You’re Invited!A Community-Driven Effort to Build World-Class, Accessible Mountain Biking Trails
TORTA, the Tillamook Off-Road Trail Alliance, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and maintaining a network of trails for mountain biking and other non-motorized recreation in Tillamook County, Oregon. Evolving from the Pacific City Pathways nonprofit, TORTA was officially formed around 2017. Its mission is to develop a world-class trail system that is accessible to everyone, from families to professional riders, while also benefiting the local community and economy.
The Story and the Mission
TORTA’s journey began with the transfer of the Pacific City Pathways nonprofit, which had already completed a trail near the Pacific City skate park. Rather than starting a new organization from scratch, the board opted to transfer the existing nonprofit and rename it. This transition saved time and resources, allowing the newly formed Tillamook Off-Road Trail Alliance to focus on its primary goal: building trails.
The organization’s mission is to create a diverse network of trails for all skill levels, ensuring they are accessible to the public and well-maintained. A key part of this includes an exciting new project to add an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant trail, a unique feature for mountain biking. This commitment to inclusivity is important to TORTA’s work. They brought in the experts from Dovetail Trail Consulting to ride the current trails and provide their invaluable feedback for the future ADA compliant trail.Their consultation will help TORTA build a trail that’s not only compliant but also genuinely functional and fun for people of all abilities.
Community and Collaboration
TORTA’s success is a testament to strong community support and collaboration with various partners. Initial efforts were slowed by COVID-19 and turnover within the Forest Services, but the organization persisted. A significant part of their work involves “dig days,” where volunteers gather to help build and maintain the trails. These events are crucial for getting the trails built and for meeting grant requirements through volunteer hours. They’ve grown in popularity, drawing volunteers from across Oregon and building a sense of community ownership.
The organization has also forged valuable partnerships with local businesses and institutions. Pelican Brewing Co. has been a strong supporter, providing drinks and wraps for dig days and even working on creating a special beer where a percentage of the profits go back to TORTA. Additionally, they’ve partnered with local school districts to develop bike programs and skills parks, fostering a new generation of riders.
Trails, Challenges, and the Future
After years of planning, navigating environmental regulations, and securing necessary approvals, TORTA is finally building trails. The first trail, a green-level route at Whalen’s Knob, is COMPLETE! (See invitation above to ribbon cutting celebration at Kiawanda Community Center, Friday October 25, 2025.) The project has faced challenges, including stipulations from the Forest Service regarding endangered bird species, which limits when and what type of equipment can be used. These restrictions have required careful planning and the use of quieter, electric equipment to minimize disruption.
The future is bright for TORTA. With recent grants, including a $200,000 RTP grant and a $150,000 Travel Oregon grant for the new ADA trail, the organization has the funds to continue its work. While a formal grand opening is still pending Forest Service approval, the team is working toward a soft opening this fall. With the help of dedicated volunteers and partnerships, TORTA is well on its way to creating a world-class trail system that will be a valuable asset for Tillamook County.
Want to get involved?
Follow the journey and stay up-to-date on all things TORTA, including news on upcoming Dig Days, events, and trail openings.