What Salmonberry Trail Foundation does

The Salmonberry Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 83-3675072), founded in 2020 and headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, that is developing, managing, and promoting an 82-mile multi-use rail-trail along the historic Pacific Railway and Navigation Company Railroad corridor between Banks and the Oregon Coast. The trail reuses an existing 1911 rail alignment — including ten tunnels and 72+ trestles reaching 170 feet — through Coast Range forest, river canyons, and coastal communities. As of 2025 the corridor is not yet open to the public; first visible construction began with the Wheeler Demonstration Project in July 2025, alongside advancing design and permitting for Williams Creek Trestle, Catalyst Loop, and other priority segments. The Foundation runs 50+ annual guided hikes, a Trailblazers volunteer program, and a Flora and Fauna Team focused on ecological restoration, complemented by a branded merchandise shop and event-management tooling.

The organization has no commercial revenue model: the completed trail will be free public access. Operating and capital funding come from individual donations (including IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, stock gifts, and planned giving), a $5.7M capital campaign, an $8M funding request to the Oregon Joint Committee on Ways and Means, congressional-directed spending, corporate sponsorships (e.g., Intel volunteer days), and merchandise sales. Governance is shifting from the multi-agency STIA model to a streamlined structure led by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, with the Port of Tillamook Bay as the primary landowner partner (and recipient of a $5/linear foot Trail Development Fee). Additional partners include the Oregon Department of Forestry, Tillamook and Washington Counties, the Cities of Wheeler, Rockaway Beach, Garibaldi, and Bay City, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, NWRESD (98,000 students across 20 districts), Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, Travel Oregon, and the Intertwine Alliance. Leadership comprises Executive Director Caroline Fitchett, Board Chair Tim Schallich, and Communications & Development Directors Gavin Mahaley and Skye Cutler; the Foundation added two new full-time staff and opened a new Hillsboro office in April 2024. ECOnorthwest's economic analysis projects $8–16M annual recreational enjoyment value, $3–6.5M annual local revenue from visitor spending, $300K–$900K annual health-cost savings, and 100,000–200,000 annual visits once complete.

Name

Salmonberry Trail Foundation

Legal name

The Salmonberry Trail Foundation

Website

https://salmonberrytrail.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Salmonberry Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit developing an 82-mile free public rail-trail from Banks, Oregon to the Oregon Coast, serving hikers, bikers, equestrians, coastal communities, schools, and government partners through donations, grants, and volunteer programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Trail Infrastructure Development

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Hiking, Trekking & Mountain Guiding (THAJABAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Conservation Parks & Private Nature Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAFAB)

Keywords

• Rail trail development
• Outdoor recreation infrastructure
• Nonprofit trail building
• Public access trails
• Community volunteer programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Hillsboro

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting trail construction and development, including IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, stock donations, and planned giving through wills/estate
2. Capital Campaign: Major fundraising campaign targeting $5.7 million for specific projects: Catalyst Loop, City of Wheeler Demonstration Project, and Tillamook Creamery segment
3. Government Grants: State funding requests including $8 million request to Oregon Joint Committee on Ways and Means for four priority trail segments; congressional-directed spending support from legislators
4. Merchandise Sales: Branded merchandise including T-shirts, polos, coats, vests, and caps sold through online merchandise shop
5. Planned Giving: Bequests and estate planning contributions; IRA charitable rollovers for donors 70½ or older
6. Corporate Partnerships: Corporate sponsorships and volunteer programs with companies like Intel; partnership with organizations like Gigantic Brewing and CX Pistols

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Salmonberry Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that develops, manages, and promotes the Salmonberry Trail — an 82-mile multi-use rail-trail corridor from Banks, Oregon to the Oregon Coast. The foundation reuses the historic Pacific Railway and Navigation Company Railroad corridor, advancing design, permitting, partnership-building, and segment-by-segment construction to deliver free public trail access for hiking, biking, and equestrian use.

