Volunteer Training Handbook

Transcription

1 Volunteer Training Handbook

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3 INDEX INDEX 3 CONTACT LIST 5 SHORT HISTORY 7 MISSION 7 ROLES OUTLINED 7 VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT AND BENEFITS 8 KEY MESSAGES ABOUT TRAILHEAD AMBASSADORS PROGRAM 9 TARGET TRAILHEADS (for 2018 season) 9 MAP OF TRAILHEADS 10 BEFORE A SHIFT 11 WEEKEND OPERATIONS 13 Day of Shift 13 If you are the equipment lead 13 Pick-up your 4 Ts: Tent, Tent Weights, Table, and Tub 13 If you are not the equipment lead 17 Set up at trailhead 17 Basic Visitor Engagement 19 Initial Contact Engagement 19 Secondary Engagement 19 Visitor Engagement Tracking 20 Taking and Submitting Photos 20 After a Shift 21 Take Down 23 TRAILHEAD REFERENCE GUIDE: 24 Starvation Creek 24 Location Information: 24 Latourell Falls 26 Multnomah Falls I 84 Parking Lot 28 Cape Horn Trailhead 31 Trillium Lake 33 Mirror Lake 36 3

4 BE AN INFORMED VOLUNTEER 43 Trail Safety 43 Eagle Creek Fire 45 USEFUL LINKS 48 International Visitor Information 48 REFERENCE TOOLS 49 Temperature Conversion 49 Mileage Conversion 49 Regional Sunset times (by Month) 50 NOTES 50 4

5 CONTACT LIST Do you have a question, either before, during, or after your shift? Below is a great list of resources for who to reach out to for help depending on the situation at hand: Main Contacts General Questions Ali Smith Trailhead Ambassador Coordinator ali@gorgefriends.org Program Management Questions Maegan Jossy Outreach Friends of the Columbia Gorge maegan@gorgefriends.org Tourism/Visitor Information Questions Lizzie Keenan Regional Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Regional Tourism Alliance lizzie@hood-gorge.com If you see someone illegally enter the Eagle Creek Fire Closure Area Bart Kicklighter Eagle Creek Fire Incident Commander (541) Medical Emergency Call 911 Other Helpful Emergency Contacts Call for local questions related to recreation Matt Ramich US Forest Service Onsite Manager at Multnomah Falls (cell) Visitor Center at Multnomah Falls Friends of Multnomah Falls volunteer group staffs Information desk and available to help with questions

6 Multnomah County Sheriff Office, nonemergency for area west of Eagle Creek trails (includes Elowah, Multnomah Falls, and Latourell trailheads) OR 911 for emergency Call for car break in reporting (Sheriff may have other suggested application for this number) Hood River County Sherriff office, nonemergency for area east of Eagle Creek trails OR 911 for emergency Call for car break in reporting (Sheriff may have other suggested application for number) Skamania County Sheriff Office, non-emergency in the Cape Horn and Dog Mountain areas OR 911 for emergency Call for car break in reporting (Sheriff may have other suggested application for this number) Clackamas County Sheriff Office, non-emergency for Mt. Hood National Forest Trailheads area (503) OR 911 for emergency Call for car break in reporting (Sheriff may have other suggested application for this number) 6

7 SHORT HISTORY The Trailhead Ambassador Program is an expansion of the pilot Trail Talk program at Dog Mountain Trailhead in spring of Lead by a devoted Friends of the Columbia Gorge volunteer Jim Chase, the program teamed up with the US Forest Service to provide assistance and advice to hikers regarding trail routes, parking and shuttles in the area, and general safety around this congested trail. Trail Talk Ambassadors were able to serve as an on-the-ground presence during its peak use. Over a five week period 150 volunteer hours were spent devoted to this pilot project. Because of the success of the Trail Talk program and the increased need for better educated hikers in the Mt. Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Regional Tourism Alliance, Oregon State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service came together to expand the program to cover more trailheads in the Mt. Hood and the Columbia Gorge region. MISSION The Trailhead Ambassador Program encourages conservation, outdoor safety and alternative trails in the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge through visitor engagement at trailheads to promote protection and responsible recreation of public land. ROLES OUTLINED Ambassador: Serve as a friendly, informative welcome committee to the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge trails Serve as eyes and ears for regional partners and agencies to better address the needs of visitors on our trails Provide useful information about trail access, safety and trail/hiking preparedness to visitors Program Leads: Administrative Lead for the Trailhead Ambassador program First point of contact when an Ambassador has questions Keep Ambassadors updated and informed regularly US Forest Service: Law Enforcement if necessary Supports Ambassadors with basic supplies and information (i.e. garbage bags) 7

8 VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT AND BENEFITS Volunteer Commitment Fill out an application and sign a volunteer agreement Attend required volunteer training Participate in a minimum of four shifts (6 hrs. each) between April 21 - mid September Each shift is 8:00AM - 2:00PM Has transportation to and from the trailhead and can carry equipment Volunteer Benefits Columbia Sportswear Trailhead Ambassador tech tee NW Forest Pass after completing 24 hours of volunteer service End of season volunteer appreciation event Reward of encouraging hikers to recreate safely, informed, and responsibly Reward of giving back to the public lands you know and love Opportunity to meet people from all over the world 8

