Trail Work Schedule

Posted on May 8, 2014 by 44trails

Sweet new trail signs!

The dirt is top notch in the Gorge right now and the riding season for Mount Hood’s 44 Trails area is fast approaching. As of May 8, there is still some lingering snow and plenty of downed timber on the upper trails accessible from Forest Road 44. Typically, the bulk of the system will be cleared and ready to enjoy come Memorial Day Weekend.

In the meantime, we’ve set a schedule for summer trail work parties to keep our mission of maintenance and expansion moving forward. Please mark these dates in your calendars and join us when you can. We strive to work for 4-5 hours in the morning and then enjoy an afternoon trail session, so you don’t have to give up a day of riding! More details about each event will be provided as the date nears and as we evaluate trail needs:

June 14 – Celebrate National Trails Day with a 44Trails work party – (Nat. Trails Day is actually June 7, but our event will be on June 14)

July 26 -Mid summer work day to armor and maintain high-traffic areas

October 4 – TBA Special Event – riding related event to thank everyone for all their support

October 18 – Final trail day before winter transforms the forest floor

Although random acts of kindness in helping to clear the trails is appreciated, all significant clearing and trail work needs to be organized through the USFS to maintain trail standards. The process on 44 Trails is different from that in Post Canyon or Sandy Ridge, and we need your help adhering to this policy. We have a great relationship with the Mt. Hood and Barlow Ranger Districts, and we aim to keep it that way. If you have time and energy to help with trail work, please reach out to us. We have ongoing opportunities to help clear and maintain the trails outside of our scheduled events. Give us a shout and we can connect you with the details.

Avalanche Safety Presentation

Posted on January 22, 2014 by 44trails

The snow gods may be slow in delivering the goods this year, but it’s never too late (or too early) to learn about avalanche safety. Ranger Jim Thornton is offering a free avalanche safety briefing on January 24, 2014 at Dog River Coffee. Check it out.

Proposed Lyle Area Trails

Posted on December 9, 2013 by 44trails

There’s an open house hosted by the Friends of the Columbia Gorge regarding the idea for a community trail system out of Lyle, Washington on Dec. 11 at 5 pm at the Lyle Activity Center. The idea is part of the Towns to Trails vision put forward by Friends of the Columbia Gorge.

Here are few details:

What is the goal of the project?
The goal of the project as defined by the community planning team is to: “Develop a plan for a non-motorized multiple-use trail system that is respectful of the community, land-owners, and land managers.”

Who is leading this trail planning process?
This effort is a community-led effort with community members, landowners and other stakeholders attending and participating in planning discussions. The National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program is providing facilitation and project management assistance. The Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust, Washington Department of Natural Resources, and the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife are participating in the effort as landowners. Other organizations participating in meetings (but not necessarily in favor of the project) include the Lyle Fire Department, Klickitat Healthy People Alliance, private business owners, adjacent landowners, and residents of the area.

Read more info: Lyle Communty Trail System FAQs (PDF)

Check out a map of the area: Lyle Trail Draft Map of Area (PDF)