Update 10/17/25:

Thank you to the 140+ donors who contributed to this Phase I Fundraiser for the Indian Creek Trail Connection. The efforts of the countless volunteers and donors resulted in over $120,000 being raised for the design, permitting, and initial trail development.

Just a reminder: as of October 2025, the landowner is going through a land partition permitting request with the City of Hood River. We are hopeful that this will be complete soon. Once complete, the trail easement will be dedicated in perpetuity to the public and trail development can begin.

We are wrapping up this initial phase of fundraising and allocating that money towards initial expenses related to the long-desired trail connection. This money will stay with the Foundation and then be transferred to Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation District once the easement has been dedicated.

We'll keep you posted as the project progresses. If you are not already subscribed to our newsletter, you can sign up here.

~The Hood River Valley Parks & Rec Foundation, October 2025

Note: the content below is still shown so that anyone who is curious can look back at the information.

The Vision

We have an opportunity to complete a decades-long goal of connecting the missing trail link and preserving natural green space for generations to come. Attaining public ownership of the land surrounding Indian Creek between Broken Tee Drive and the Community College brings this trail connection and the fulfillment of multiple regional plans one step closer to fruition.

Project Goals

✅ Connection: This parcel holds the final missing link to the Indian Creek Trail. Only 1200 feet separates the two sections of the 4.5 mile network. The community of Hood River has been building this trail for over 25 years and this is our opportunity to finally complete it. The entire community will benefit from reduced congestion, enhanced walk/bikeability, and a greener, more connected Hood River. It is the only urban trail that most of Hood River can access from our front doors. Let’s safely connect our neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and essential health services!

✅ Conservation: These 9 acres of wetland are a jewel in our town. It is home to a wide diversity of wildlife, birds, innumerable insects, native plants, grasses, and trees. It functions as a filter for our air and watershed from Mt. Hood to the Columbia River. It is the last piece of undeveloped natural area within the Urban Growth Boundary and offers a place of healthy recreation and quiet respite for our community. Acquiring this land for public use will protect it in perpetuity.

Who

The Hood River Community (YOU!)
HRV Parks & Rec Foundation - an Oregon nonprofit corporation and leader of this fundraising effort.
Columbia Land Trust - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that conserves and cares for vital lands, water, and wildlife of the Columbia River region. Columbia Land Trust will provide assistance by processing donations of $5000 and over.
HRV Parks & Recreation District (HRVPRD) - public special district in Hood River County which will gain ownership of the property and lead trail development upon successful fundraising and land acquisition.
Avalon/Broken Tee Neighborhood Group - grassroots community group that has been instrumental in making this project a reality.

How

The organizations listed above are seeking donations to fund a rare chance to purchase 9 acres of open green space to be protected in perpetuity. Over 50% of the purchase price has already been pledged.

The Ask

Original ask: $684,000 to purchase the land around the trail connection.
Revised goal: $150,000 to go towards design, permitting, and initial trail development.
Net amount collected: $127,767 (thermometer total of $132,782.50 minus $4760.71 reconciliation for 4 partial refunds that could not be removed from online system + $254.33 in platform processing fees not covered by donors)

The original fundraiser was focusing on purchasing the land. When negotiations with the landowner reached an impasse, the Foundation shifted the focus to initial trail development costs. The landowner has indicated a desire to transfer the land to public ownership in 2026 or later.

Donation Details (for reference only, this fundraiser is closed)

Donations of $5000 and more should be processed as "Benefactor" contribution.

Donations of $25-4999, you're in the right place! Read on...

You'll have a chance during the checkout process to indicate if you'd like your donation to be anonymous.

Gifts made to the Foundation in support of the Indian Creek Trail Property will be used to fund the acquisition of real property in Hood River County, Oregon—commonly known as the “Indian Creek Trail Property”—or for expenses related to construction of the trail on that property, as facilitated by the Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District. This project helps protect open space, complete the trail, and bring this shared community vision to life.

If the land acquisition cannot be accomplished for any reason, donations of less than $1000 will be directed towards trail development expenses and will not be refunded. Donors contributing $1000 or more may choose* one of the following options:

Foundation retains the donation for general purposes related to trail construction, in accordance with its mission; or
Request a return of the donation (less a 5% administrative fee, any interest earned, and applicable credit card processing fees), via the method of payment (credit card or check).

*If this unlikely situation occurs, donors of $1000 or more will be contacted via email to indicate your preference.

Please note:
The Hood River Valley Parks & Rec Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 33-3883841), effective as of February 26, 2025.

The Foundation is not responsible for completing the acquisition of the Indian Creek Trail Property and is solely facilitating fundraising on behalf of the Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District. The Foundation and the Project Partners do not provide legal or tax advice. Donors are encouraged to consult their own advisors regarding the tax implications of their contribution.

Benefactor donations are being processed by Columbia Land Trust, an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and accredited land trust.

Questions?

Please contact the Hood River Valley Parks and Rec Foundation via email at board@hrvprf.org.

Indian Creek Trail Connection & Conservation

By Hood River Valley Parks and Rec Foundation

Indian Creek Trail Connection & Conservation

Help us Preserve the Land and Build the Trail

Team Members