9 KEY MESSAGES ABOUT TRAILHEAD AMBASSADORS PROGRAM Below are some great key messages about the Trailhead Ambassador program that you can use if visitors are curious how the program started, why it exists, and what it hopes to accomplish. The Trailhead Ambassador Program is managed by Friends of the Gorge and funded by the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Regional Tourism Alliance. It is a multi-agency effort to educate visitors in the region on how to be better, and more safe, stewards of the land they are recreating on. Involved agencies include: US Forest Service, Oregon State Parks, Friends of the Gorge, and the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Regional Tourism Alliance. Trailhead Ambassadors are represented at 10 trailheads throughout the Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area from mid-april to mid-september on Saturdays and Sundays. Common issues that the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge region has faced in recent years that this program hopes to help address include: increase in search and rescue incidents, trash left on the trails, spread of invasive species, poor visitor experiences due to trail congestion, and much more. TARGET TRAILHEADS (for 2018 season) Latourell Falls (OR Gorge) Multnomah Falls I 84 Parking Lot (OR Gorge) Starvation Creek (OR Gorge) Herman Creek/ PCT (OR Gorge) Dog Mountain (WA Gorge) Cape Horn (WA Gorge) Mirror Lake (Mt. Hood) Trillium Lake (Mt. Hood) TBD Bridal Veil Falls (OR Gorge) TBD Timberline Lodge (Mt. Hood) TBD Tamanawas Falls (Mt. Hood) 9

10 MAP OF TRAILHEADS Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Trailheads: Mt. Hood National Forest Trailheads: 10

11 BEFORE A SHIFT Sign up for a shift All shift sign-ups occur at **Note: Sign-ups close on end of day Wednesday before the weekend. Shift Cancellations If you must cancel, please contact the designated Trailhead Ambassador Coordinator Ali Smith at ali@gorgefriends.org or ASAP. Check the Weather Before you head out to the trailhead, make sure you check the weather report for the day. NOAA, weather.com or a local newspaper are both great resources. Program Leads will send you an update (via and phone) should we decide to cancel certain trailheads on a given day due to inclement weather. Check the latest THA Newsletter Make sure you read all the latest news in your THA newsletters. Each newsletter will include updates on: Trailhead Ambassador Program updates Updates on openings/closures to roads and trails in the region Advice from volunteers who have previously been volunteering at trailheads Cool community events and activities going on to share with visitors Environmental/ecology facts about the region AND MORE! Pre-Weekend Info Program Lead will you the Thursday before your shift with the following details: Contact information for who you will be volunteering with It s great if you can connect with your volunteer partner in advance to coordinate arrival and maybe carpooling! Reminder of which trailhead you signed up for and how to pick up your trailhead equipment (if you are the Equipment Lead) The name and contact information for the staff person on call to answer questions/concerns on your shift day 11

12 Packing Appropriately Lead by example and dress for the weather anticipated at your trailhead. Always bring extra layers, this is the Pacific Northwest! Make sure you are wearing your Trailhead Ambassador shirt Pack water, lunch, and snacks to keep you well fed and hydrated for your shift Bring your volunteer binder with all your helpful resources to share with visitors Bring sunscreen Folding chair Contact information for your fellow trailhead volunteer and for your designated on-call Program Lead for the weekend. Uniform All volunteers will get a Columbia Sportswear Trailhead Ambassador Tech Tee. Make sure you wear your shirt during your shift to help visitors identify you as a trusty source of information. Prepare Take some time to look over your volunteer handbook. Let Ali Smith or your designated weekend on-call Program Lead know if you have any questions. Look at the reference section in your handbook and brush up on material. 12

13 WEEKEND OPERATIONS Day of Shift If you are the equipment lead Pick-up your 4 Ts: Tent, Tent Weights, Table, and Tub If you are the equipment lead for your shift, pick up your trailhead s equipment at the assigned pick up location. There are two equipment pick up locations, one in the Columbia Gorge and one on Mt. Hood. Please check the Trailhead Reference Guide of your assigned trailhead for details, located in the back of this handbook, to see which one to go to. There will be a lock with a code to access your trailhead equipment. The padlock code and further instructions will be ed to you by Ali Smith, Trailhead Ambassador Coordinator the Monday before your shift. Each trailhead will have the following labeled items for you to pick up: Canopy tent Folding table Tent weights (with bungees attached) Rolling tub with the following items: Banner Enhanced Trailhead binder Parking permit/usfs car sign (if needed) Water Snacks Informational brochures and maps Clicker Boot brush And more! Equipment Dimensions: Table - when folded 37.0 in. L x 30 in. W x 3.4 in. H Tent - 6ft and 4.5 inches, 64.5 L Tub - 26 in VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure to lock up the storage area when you leave. 13

