Giving back to places you love.
The Blue Mountains are home to hundreds of miles of trail. The type with views for days, wildflowers galore, and a surplus of solitude. We know a day on the trail provides moments of growth and well-being. And we want to make sure these experiences are available for everyone.
The trails in the Blue Mountains need our help and care. That’s why the BMLT Blues Crew is dedicated to improving the quality and accessibility of trails on public lands. Whether you hike, ski, bike, or bird watch, our volunteers ensure the trails are ready for outdoor pursuits and Type 1 fun.
We welcome anyone who wants to lend a hand and help out for a fun and rewarding way to give back to the places you love.
Stronger together
Outdoor opportunities help a community thrive. The BMLT Blues Crew volunteers work hundreds of hours each season to improve and build the trails in the Blue Mountain region. From restoring flood damage at Camp Wooten outside of Dayton, WA to helping build a mountain bike trail network at Magone Lake near John Day, OR, our volunteers make a positive impact on trail accessibility and recreation opportunities for communities.
We’re stronger when we work together. In the past year, our trail stewardship volunteers logged over 4,000 hours. This year, we had the opportunity to collaborate with partners to create a bigger impact, including the Confluence Project, Umatilla National Forest, Malheur National Forest, Port of Columbia, Whitman College Outdoor Program, Eastern Oregon Trails Alliance, WA State Parks, and more. We strive to promote a culture of inclusivity and leadership development. Every season, we offer sawyer certification and trip leader training to help build the skills of our community of responsible trail stewards.
Powder days at Horseshoe Prairie
How can a group of skiers bring back winter trail access? Through planning, hard work, and perseverance, the BMLT Blues Crew improved trails, signage, and conditions at this overlooked winter recreation area in the Blue Mountains.
Since 2019, the Blue Mountain Land Trust volunteer-led trail crew has provided access to Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area in partnership with the Umatilla National Forest. Bordered on the north by the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, the area provides an opportunity for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing on both groomed and non-groomed trail systems. With approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) of marked trail, Horseshoe Prairie is the perfect place for outdoor ski adventures all winter season.
The crew is working long hours to prepare HSP for the upcoming ski season, including an expansion of the trail network and the addition of an onsite storage container to house grooming equipment. We’re looking forward to the upcoming winter season, regular grooming of trails, and expanded recreation programming opportunities. Stay up to date on the latest snow and grooming conditions here.
Want to join the fun and volunteer? Sign up today.