rogers

DEI Committee (Now Outdoor Education Committee): Julia Mace via email
In May, Julia Carroll hosted a hike with People of Color Outdoors Portland to Nesika. Beverly
Drottar provided a naturalist walk and talk, highlighting wildflowers and geology of the gorge
from Inspiration Point. The group enjoyed lunch at Nesika prepared by club members. Thank
you to all who were up at Nesika on May 11. It was a wonderful day.

Chris Seubert continues to lead a monthly hike with Sierra Club's Inspiring Connections Outdoors program.

Julia will co-lead the June 8 hike with the Janus Program, Cadero House youth group.

Five members attended the May 3 meeting. They decided to change the name of the
committee to “Outdoor Education Committee”. This label illustrates the intention to connect
outside our TCO membership to support access and knowledge of the outdoors.

In May, Chris Seubert led a group from Big Brothers Big Sisters on a hike to the top of Multnomah Falls and to the Dutchman and Wisendanger Falls on the trail above
Multnomah Falls.

Paul Cutter has been in contact with youth programs who would like to schedule time at Tyee this coming year. The groups Paul is connecting with are “repeat” visitors; he is not soliciting groups.

Nominating Committee: Julia Mace via email
The committee is planning an email to send to the membership about the need for a Social
Trustee for the board.

OLD BUSINESS:
Non Profit Status: Lori
Lori has asked Mazamas for their Articles of Incorporation and is seeking some similar organizations for theirs. She has a message to StartChurch regarding their recommendation on the language we should use to categorize our Board and membership structure for our restated Articles of Incorporation.

Blazer Editor:
We discussed the unfilled position of Blazer editor and will post the need again in the Blazer.
Joel is available to help with the process and programs/apps.

NEW BUSINESS:
Green Wood Trailer: Beverly
Glen has stored the trailer but doesn’t want it anymore. We voted unanimously that Bev to sell
it, starting at about $600.

Locations for TCO banners & display signs:
We have banners and other social supplies that David Noyes can no longer store. Rebecca will
prepare a note for Blazer asking if anyone in town has room to store them. Paul will take at least one banner to Tyee. Craig will have room to take some at the end of the summer.

Need to inventory our safe deposit box Nicole is working on it.

Next meeting: Our next meeting will be Tuesday, August 6, skipping July.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:26
Next meeting, August 6, zoom
Submitted by Rebecca Knudeson, Secretary

President
@TrailsClub.org

VicePres
@TrailsClub.org

Secretary
@TrailsClub.org

Treasurer
@TrailsClub.org

NesikaChair
@TrailsClub.org

TyeeChair
@TrailsClub.org

Membership
@TrailsClub.org

Publication
@TrailsClub.org

SocialChair
@TrailsClub.org

TripsChair
@TrailsClub.org

 

With fire season starting up, Bigfoot has some important Leave No Trace reminders to share.

Leave No Trace is not anti-campfire, but pro-responsible campfire.

You can still have fun, stay warm, prepare food and have adequate light without a fire.

If you choose to have a fire, where permitted, choose an established fire ring and fully extinguish your fire before you leave your site.

How can you be certain your fire is fully extinguished?  Make Campfire Soup!

For Recipe Click on Link.

Leave No Trace. Bigfoot has been doing it for years

By Dolores Niebergall
Certified Leave No Trace Instructor
And TCO Leave No Trace Committee chair person

Mt. Hood National Forest

www.fs.usda.gov/mthood

Mt. Hood National Forest is hosting its second annual “Hike with a Ranger” series this summer on select Saturdays from May through October. Each hike will be led by recreation staff and a scientist or specialist, featuring a natural or cultural resource theme.

“We started this program last year on the Forest’s east side and it was a success,” said Jon Breithaupt, acting Mt. Hood National Forest Recreation Program Manager. “Public lands belong to everyone, regardless of experience level. This hiking series provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the outdoors while learning about the area’s resources.”

Each hike has a limit of 12 participants, or 10 in wilderness, and free registration is required via Eventbrite. Learn more about the series and sign up: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mthood/hikewitharanger

Trails of varying difficulty are available. Hikes begin around 10 a.m. Some trailheads require a cash day-use fee payment or recreation pass. More information on day-use fees and recreation passes can be found on our website: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mthood/passes

Hike Schedule

May 11: Little Zigzag Falls Trail – Hydrology of Little Zigzag Falls

June 22: Show Pony Trail – The Mt. Hood's Wildfire Crisis Strategy

June 29: Dog River Trail – Mushroom and plant identification on Mt. Hood’s east side

July 13: Lakeshore Trail – Wildlife identification and habitat of the Lost Lake area

July 27: Crosstown and Enid Lake Trails – Plants and wildflowers of the Government Camp area

Aug. 10: Pacific Crest and Twin Lakes Trails – Wilderness areas around Mt. Hood

Aug. 24: Trillium Lake Loop Trail – Wildlife of the Trillium Lake area

Sept. 7: Laurance Lake High Ridge Trail – Geology of Mt. Hood’s north face and nearby lava flows

Sept. 14: Old Salmon River Trail – The lifecycle of Pacific Northwest salmon

Sept. 21: Tilly Jane Trail – Cloud Cap and Tilly Jane Historic Area tour

Oct. 5: Tamanawas Falls/East Fork Trail Loop – Anadromous fish and aquatic ecosystems

Oct. 12: Pioneer Bridle Trail – The Barlow Road segment of the Oregon National Historic Trail

This schedule may be subject to change, depending on wildfire season or staff availability. Those who register will be notified of any changes or cancelations. Contact one of our district offices for more information: www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mthood/about-forest/offices

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Jody Matz, Mt. Hood National Forest Wilderness Program Manager, gives a trailhead talk to visitors at a Mt. Hood Wilderness trail portal before the hike. June 2023.

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 subscripton 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 first Tuesday of the month when the date is at least the 4th, 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: Lee Ko
Send pictures, new events, corrections and anything else for the
Trails Club of Oregon website to: webmaster@TrailsClub.org