14 Equipment Pick Up Locations: 1. Rooster Rock State Park: Address: Exit #25 off I-84 in the Columbia Gorge. Equipment Lock Code Rooster Rock: TO OPEN - Turn RIGHT 3 times. Stop at 1st number - Turn LEFT one full turn passing 1st number to stop at 2nd number. - Turn RIGHT, and stop at 3rd number. - Pull Shackle - - Note: as you drive into the state park, you do not need a day pass to pick up the equipment - 14

15 2. Zigzag Ranger Station: Address: E. Highway 26, Zigzag, OR Zigzag Code Combination: TO OPEN - Turn RIGHT 3 times. Stop at 1st number - Turn LEFT one full turn passing 1st number to stop at 2nd number. - Turn RIGHT, and stop at 3rd number. - Pull Shackle Pull in to the Zigzag Ranger Station Turn right and park outside the fence Head to our recycling pole barn. Volunteer cage is behind the red cardboard dumpster. 15

16 Be sure your lock is daisy chained with the gold FS lock so both groups can access the cage as needed. Pick up equipment for your Trailhead (remember the 4 Ts - TENT WEIGHTS, TABLE, TENT, TUB). There will be multiple sets of equipment for different trailheads stored in the same place, so pay attention to which equipment you grab! They will be labeled with your Trailhead name on them. Ex. Latourell Falls Table, Latourell Falls Tent. Once equipment is collected, head to your designated trailhead. Under Trailhead Reference Guide in this handbook, find your designated Trailhead for visuals on where to set up your equipment at your trailhead. VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure to lock up the storage area when you leave. 16

17 If you are not the equipment lead Drive to your trailhead (unless you carpooled) and arrive by the assigned shift start time. Parking pass/permits will be in your TUB. Set up at trailhead Canopy Set-Up Tips Watch this one-minute video on how to properly set up the canopy: Attach a weight to each leg (you will find these in your Tub.) Attach banner to the canopy tent Table Set up Tips Unfold the table Lock legs in place Place tear off maps and other materials on the table (wind/weather dependent) 17

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19 Basic Visitor Engagement Our primary goal is to actively engage with visitors, helping them become more aware of the trail and safety issues at their given trailhead and answer any questions that may arise. Initial Contact Engagement For the most part, visitors are likely going to ask you questions first. If they don t start the conversation, here are some good tips to get them engaged. Use icebreakers to get to know hikers, remembering that we cannot prevent people from using public land. We are there to enhance their hiking experience, create awareness and inform safe hiking practices. Icebreaker ideas: Hello, my name is Kevin and I m volunteering as a Trailhead Ambassador. Do you have any questions about your trip today? Have you hiked this trail before? Do you have a map of the trail? You can take a picture of it here. Secondary Engagement You ve now broken the ice with a visitor and have their attention. Share some information from the below topic areas to help make sure they are as prepared as possible out on the trail. 1. Trail information (elevation gain, miles to complete the hike, hazards on the trial) 2. Daylight Hours and weather 3. Leave No Trace principles Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors Take the free online training course! 4. Ready, Set, Gorge! 19

20 10 essentials Plan your route ahead of time to avoid crowds Bring what you need and research road, trail and weather conditions Take steps to help protect the Gorge so that future visitors can enjoy it, too 5. Eagle Creek Fire Related Questions 6. Local Visitor information Examples of conversations to start: Have you hiked this trail before? It might be a little late in the day to start such a long trek, I have a list of alternative hikes close by if you are interested? Do you have a trail map with you? There aren t bathrooms along the trail for you or your dog, make sure to stop at the bathrooms here on your way out, and grab some of our Smokey the Bear bags for you dog. You can dispose of them on your way out. Invasive weeds are a challenge in this area, it would be great if you could use the boot brush before heading out on the trail. The weather can change pretty quickly on this hike, you might want to grab an extra layer for your hike today How did you hear about this trail? Where are you visit from? Visitor Engagement Tracking Ambassadors will have a clicker available and a trailhead log sheet to count successful engagements with visitors. Only count the active engagement if you get the chance to fully engage (discuss safety, hiking plans, or answer any relevant questions), a simple hello does not count. This helps us quantify our hard work and allows us to summarize a total visitor count. Make sure to write down your total count in the volunteer binder at the end of your shift. Taking and Submitting Photos While on your shift, take pictures! Please send all photos to Trailhead Coordinator Ali Smith, ali@gorgefriends.org. They are a great way to share the awesome work done by volunteers. (Selfies are A-OK in our book.) 20

21 Also, photos of forest management issues (like vandalism, excessive trash, trail signs, trail maintenance) will be shared with the local land managers to address the issues. Please include a quick description of the picture, where it was taken and what the context was. Also share names if applicable. Any shared photos will potentially be used as publicity for the program, so please respect any privacy requests by hikers or other volunteers. After a Shift Reporting After completing a shift, complete the Trailhead Log Sheet (found in the trailhead binder) located in the Volunteer Tub. This log will help track the progress of our program and give an estimate of how many people we are engaging with as a group and what those engagements look like. Leave your completed sheet in your Tub. It will be collected weekly by our team. Have more engagements that fit on one sheet? Fill out as many as you need! 21

