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News Release

Community Support Helps Restore Camp Wilkerson Trails (Photo) - 12/22/25

Local volunteers and grant funding come together to restore trails at Camp Wilkerson County Park.

 

ST. HELENS, Ore. [Dec. 22, 2025] — Columbia County Parks is pleased to acknowledge a recent grant award supporting trail restoration efforts at Camp Wilkerson County Park. The Oregon Community Foundation has awarded $2,500 to Oregon Equestrian Trails (OET) to assist with improving and reopening overgrown trail sections surrounding the park’s horse camp and recreation areas. The grant was awarded through the Shelton H. and Mary I. Duff Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation.

 

In partnership with the County, OET volunteers will work on restoring trail corridors that have become difficult to access due to vegetation growth and storm impacts. All work will be coordinated with Columbia County Parks to ensure that improvements align with long-term stewardship and recreation goals for Camp Wilkerson.

 

For more than 20 years, volunteers from the Columbia County Chapter of OET have played a major role in caring for Camp Wilkerson’s trail system. Their work has included maintaining the Liahona Trail, clearing fallen trees and overgrown brush, building bridges, improving muddy sections, and upgrading the horse camp corrals. OET also raises funds annually to support these efforts, contributing nearly $4,000 this year alone toward new metal corrals in addition to the recent trail restoration grant.

 

“We’re grateful for OET and everyone who’s pitching in,” said Riley Baker, Director of General Services. “Restoring these trails isn’t something we can do alone, and it’s great to see the community stepping up. Camp Wilkerson is special, and projects like this help keep it enjoyable for everyone.”

 

As the project moves forward, Columbia County and OET will work together to identify additional community partners and volunteers who can support on-the-ground trail restoration work. These efforts will help ensure the park’s trail network remains safe, accessible, and welcoming for hikers, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts across the region.

 

“Camp Wilkerson is our only horse camp in the County, and we’re dedicated to doing our part to keep the trails and horse camp open for equestrians and hikers,” said Gloria and Bob Rice of the Columbia County Chapter of Oregon Equestrian Trails.

 

Columbia County extends sincere thanks to the Oregon Community Foundation and Oregon Equestrian Trails for their commitment to supporting public recreation and preserving one of the county’s most valued natural areas.

 

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Attached Media Files: The lodge at Camp Wilkerson,

Community Support Helps Restore Camp Wilkerson Trails (Photo) - 12/22/25

Local volunteers and grant funding come together to restore trails at Camp Wilkerson County Park.

 

ST. HELENS, Ore. [Dec. 22, 2025] — Columbia County Parks is pleased to acknowledge a recent grant award supporting trail restoration efforts at Camp Wilkerson County Park. The Oregon Community Foundation has awarded $2,500 to Oregon Equestrian Trails (OET) to assist with improving and reopening overgrown trail sections surrounding the park’s horse camp and recreation areas. The grant was awarded through the Shelton H. and Mary I. Duff Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation.

 

In partnership with the County, OET volunteers will work on restoring trail corridors that have become difficult to access due to vegetation growth and storm impacts. All work will be coordinated with Columbia County Parks to ensure that improvements align with long-term stewardship and recreation goals for Camp Wilkerson.

 

For more than 20 years, volunteers from the Columbia County Chapter of OET have played a major role in caring for Camp Wilkerson’s trail system. Their work has included maintaining the Liahona Trail, clearing fallen trees and overgrown brush, building bridges, improving muddy sections, and upgrading the horse camp corrals. OET also raises funds annually to support these efforts, contributing nearly $4,000 this year alone toward new metal corrals in addition to the recent trail restoration grant.

 

“We’re grateful for OET and everyone who’s pitching in,” said Riley Baker, Director of General Services. “Restoring these trails isn’t something we can do alone, and it’s great to see the community stepping up. Camp Wilkerson is special, and projects like this help keep it enjoyable for everyone.”

 

As the project moves forward, Columbia County and OET will work together to identify additional community partners and volunteers who can support on-the-ground trail restoration work. These efforts will help ensure the park’s trail network remains safe, accessible, and welcoming for hikers, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts across the region.

 

“Camp Wilkerson is our only horse camp in the County, and we’re dedicated to doing our part to keep the trails and horse camp open for equestrians and hikers,” said Gloria and Bob Rice of the Columbia County Chapter of Oregon Equestrian Trails.

 

Columbia County extends sincere thanks to the Oregon Community Foundation and Oregon Equestrian Trails for their commitment to supporting public recreation and preserving one of the county’s most valued natural areas.

 

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Attached Media Files: The lodge at Camp Wilkerson,