Product overview

The Salmonberry Trail Foundation operates a single core infrastructure product: the 82-mile Salmonberry Trail, a multi-use rail-trail corridor under development from Banks to the Oregon Coast. The foundation complements this with visitor services including guided hikes led by trained volunteers, a volunteer Trailblazers program for trail construction and clearing, and a Flora and Fauna Team for ecological restoration. Additional offerings include an educational Learning Mile outdoor classroom, an online merchandise shop supporting construction funding, and event management via Ticket Tailor for managing registrations and volunteer activities. The portfolio represents a unified mission to build and maintain the trail segment by segment, with services designed to engage community participation and raise funds for construction.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Salmonberry Trail An 82-mile multi-use rail-trail corridor from Banks to the Oregon Coast, designed for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The trail repurposes the historic Pacific Railway and Navigation Company Railroad corridor, traversing old-growth forest, ten railroad tunnels, and over 72 trestles, and will be free to access when complete.
• Guided Hikes Program Organized educational hikes along trail segments, led by staff and trained volunteers, offering opportunities to explore the corridor's natural and railroad history.
• Trailblazers Volunteer Program Volunteer trail maintenance and construction program where participants assist with clearing, invasive species removal, and preparation work along future trail segments.
• Flora and Fauna Team Specialized volunteer team focused on documenting ecosystems, removing invasive species, and planting native vegetation along the trail corridor, particularly along the Learning Mile.
• Salmonberry Trail Merchandise Shop Online merchandise store selling branded items including T-shirts, polos, coats, vests, and caps to support trail construction.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100,000-200,000 visits per year projected once complete
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and moderate.

• Oregon Parks and Recreation DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey government partner in STIA governance model; transitioning to streamlined structure for trail oversight; led by Lisa Sumption as STIA chair
• Port of Tillamook BaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary landowner of the corridor; absorbed railroad debt after 2007 storm; receives Trail Development Fee ($5/linear foot) for trail development; Commissioner Bill Baertlein represents on STIA board
• Oregon Department of ForestrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManages state forest lands along the corridor; updating recreation plans to include Salmonberry Trail; represented by Kate Skinner on STIA
• Oregon Coast Scenic RailroadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperates active rail portion of corridor; partners on trail planning that accommodates both rail and trail experiences; clears areas around Nehalem Falls for guided hikes
• Tillamook CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty partner represented by Commissioner Erin Skaar on STIA board
• Washington CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty partner represented by Commissioner Jerry Willey on STIA board
• Confederated Tribes of Grand RondecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew STIA board member as of 2024; represented by Matt Haller; bringing tribal perspective to trail development
• City of WheelercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity broke ground on Wheeler Demonstration Project in July 2025; hosting community celebration and ribbon cutting
• City of Rockaway BeachcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloping 2.5-mile trail section; submitted RAISE grant application; passed resolution of support
• City of GaribaldiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPassed resolution of support for the Salmonberry Trail
• City of Bay CityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPassed resolution of support for the Salmonberry Trail
• Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerServing 98,000 students across 20 school districts; collaboration for outdoor education opportunities along the trail
• Oregon Trails CoalitioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerStatewide trails advocacy organization; co-sponsor of Happy Hour events; partner on Trails Day at the Capitol; advocacy for recreational immunity and path funding
• Travel OregonmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerState tourism agency; co-sponsor of Holiday Happy Hour event; supporting trail promotion and tourism development
• Intertwine AlliancemoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional parks and trails alliance; STF is proud member; participates in Intertwine Connect events
• Oregon Coast Visitors AssociationmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional tourism organization; presentation on coastal recreation economy; partnership on visitor promotion
• Gigantic BrewingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted CX Pistols/Salmonberry happy hour; signed up as partner and advocate
• CX Pistols Cyclocross TeamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsored by Gigantic Brewing; hosted team happy hour; signed up as partner and advocate
• IntelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate team volunteer day (May 2025); employees worked alongside STF team on trail
• Tillamook Coast Visitors AssociationmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of Wheeler Ground Building celebration; supporting coastal trail promotion
• Public Coast FarmminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrail neighbor in Tillamook County; supported Dairy Creek Trestle protection work; hosted volunteer events
• Tides of ChangeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered on 'A Space to Heal' guided hike for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
• Tillamook County WellnessminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-hosted 'A Space to Heal' guided hike with Tides of Change
• Rotary Club of PortlandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresented to Rotary about trail project and partnership opportunities
• Portland Garden ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresented to club about trail project and environmental aspects
• Fly Fishers Club of OregonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered on guided outing with STF team
• Pacific UniversityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered on guided hike at Cochran Pond
• Congresswoman Suzanne BonamicimoderateOthersVisited trail June 2023; supported congressional-directed spending requests; video address to Gala 2024
• Senators Wyden and MerkleymoderateOthersSupporting congressional-directed spending for Salmonberry Trail