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23 Take Down Take down the canopy Fold Table Put materials and canopy weights back in rolling tub Return the 4 Ts (Tent, Table, and Tub) to your designated equipment storage location VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure to lock up the storage area when you leave. 23

24 Starvation Creek TRAILHEAD REFERENCE GUIDE: Location Information: Trailhead Equipment Pick-Up: Rooster Rock State Park Address: Exit #25 off I-84 in the Columbia Gorge. **You do not need a day pass to pick up the equipment Trail Facts: Only 29 parking spaces- arrive early Driving Directions From Portland, drive east on I-84 for more than 50 miles to Exit 55, signed for the Starvation Creek Trailhead and Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. There's no westbound exit to the Starvation Creek Rest Area, so drivers from the east (Hood River) will need to continue to Herman Creek Road and double back. Similarly, when leaving the rest area westbound drivers (Portland) will need to drive east on I-84 for about a mile and take the Viento exit, which leads to an underpass and then an I-84 on-ramp to Portland. 24

25 Be aware that the two primary hiking trails at this location (Starvation Ridge and Mt. Defiance) do not begin within the state park area by the restrooms and Starvation Creek Falls (walking east leads to Viento State Park along the historic highway), but instead require walking west, back alongside the freeway on the paved Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. This route offers close approaches to Cabin Creek Falls and Hole in the Wall Falls. The Starvation Ridge Cutoff Trail also descends to this lower walk-in section. 25

26 Latourell Falls Location Information: Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR Trailhead Equipment Pick Up: Rooster Rock State Park Address: Exit #25 off I-84 in the Columbia Gorge. **You do not need a day pass to pick up the equipment Trail Facts: General Note: The Historic Highway is closed from the Bridal Veil exit to its eastern end near Wyeth i.e., the Waterfall Alley section. The Elowah/Upper McCord Trails are closed. The restored HCRH is also closed from the Elowah trailhead to Cascade Locks. I-84 Exits Exit 22 Corbett. o You can exit from the interstate heading east or west. o You can enter the interstate heading east or west. Exit 25 Rooster Rock State Park. o You can exit from the interstate heading east or west. o You can enter the interstate heading east or west. 26

27 Exit 28 Bridal Veil. o You can only exit from the interstate heading east. o You can only enter the interstate heading west. Exit 31 Multnomah is open and exit and enter I-84 traveling both east and west. It may be closed at peak times when the lot is full. Exit 35 Ainsworth and Exit 37 Warrendale are closed except to local residents. Latourell Falls Summary A 2.0 mile loop and 500 elevation gain to see the upper and lower falls. Park at the trailhead on the Historic Highway rest rooms and a view of the lower falls. Or drive a short distance east or west from the HCRH trailhead and turn towards the River on Latourell Rd. Drive to a lower picnic area of Guy Talbot State Park. A partially paved trail leads past a prime view of the lower falls and then up to the HCRH parking area. Park only in the spaces by the picnic pavilion; respect property of the homeowners nearby. Tips from the Field: 1. Know how to get from Latourell Falls to Multnomah (Exits) 2. No parking permit required. 3. Dogs permitted on-leash. 27

28 Multnomah Falls I 84 Parking Lot Location Information: Multnomah Falls Car Park, Cascade Locks, OR Trailhead Equipment Pick Up: Rooster Rock State Park Address: Exit #25 off I-84 in the Columbia Gorge. **You do not need a day pass to pick up the equipment Trail Facts: The Falls may only be viewed from the lower viewing area. The trail to the Benson Bridge and the top of the Falls is closed. In September 2017 a fire was started by a teenager playing with fireworks at Eagle Creek. By the time the fire was extinguished by the winter rains nearly 50,000 acres had been burned. The burn area included nearly all for the Waterfall Alley section of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Most of the trails in the area are closed. The trails are badly damaged by downed trees, landslides and destroyed bridges and would be very dangerous to hike. Trail 28

29 crews are working hard to repair the damage and we hope to have many of the trails open by late summer or year-end. Some may require years for recovery. Meanwhile, the best thing we can do to help is to respect the closures and stay off those trails. Those trails will be monitored by the Forest Service and violators will be fined or arrested. General Note: The Historic Highway is closed from the Bridal Veil exit 28 to its eastern end near Wyeth i.e., the Waterfall Alley section. The Herman Creek Trails and Elowah/Upper McCord Trails are closed. The restored HCRH is also closed from the Elowah trailhead to Cascade Locks. I-84 Exits Exit 22 Corbett. o You can exit from the interstate heading east or west. o You can enter the interstate heading east or west. Exit 25 Rooster Rock State Park. o You can exit from the interstate heading east or west. o You can enter the interstate heading east or west. Exit 28 Bridal Veil. o You can only exit from the interstate heading east. o You can only enter the interstate heading west. Exit 31 Multnomah is open and exit and enter I-84 traveling both east and west. It may be closed at peak times when the lot is full. Exit 35 Ainsworth and Exit 37 Warrendale are closed except to local residents. Field Notes Top questions: Where can I hike? Use Alternative trail sheet. If they took the Columbia Gorge Express, there is really no way for people to take a hike. The express bus drops people off in local towns, not at trailheads. If they have a car, refer to alternative trail sheet Helpful to know exits to certain hikes! Volunteer shared, The ranger used it to explain to me how folks can reach Bridal Veil and Latourell Falls (From Mult Falls head west on I-84, exit at Rooster Rock, return to I-84 heading east, take exit 28 and head west on the Old Highway).Helped me explain that the Old Highway is closed from Exit 28-Exit

