Oregon trail volunteers clear record number of fallen trees

Volunteer trail crews in Northeastern Oregon are facing an unprecedented volume of fallen trees in the Eagle Cap Wilderness and Hells Canyon. The Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association reported that the number of downed trees in 2026 has reached a record high since the nonprofit began its work in 2017.

As of mid-September, crews have moved approximately 2,300 trees across 230 miles of trails. This averages to about 10 trees per mile, a significant increase from the six or seven trees per mile seen in the previous year. Executive director Mike Hansen noted that many of the fallen trees are live specimens that pulled intact from the soil rather than dead snags snapping mid-trunk.

Hansen attributes the high frequency of toppled trees to weather patterns, suggesting that heavy autumn rains may have loosened the soil before the ground froze, leaving trees vulnerable to wind and gales. Additional clearing efforts are planned for the fall in the Eagle Cap, Hells Canyon, and the North Fork John Day Wilderness.