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Friends of the Banks-Vernonia Trail: Oregon-based nonprofit supporting a nearby rail-trail (Banks-Vernonia State Trail) that physically connects to the planned Salmonberry Trail. Directly comparable as a Pacific NW rail-trail nonprofit with similar volunteer-driven fundraising, partnership model, and constituency of Portland-metro outdoor recreationists.
• Mazamas: Portland-based nonprofit mountaineering and outdoor education organization with a similar community-led, volunteer-supported model. Relevant as a peer Oregon outdoor recreation nonprofit that runs guided hikes, volunteer programs, and educational outings comparable to Salmonberry's guided hike and Learning Mile programs.
• Washington Trails Association: Pacific Northwest trail advocacy and maintenance nonprofit with a similar volunteer-driven, donation-funded model. Comparable because it organizes trail work parties, advocates for state trail funding, and supports both hiking and multi-use trail networks in Oregon and Washington.
• Portland Parks Foundation: Portland-area nonprofit that funds and advocates for parks and trail projects, including connections to the broader regional trail network that Salmonberry will link into. Comparable as a community-led fundraising, advocacy, and capital-campaign-driven model serving overlapping Portland-metro constituencies.

Regional players

• Oregon Equestrian Trails: Oregon nonprofit dedicated to maintaining and expanding equestrian trail access. Relevant as a peer organization that engages equestrian users (one of Salmonberry's primary user groups) and supports multi-use trail infrastructure across Oregon through volunteer labor and advocacy.

Broad incumbents

• Travel Oregon: Oregon's official state tourism agency, already a co-marketing partner of Salmonberry Trail Foundation. Comparable as the statewide convener for trail and outdoor recreation promotion, visitor economy data, and grant programs that the foundation relies on for tourism positioning.
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: National nonprofit advocating for rail-trail conversions across the U.S. Highly comparable to Salmonberry Trail Foundation because it operates in the same rail-to-trail niche, runs advocacy and fundraising campaigns, and supports the development of long-distance multi-use trails from abandoned rail corridors.
• Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit focused on land conservation and creating parks and trails in urban and rural areas. Highly relevant because it often partners on rail-trail acquisition, conservation easements, and funding mechanisms similar to those Salmonberry Trail Foundation depends on with the Port of Tillamook Bay.
• The Nature Conservancy (Oregon Chapter): Major conservation nonprofit operating across Oregon with overlapping interests in forest preservation, ecological restoration, and invasive species removal along the Salmonberry corridor. Comparable because it engages in similar land stewardship, donor cultivation, and partnership models with state and federal agencies.

Emerging players

• Oregon Natural Desert Association: Oregon conservation nonprofit with comparable advocacy, volunteer engagement, and grant-funded stewardship model. Relevant as a peer Oregon nonprofit that combines land conservation, donor mobilization, and policy advocacy for trail and public-land infrastructure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/thesalmonberrytrail
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/salmonberry-trail-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Salmonberry Trail Foundation