30 Where is the restroom? Follow the sign that says food, you will walk under the highway and the bathroom is to the right of the visitor center. How far is it to Mult Falls? (!) Bring along a hiking book- Sullivans NW hiking book is very useful and can allow for people to find a hike nearby that might suit their interests. Almost immediately, we noted that nearly everyone that interacted with us were unaware of the restrictions in the gorge. Columbia Gorge Express - Riders are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online to avoid boarding delays. Purchasing a ticket online does not reserve a seat on any bus. Buses will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Individual tickets also may be purchased at time of boarding by cash or credit card, but group passes must be purchased online in advance. Please note: Riders paying in cash will need exact change. 30

31 Cape Horn Trailhead Trailhead Location Information: SW Washington Cape Horn Trailhead, Washington Trailhead Equipment Pick Up: Rooster Rock State Park Address: Exit #25 off I-84 in the Columbia Gorge. **You do not need a day pass to pick up the equipment Cape Horn Summary Currently 5.0 miles out and back; 1,000 elev. gain. The lower portion of the loop trail is closed through July 15 to protect a peregrine falcon nesting area. After July 15 you can hike an 8.3 mile; 1,500 elev. gain loop. Regardless of which you do there are stunning viewpoints of the River and great fields of flowers. The Larkspur is especially amazing in the spring! The trailhead is located at the Salmon Falls Road Park n Ride at milepost 26.4 on Hwy 14 (about 20 miles east of the I-205 bridge) Restrooms; no permits required. 31

32 Field Notes This is not a dog-friendly trail because of steep cliffs. If a hiker is going to take their dog they should keep the dog on leash at all times. Two unleashed dogs died in 2017 when they fell off of the cliff. Remind them to pack out their dog poop bags. (We have been finding a substantial number of dog poop bags at the side of the trail.) When you see people walking to and lingering at the kiosk next to the parking lot you can safely assume that they are looking for a trail map. Politely intercept them and direct them to the trail map on the kiosk next to the boot brush. A few locals have expressed concern about crowds - Help alleviate this by using alternative trails sheet in TUB 3 main tips- reminder of falcon closure, don t forget to use the boot brush, and keep your dog on its leash People are allowed to park on the side of the road on Salmon Falls road and Canyon Creek road. 32

33 Trillium Lake Location Information: From Sandy, OR - travel east on US Highway 26 to approximately 2.5 miles east of Timberline Road. Follow the signs to Trillium Lake. Trail Facts: Focus on Leave No Trace (LNT) and dogs Emphasize importance of dogs on leash especially in how it affects those on ADA (American with Disabilities Act) trails. Loop Trail is open to the public. 2 miles around the lake. Pack it in Pack it out. Lots of shoreline trash happens here unfortunately &actid=92 Alternative Hikes: Wildwood Recreation Site: Family friendly and paved trails that connect to the Cascade Streamwatch. Options include ¾ mile loops and connections to a 4.7 mile hike up the Huckleberry Mountain along the Salmon-Huckleberry Trail. Lost Lake Loop: Family friendly 3.2 mile easy scenic loop around Lost Lake. You can also rent kayaks and SUPs here. Milo McIver Park: In addition to a great spot for fishing and kayaking, there is a 12 mile loop around the entire park that includes great views of Mt. Hood and the Clackamas River. 33

34 Trillium Lake Trail #761 Recreation Opportunity Guide Northwest Forest Pass Required May 15-Oct 1 Distance miles (loop) Elevation feet Snow Free... June to October Easier Trail Highlights: This is a very kid-friendly trail. It is mostly level for the entire length. The Trillium Lake Trail goes around Trillium Lake and through Trillium Lake Campground. There are great views of Mount Hood along this trail. The trail crosses wetlands that provide bird watching opportunities. Its distance and easy terrain make it a great family hike, particularly for those with strollers or with limited mobility. Trail Description: This trail was built to be barrier free. The trail surface is a combination of wooden boardwalk and very finely compacted rock. There are a few benches along the trail. The trail begins and ends at the Trillium Lake dam. Regulations & Leave No Trace Information: Day use fee is required if parked in the Trillium Lake day use area. Northwest Forest Passes are honored. Leave No Trace Plan Ahead and Prepare: Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Use established trails and campsites. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Leave What You Find: Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use established fire rings & keep fires small. Respect Wildlife: Control pets at all times. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Avoid loud voices and noises. For information on Leave No Trace, go to or call For current trail conditions and more recreation information go to: Map and driving directions on next page Mt. Hood National Forest Zigzag Ranger District Champion Way E. Highway 26 Sandy, OR Zigzag, Oregon The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

