The Oakridge Trails Alliance: A Legacy of Stewardship and Resilience
Squarely focused on the beating heart of west Cascadia’s Willamette National Forest, the Oakridge Trails Alliance (OTA) stands as a testament to a community’s love for the land, outdoor recreation, and sustainable stewardship. What began as a grassroots trail maintenance effort has evolved OTA into a leading advocate for the preservation and enhancement of Oakridge’s world-class trail systems. Today, OTA continues to grow in both capacity and impact, ensuring that Oakridge remains a premier destination for trail enthusiasts from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
From Passion to Purpose: The Origins of OTA
The story of OTA began in 2018 with the Alpine Trail Crew Association (ATCA), a group founded by dedicated trail builders and mountain biking enthusiasts to maintain and restore one of Oregon’s most iconic backcountry routes—the Alpine Trail. However, as Oakridge’s trail network expanded in both use and need, it became clear that a broader, more organized effort was necessary. Enter Derrick Bell, Matt McPharlin, and myself—three passionate trail advocates who saw the potential for a more comprehensive, community-driven organization.
Later that same year, Matt and I—who had married just after the establishment of ATCA—continued to push for a more formalized approach to trail stewardship. Recognizing the need to address trail work beyond just the Alpine Trail, we led the transition from ATCA to Oakridge Trails Alliance. This shift allowed OTA to support a wider range of projects, from backcountry routes to accessible urban trail connectors, designing and building interpretive signage and benches, constructing bridges and crib walls, and in general, ensuring that all trail users—hikers, bikers, and equestrians—have safe, sustainable access to the region’s natural beauty.
Building out an accessible trail in east Oakridge
Photo courtesy of Oakridge Trail Alliance
Building Capacity and Expanding Impact
By 2023, OTA had grown significantly but still needed greater financial and structural support to achieve its long-term goals. Thanks to a capacity grant from Travel Oregon and the Oregon Trails Coalition, I was able to apply my expertise in nonprofit management and step in as OTA’s Executive Director. Our team developed the structure and strategic planning necessary to apply for—and receive—larger grants and federal funding, further expanding our ability to maintain and develop trails across the region by hiring a full-time paid trail crew.
At the same time, Matt’s deep knowledge of trail systems and land management positioned him to take on the role of Project Manager in 2024. His work has been instrumental in executing OTA’s mission on the ground, leading trail crews to carry out critical maintenance and restoration efforts across Oakridge’s vast trail networks. OTA has also risen to serve as a community voice for developing climate resiliency and other policy initiatives in conjunction with trails planning to help ensure sustainable outdoor access for all, across future generations of enthusiasts.
A key part of OTA’s growth has been the evolution of its Board of Directors, which has expanded to represent a diverse cross-section of the Oakridge community. Recognizing that the future of Oakridge’s outdoor recreation economy depends on strong partnerships between businesses, land managers, and trail users, OTA has built a leadership team that reflects these interests. Some of its key board members include:
Nick Gibson: Owner of Trans-Cascadia Excursions, bringing expertise in eco-tourism and sustainable trail use.
Lev and Kirin Stryker: Founders of Cog Wild Mountain Biking Tours, helping to bridge the gap between trail stewardship and adventure tourism.
Eugene Cathcart: Lead coach of the Oakridge NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) chapter and downtown property owner, committed to fostering youth involvement and ensuring trails remain accessible to all.
By strengthening ties between business owners, long-time residents, and recreational users, OTA has positioned itself as a vital force in Oakridge’s continued transformation from a former logging town into a thriving outdoor recreation hub.
OTA also relies on strong partnerships with land managers and local advocacy groups to bring more stakeholders, resources, and voices to the table. These collaborations are essential for shaping destination amenities, fostering new ideas, and ensuring that a variety of perspectives are considered in the planning process. By engaging diverse user groups—hikers, bikers, equestrians, and conservation advocates—OTA’s partners help ensure balanced, inclusive, and sustainable trail systems. This approach not only improves the user experience but also strengthens long-term stewardship, ensuring that trails continue to serve both the local community and visiting recreationists for generations to come.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Photo courtesy of Oakridge Trail Alliance
The Importance of Trails to Oakridge’s Economy and Climate Resilience
Outdoor recreation is no longer just a pastime in Oakridge—it’s an economic driver. Events like Mountain Bike Oregon and the region’s reputation as a world-class mountain biking destination have drawn riders from Portland, Eugene, and even Klamath Falls, creating new opportunities for local businesses. Every year, trail-related tourism injects revenue into regional bike shops, restaurants, lodging, and guide services, proving that a well-maintained trail system isn’t just a community asset—it’s an economic necessity.
Much of this success has been driven by the mountain biking community, whose members have been among the strongest supporters of trail maintenance and development efforts, including groups such as Disciples of Dirt, Cascade Volunteers, and Oregon Timber Trail Alliance. Whether they are out riding or volunteering with OTA, these volunteers’ passion and commitment have helped shape Oakridge into a top-tier riding destination.
