Dear Oregon Timber Trail community,
As we wrap up another remarkable year at the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance, we want to thank you. Whether you joined a trail work outing, rode a section of the route, supported OTTA financially, or simply shared a ride on the Oregon Timber Trail with a friend, you helped strengthen a growing community and the backcountry landscapes we all care deeply about.
The past year brought real challenges, including budget pressures, wildfire impacts, and increasing deferred maintenance across the Fremont-Winema National Forest. Despite those challenges, we made meaningful progress. Thanks to volunteers, partners, donors, sponsors and land managers, we advanced projects that will shape the Oregon Timber Trail corridor for years to come.
Riders explored both the original Oregon Timber Trail singletrack and the new OTT Adventure Route. Conversations with communities from Lakeview to Hood River pushed us to think more deeply about inclusive access to Oregon’s backcountry. The trail continues to be a place where collaboration, stewardship and shared adventure come together.
Highlights from the year include:
Adventure Route momentum (Adventure Route)
Riders from across the country embraced the OTT Adventure Route and provided valuable feedback that will guide refinements in the coming season.
Deepening stewardship and volunteer power (Volunteer Link)
Volunteers logged hundreds of hours clearing downed trees, brushing corridors, repairing tread and updating signage along the trail.
Freedom to Roam and the Unseen film project (Freedom2Roam)
OTTA supported Love is King; Operation Roam and a group of veterans on a 200-mile journey along the Adventure Route. Their experience is captured in the upcoming documentary Unseen, a powerful story of healing, connection and access.
Strengthening the organization (About OTTA)
With new board members, improved governance and expanding partnerships, OTTA continues to grow into the long-distance trail steward Oregon deserves.
Community and education
OTTA volunteers and board members hosted a virtual open house, offered a Bikepacking 101 course, participated in multiple REI Community Days and delivered a public presentation in Prineville.
Looking Ahead to 2026
In the coming year, our focus includes:
Free the Fremont, a multiyear effort to restore nearly 100 miles of fire-impacted trail in the Fremont Tier.
A combined grand depart, kicking off the OTT Adventure Route and the OTT Race, which is operated independently of OTTA.
A redesigned Oregon Timber Trail website that is clearer, more accessible and better supports riders and volunteers.
Expanded stewardship and education, including trail work events, sawyer trainings, maintenance workshops, Bikepacking 101 courses, and partnerships with other trail organizations across the Willamette, Deschutes and Hood tiers.
Stronger community engagement throughout the corridor, working with partners to support riders and share stories of trail experiences, local events and the remarkable landscapes along the Oregon Timber Trail.
Every mile maintained, every tree cleared and every trail user inspired is possible because of you. The Oregon Timber Trail exists because people believe in the power of trails to connect communities, support rural economies and create unforgettable backcountry experiences.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to more miles, more connection and more shared adventure in the year ahead.
With gratitude,
Steve Brook
Board President
Oregon Timber Trail® Alliance
Connecting Trails. Connecting People.