35 Directions to Trailhead: From Portland, travel 31 miles east of Sandy on US Hwy 26 and turn south on Trillium Lake Loop Road (Forest Road 2656) (across from the Snow Bunny Snopark). Take Trillium Lake Loop Road (Forest Road 2656) for 2.5 miles, passing Trillium Lake Campground and Day Use Area turns. The road will bear right and go down to the lake s dam. Parking is just before the dam. The trail starts at either end of the dam. Recommended maps: Zigzag Ranger District

36 Mirror Lake Location Information: Mirror Lake Trailhead, Mt Hood Hwy, Government Camp, OR Trail Facts: Good view and swimming/picnic opportunities at the lake. More details: Arriving by 8 am should be early enough. The USFS recommends just taking your tub and banner and setting up at the picnic table itself. Unless it is raining, leave the tent behind too. It is across the bridge and a few steps up the trail, so it won t be as easy as just setting up near the vehicle. With the congestion in the parking lot, it is unsafe to be set up in that location. Wilderness info: here is a link to a page that has lots of information on Wilderness areas, should any of the visitors have questions about this. This could be as simple as you asking visitors if they are planning on hiking beyond the Lake, if so, that is where Wilderness area info will come in handy. Other talking points: Protecting riparian habitat - staying on the trail (switchback cutting is a real issue on this trail and causes erosion problems) 36

37 Having the maps and skills necessary if visitors hike past the lake and into the Wilderness area. General overview of what Wilderness areas. LNT issues in campsites and picnic areas near the lake are also a concern here. There is a portapotty available at the trail head. NWFP is required at this site. Alternative Hikes: Wildwood Recreation Site: Family friendly and paved trails that connect to the Cascade Streamwatch. Options include ¾ mile loops and connections to a 4.7 mile hike up the Huckleberry Mountain along the Salmon-Huckleberry Trail. Lost Lake Loop: Family friendly 3.2 mile easy scenic loop around Lost Lake. You can also rent kayaks and SUPs here. Milo McIver Park: In addition to a great spot for fishing and kayaking, there is a 12 mile loop around the entire park that includes great views of Mt. Hood and the Clackamas River. 37

38 Mirror Lake Trail #664 Recreation Opportunity Guide Northwest Forest Pass Required May 15-Oct 1 Distance... 1 mile to lake 2.9 miles to ridge Elevation feet Snow Free... July to October More Difficult Trail Highlights: This trail is 2.1 miles round-trip to the lake and has 700 feet of elevation change. Views of Mt Hood from a small backcountry lake are a big draw for this trail. Mirror Lake is a classic glacial cirque lake. The steep slopes south and southwest of Mirror Lake are the glacier cirque headwall. Hiking up to Tom Dick and Harry Ridge is a more challenging hike with a view of the Cascade Range. This trail is heavily visited and is kid-friendly for the adventurous family. Trail Description: The 1 mile from the trailhead to the lake gains 700 feet at a steady, moderate climb. The trail surface is wider than average to the lake and once at the lake, hikers may enjoy a narrower, 0.5 mile lakeside trail. From the southwest corner of the lake the trail continues 1.8 miles across the slope and onto the ridge top of Tom Dick and Harry Mt. The upper section of the trail is much rougher and narrower, with the last 200 yards of trail being very steep and rocky to access a view point at the trail s end. While many visit the area in the winter, it is not built or maintained for winter travel. Regulations & Leave No Trace Information: Because of safety concerns, US Highway 26 shoulder parking at the Mirror Lake Trailhead is between posted parking signs only - ODOT has it well signed. Violators will be ticketed and towed. Above mirror lake is wilderness no more than 12 people per group. Leave No Trace Plan Ahead and Prepare: Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Use established trails and campsites. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Leave What You Find: Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use established fire rings & keep fires small. Respect Wildlife: Control pets at all times. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Avoid loud voices and noises. For information on Leave No Trace, go to or call For current trail conditions and more recreation information go to: Map and driving directions on next page Mt. Hood National Forest Zigzag Ranger District Champion Way E. Highway 26 Sandy, OR Zigzag, Oregon The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

39 Directions to Trailhead: From Portland, travel 27 miles east of Sandy on US Hwy 26 and turn right (south) into the gravel parking area where a footbridge crosses Camp Creek (between mileposts 51 and 52). From Government Camp, head west on US Hwy 26 for 1.6 miles. Turn left (south) into the gravel parking area where a footbridge crosses Camp Creek (between mileposts 51 and 52). Recommended maps: Zigzag Ranger District