Beyond economic benefits, trails also play an essential role in climate resilience and wildfire mitigation. Well-maintained trail corridors act as natural firebreaks, helping to slow or halt the spread of wildfires while also providing critical access routes for firefighters. OTA is actively working with the Southern Willamette Forest Collaborative recreation and landscape planning committees to ensure that trails are integrated into community fire resilience planning efforts. Additionally, trails serve as key access points for fuel reduction projects, allowing for targeted thinning efforts that help prevent catastrophic wildfires. By prioritizing trails as part of a comprehensive climate resilience strategy, OTA is contributing to both recreation and environmental protection, ensuring that these landscapes remain viable for future generations.
Despite OTA’s growth, recent challenges have put its resilience to the test. A federal funding freeze in 2024 has left OTA waiting on payments for completed work, slowing some of its progress. However, assurances have been made that funds will eventually be released, and OTA remains steadfast in its commitment to its mission.
Compounding these issues, the U.S. Forest Service workforce has been significantly cut back under the new administration. Already operating with less-than-optimal funding, the agency now faces even greater challenges in keeping up with the demands of trail maintenance and environmental stewardship. This shift has made OTA’s partnership with the Forest Service more crucial than ever, as dedicated volunteers and organizations like OTA step in to help maintain access to public lands for all users.
While awaiting these funds, OTA has pivoted its focus to priority trail systems closer to Oakridge, such as Dead Mountain, to address deferred maintenance projects. Additionally, OTA has allocated budget reserves to support projects on City of Oakridge property, ensuring that its crews remain employed even in the event of a government shutdown. Current projects include:
Completion of interpretive signage as part of the East Oakridge Trails Plan.
Improvements to the Oakridge Industrial Park trail system, including maintaining trails at a new 18-hole disc golf course and enhanced connectivity around the Old Mill Ponds, Oakridge Community Gardens, and Salmon Creek levy.
Connecting east and west Oakridge’s trails to provide residents with better access between Highway 58, the Uptown business district, and essential services like City Hall.
Additionally, OTA is preparing to launch its 2024 Federal project awards, including the long-awaited Tharp Memorial Bridge repair (connecting Greenwaters Park to the Warrior Fitness Trail System) through USFS Title II Funding, and at least two new trail segments as part of a congressional appropriation through Oregon’s Signature Trails designations, including final segments linking together a 30-mile contiguous singletrack route between Alpine, Tire Mountain, and Cloverpatch trails, and a missing 2.5 mile connector from Fuji Mountain to Bunchgrass, which would further enhance a full singletrack connection between Bend and Oakridge, while addressing needed restoration of wildfire-damaged trails like Bunchgrass.
OTA Trail Crew Highlights
Alexandria Boyd: Volunteer Coordinator & Trail Crew Member
“When I first started working with OTA, I didn’t know what to expect—but I quickly fell in love with the work. There’s something special about spending your days outside, building and maintaining trails that bring people together. The recent funding freeze was devastating, but I see it as a chance for OTA to evolve. This is an opportunity for us to get creative, find new ways to fund our work, and continue growing as an organization.
For me, trails are more than just recreation—they’re a way of life. They represent strength, resilience, and connection, and I want to spend as much of my life outside as possible, helping to create spaces that inspire others.”
Kerri Vandenberg: Trail Crew Member
“Working with OTA has been incredibly fulfilling. Trails provide access to nature, recreation, and even wildfire prevention. I’ve seen firsthand how maintaining trails can act as a first line of defense against fire by reducing overgrown vegetation and creating safer access routes. The funding freeze was a blow, but I remain hopeful that we can work together as a community to secure the resources we need.”
Derrick Bell: Trail Builder and Steward
“I’ve been riding and building trails for most of my life. Growing up in Philomath, Oregon, in the ‘70s, I found my way into BMX biking, then mountain biking, and eventually trail work. For me, working on trails isn’t just about making my own ride better—it’s about giving something back to the community. The work we do out here ensures that people from all walks of life can experience the joy of being in the woods, whether on a bike, on foot, or on horseback. It’s frustrating to see government funding for public lands and recreation cut, but I believe in what we’re doing. If the outdoor community stays engaged, we can push through these setbacks and keep building trails that inspire and heal.”
Looking Forward: OTA’s Commitment to the Future
Despite the challenges, OTA remains committed to preserving, expanding, and enhancing Oakridge’s trail network. By working collaboratively with local businesses, land managers, and passionate volunteers, OTA continues to build a future where trails are not just a feature of the landscape but a foundation of the community’s identity and economy. Environmental stewardship is more important than ever. With federal funding shortfalls and workforce reductions at the Forest Service, maintaining what we currently have in place requires collaboration, volunteerism, and community-driven action. OTA is dedicated to ensuring that trail access remains open to all users, regardless of ability, and that Oakridge continues to be a leader in outdoor recreation.
For those who love the outdoors, there has never been a better time to get involved. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or simply getting out and enjoying the trails, everyone can play a role in shaping the future of trails—in the greater Oakridge area or wherever you love to get outside.
Learn more, donate, and/or sign up for an event with us at www.oakridgetrailsalliance.org