Volunteers at the 2018 Columbia Cascades Trail Skills College learn to build turnpikes and work with packers and pack stock. Photo by Les Taylor.
2020 Columbia Cascades Trail Skills College
You’re invited! The Columbia Cascades Trail Skills College is a free weekend event for volunteers to learn about trail maintenance and stewardship. Beginners and experts alike can benefit from Trail Skills College courses like Drainage Design & Drain Dips, Tread Re-Construction, Crew Leadership and more.
Trail Skills College is offered free of charge in an effort to inspire stewardship of trails. In exchange for attending the training, we encourage you to volunteer at least 16 hours of work on trail projects in the coming year.
The 2020 Columbia Cascades Trail Skills College is possible thanks to the U.S. Forest Service, PCTA’s Mount Hood Chapter, Washington Trails Association, Trailkeepers of Oregon, Backcountry Horsemen of Oregon, Backcountry Horsemen of Washington and the Port of Cascade Locks.
When is it?
April 24-26, 2020
Where is it?
Port of Cascade Locks, Oregon
Are meals and lodging provided?
Free camping is available to participants on Friday and Saturday. Tent camping is available on Thunder Island and there are a limited number of RV spaces in the Port. (Participants will have first come-first serve access to the RV spaces that are reserved for the event.) Meals will be provided at no cost starting with dinner on Friday and ending with lunch on Sunday.
What’s the fitness level of Trail Skills College?
The fitness level will vary depending on the classes you select during registration. However, all participants should be prepared to hike a minimum of 1-2 miles while carrying personal gear and tools. Participants should also be prepared for the hands-on learning opportunities in many of these classes, resulting in 6-8 hours of active trail maintenance per day.
What classes are being offered?
The course offerings are currently being finalized. Stay tuned for more details!
How do I register?
Registration will open to the public on March 23.
Priority registration will open for select volunteers on March 16.
Can’t wait?
Don’t forget, you can learn new trail maintenance skills by volunteering on a PCTA trail crew any time. Most crews don’t require any previous trail maintenance experience. Knowledgeable and experienced crew leaders are on site to teach you the necessary skills. Visit PCTA’s online schedule and the local Mount Hood Chapter’s Eventbrite to find trail projects near you.
If you have questions about Trail Skills College, contact PCTA’s Volunteer Program at 916-285-1838 or [email protected].
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