40 FLH > Projects > Oregon > Mirror Lake Trailhead Relocation Office of Federal Lands Highway Location: Home > Projects > Oregon Mirror Lake Trailhead Relocation Construction Updates For updates on construction progress please visit the following websites: Forest Service Trail Status ODOT Trip Check Website Construction Photos Project Description The project will provide new a parking area of similar size, construct a trail connection from the new parking area to the existing Mirror Lake Trail, make improvements to US 26, and restore the existing parking area and section of trail to its native state. FHWA is working in partnership with the Zigzag Ranger District of the Mt. Hood National Forest and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Project Background This project relocates the Mirror Lake Trailhead. The Mirror Lake Trail is a popular recreational area on the Forest with its trailhead located on a sharp curve on the south side of US Highway 26 (US 26) approximately one mile west of Government Camp in Clackamas County, Oregon. An easy day hike, the trail attracts many hikers from the Portland Metropolitan area. This popular trail leads to the Mirror Lake Trail, which is 2.1 miles round-trip to the lake with a 700 foot elevation change. Mirror Lake s classic glacial cirque lake with the view of Mt. Hood in the backdrop draws many people to this location. This trail also allows one to hike to Tom Dick and Harry Ridge which is a more challenging hike but has beautiful view of the Cascade Range. This trail is heavily visited and is kid-friendly for the adventurous family. Key Project Dates Construction Start Date: July 25, 2017 Construction Finish Date: October 31, 2018 Project Vicinity Map 1 of 3 6/15/18, 11:37 AM

41 FLH > Projects > Oregon > Mirror Lake Trailhead Relocation View a larger interactive map of the project area. Project Details Project # OR DOT 26(2) Project Name Mirror Lake Trailhead Relocation Location Near Government Camp Awarded to SWP Contracting and Paving Award Date June 29, 2017 Award Amount $5,460, Status Under Construction Contact Information Knud Martin, Project Engineer knud.martin@dot.gov Federal Highway Administration Western Federal Lands Highway Division 610 East Fifth Street 2 of 3 6/15/18, 11:37 AM

42 TBD Trailheads Coming Soon: Bridal Veil Falls Herman Creek/ PCT at Bridge of the Gods Trailhead Tamanawas Falls Timberline Lodge 42

43 BE AN INFORMED VOLUNTEER Trail Safety Below are some great safety tips to keep in mind and communicate with visitors/hikers: Stay on marked trails. Don t hike alone. Let the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group. Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return. Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost. Take frequent rests or vary your pace to maintain your energy level. Drink plenty of water, even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills. Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy boots that are broken in and are comfortable. Consider using a hiking pole or walking stick to help maintain your balance in unlevel or hazardous areas. Be aware of your surroundings, and pre-plan your approach before hiking through more hazardous areas. Wet surfaces can be a hazard and even more so if it's on a slope. Consider what you'll do if you start to slide or fall so that you are prepared. o If falling, do not try to catch yourself; try to avoid landing on your hands, elbows or knees. Landing on the side of your body is much safer. o If the slope is such where you know you are going to slide, lowering your center of gravity, by sitting down and sliding on your feet or bottom, is safer. o If sliding while standing up, keep your weight over your feet and bend your knees do not lean back or forward while sliding. If on a day hike, extra weight wears you down and reduces your agility over uneven terrain. Pack as light as possible. Leave the extras behind, but consider bringing these essentials: o Map o Sunglasses and a hat o o o o o o Sunscreen Flashlight Waterproof matches First aid kit Water and water-purifying tablets High-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit 43

44 o Extra clothing. Temperatures can change dramatically, particularly if there is an elevation change. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the temperature often drops three to five degrees. 44

45 Eagle Creek Fire US Forest Service website contains thorough Eagle Creek Fire closure information. Please review for yourself, check out photos and be familiar with information. Great resource to direct visitors to also. You can also direct folks to the Eagle Creek Fire-Gorge Stewardship and Trail Resilience Facebook page. 45

46 EAGLE CREEK FIRE At-A-Glance Facts, March 2018 Reported: September 2, 4:00 pm Size: 48,861 acres, including the 373 acres of Indian Creek Fire Contained: 100% contained on November 30 Origin: Eagle Creek Drainage, 2.5 miles west of Cascade Locks, OR Cause: Human, Fireworks Suppression Response Air resources were the primary suppression tool during the first 4 5 hours of the fire due to steep terrain. Hikers were rescued through joint efforts with Hood River County Sheriff s Office. Dozer and hand lines, burnout operations, brushing, fire wrap, sprinklers, and strike teams of engines were all used to protect values at risk through the course of the fire. Dozer Line: Estimated 30 miles Hand Line: Estimated 5 miles Personnel: 1,060 personnel at peak effort Cost to Date: Latest estimate, $20 million Human Impacts Level 3 evacuations affected residents in Bridal Veil, Corbett, Dodson, Latourell, Warrendale, Cascade Locks, OR; Skamania County, WA Hikers rescued: 176 Lives lost: 0 Hospital visits: 2 (x rays) Injuries: 4 (2 bee stings, shoulder injury, sprained ankle) Reported: September 5 Lands and Infrastructure Impacts Private Residences burned: 1 primary residence, 3 secondary Union Pacific Railway: Trains halted 3 days (Sept 4 7) Columbia River: Closed for 2 days (Sept 5 7) Interstate 84: WB closed 11 days, EB 19 days (Sept 4 14&16/23) Natl Forest System Trails: miles in fire perimeter 83.5 miles in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area 37.9 miles in Mt. Hood National Forest Archer Mtn Fire Contained: September 13 Size: 260 acres Cause: Ember from Eagle Creek Fire Dozer Line: 3.46 miles built Hand Line: 0.50 miles built Cost: Latest estimate, $850,000 Located in Skamania County, WA, 10 miles northwest of North Bonneville on National Forest System and Washington Department of Natural Resources lands. 83 miles in Wilderness; 10.1 miles of Pacific Crest Trail Natl Forest System roads: miles in burned area Bridges: Eagle Creek Suspension Bridge damaged/removed. Campgrounds: 3 federal, 2 state park State Lands: State Parks 1,283 acres; other state lands 44 acres State Parks: 20 state parks, 30 miles of trails closed at some point Private lands: 232 acres in fire perimeter Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge: structure intact, with only smoke damage; closed for almost 3 months Historic CCC era structures at Eagle Creek: remained intact but damaged suspension bridge to be removed Historic Columbia River Highway (Hwy. 30): Bridal Veil to Vista House segment closed 80 days; Ainsworth to Bridal Veil segment closed since Sept 4. Fisheries/Hatcheries: Bonneville, Cascade, and Oxbow hatcheries; impacts to fishing season Bonneville Power Administration powerlines lines de energized during fire; hazard trees removed Managed by Western Washington IMT Type 3, came under Eagle Creek Fire on September 16. The USDA Forest Service is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

47 EAGLE CREEK FIRE At-A-Glance Facts, March 2018 Suppression Repair Suppression rehabilitation is the process of replacing dirt, vegetation, and other natural materials back into formations that resemble a natural landscape. Suppression rehabilitation speeds the natural process of recovery, reduces visible traces of suppression activities, and can help prevent erosion. Safety zones, staging areas and drop points were rehabilitated. Road drainage work was installed. 30 miles dozer line & 5 miles handline waterbarred 4.5 miles of fireline seeded Ecological Facts Fire is a natural phenomenon, even in the wet West Cascades forests, and therefore the forest ecosystem has natural processes for regenerating. The fire interval in the west Cascades can vary from year intervals. Vegetation types within the fire perimeter consisted of Western Hemlock Zone (37,418 acres), Pacific Fir Zone (9,706 acres), Grand Fir Zone (880 acres), Douglas Fir Zone (500 acres), Steppe (174 acres), Mountain Hemlock Zone (58 acres), with 51 acres of other vegetation types. Most of the fire perimeter was located within the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness area, so USFS policy is to Allow reforestation only if a loss of the wilderness resource, due to human influence, has occurred and there is no reasonable expectation of natural reforestation (FSM ). Due to this, there will not be a widespread replanting of the burned area; however, there will be early detection and rapid response efforts in place to prevent invasive species from becoming established. USFS has also been putting in place erosion control measures to protect Chinook, coho, and steelhead. Burned Area Hazards and Issues The Gorge has a complex history involving volcanic lava flows, ice age floods, tectonic plate collisions, and other dynamic geologic processes. The steep slopes and rock walls that make the Gorge so beautiful also make it prone to landslides, and even before the fire, landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows were not unusual. Burn Severity. The higher the burn severity in a given drainage, the less likely that soil will absorb water from rainfall and snow melt. This increases the risks of flash floods, debris flows, landslides, and rockslides. 55% of the area within the fire perimeter is was unburned or low burn intensity 30% had a moderate burn intensity 15% had a high burn intensity Rockfall and landslide hazards. In areas where fractured rocks have long been stabilized by moss and other vegetation, slopes are steeper than the natural angle of repose. Since Eagle Creek Fire burned through the vegetation, rockfall and landslide potential has increased, as these slopes are prone to collapsing without the glue of natural vegetation holding them in place. Flash floods and Debris Flows. The fire perimeter contained miles of streams (141.4 year round streams). Predicted post fire peak streamflows show increased potential for flash floods, which can also lead to debris flows. Estimated recovery time for ground vegetation, which affects these risks, is 5 10 years. Most affected drainages: Eagle Creek, Tanner Creek, Moffett Creek, McCord Creek, Horsetail Creek, Oneonta Creek The USDA Forest Service is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

48 Trailhead Sign-up Page: USEFUL LINKS Resource Page: Continued education Leave No Trace Principles: Ready, Set, GOrge: 10 Essentials List: Friends of Columbia Gorge - Dog Mountain webpage: Visitor activities and information for the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge region: Visit the Gorge car-free: International Visitor Information French: Portugese: Spanish: German: Japanese: Korean: 48

49 Temperature Conversion REFERENCE TOOLS Mileage Conversion 49

50 Regional Sunset times (by Month) April 1-30 May 1-30 June 1-30 July 1-30 August 1-30 September :39pm - 8:16pm 8:17pm - 8:50pm 8:52pm - 9:05pm 9:03pm - 8:39pm 8:39pm - 7:49pm 7:49pm - 6:52pm NOTES 50