wolverine tracking project
wildlife camera surveys

​​Who comes out to play while the humans are away?​
Camera surveys help document wildlife throughout Mt. Hood National Forest
​
Summer Season: May through November
Winter Season: November through April
Training: May/June and November

​Camera surveys are a low-impact way to unobtrusively collect information on the presence of wildlife in our forest. Cascadia Wild operates over twenty cameras in the Mt. Hood National Forest, all maintained by Cascadia Wild volunteers who are taking part in long-term data collection that will shape research and management decisions - true community science!
​Read more about the Wolverine Tracking Project.

get involved

Cameras are maintained entirely by volunteers. 

This summer, Cascadia Wild will be maintaining 21 cameras on the Mt Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Cameras need to be visited every 4 weeks to keep them in good working condition.

Visiting a camera is usually a full-day trip. Equipment will first need to be picked up from the Cascadia Wild office. At the camera, you will change out the batteries and memory card, refresh the scent lure, and collect any hair or scat samples. Afterward, you will return the equipment and photos you collected, and submit a data sheet.

Cameras are at various sites all over the Mt Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge. Some cameras are close to a road, while others require a 10 mile hike into the wilderness area. Some require driving on dirt roads, others do not. 
​
You will be able to sign up for the camera location and dates that fit your hiking ability, preferences, and availability. You can sign up with friends, or by yourself and be paired with other volunteers. We require a minimum group size of 3 people on each camera visit. 

After attending the training, which will explain what to do on a camera visit, sign ups for camera trips will begin.
Picture
The Wolverine Tracking Project started to confirm rumors of the wolverine's return to Mt. Hood. This is the last known wolverine on Mt. Hood (1980), and we continue to monitor for their return to the mountain.

Camera Locations

Trail cameras are located based on where we expect to encounter target species. Specifically, we are interested in documenting Sierra Nevada red foxes, who are known to inhabit the higher elevations of Mt. Hood; gray wolves, who are known to inhabit the eastern forest; and wolverine, who may be dispersing through the area. We also consider areas where these animals may travel through or relocate. 

The map below/right shows the areas where cameras will be placed this summer.
Picture
Camera Survey Areas Summer 2026

training  -  summer 2026

Volunteers must attend two trainings: an online introductory training and an in-person training. 
ONLINE TRAINING
The online training will cover what the project is about, our target species, singing up for a camera visit, a brief overview of what to do on when visiting a camera, and how to stay safe in the forest. 
​
Online Training:
Tuesday, May 19, 6:30-8:30 pm

​This training will be recorded for those who can't attend. You must watch the recording before coming to the in-person training.
IN-PERSON TRAINING
The in-person training will go into more depth about what to do on a camera trip, navigating off-trail to the camera, and outdoor safety. Unless you already have lots of experience working outdoors, this training is also required.

Location: Leaven Community Center, 5432 NE 20th Ave (map)

Choose one date, each session will cover the same information.
  • Saturday, May 30, 1:00-5:00 pm. 
  • Sunday, June 7, 1:00-5:00pm. 

VOLUNTEER qualifications

Everyone is welcome to join the wildlife camera survey, however, you must meet the following qualifications.
  • ​Commit to conducting at least 2 camera checks during the summer
  • Be able to hike up to 1/2 mile and be comfortable traveling off-trail for short distances.​
  • Be comfortable working in various outdoor conditions for up to four hours, which can include rain and inclement weather; cold/hot temperatures; standing in one place for long periods of time setting a camera; some uphill hiking
  • Be able to navigate off-trail using a mapping application, GPS, or map and compass, or the ability to learn
  • Provide transportation to and from the camera location.
  • Able to follow survey protocols thoroughly and accurately
  • Provide all required gear and equipment (see below)
  • Properly maintain and store borrowed Cascadia Wild equipment​
  • Attend the training
​*Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.

EQUIPMENT needed

Cascadia Wild will provide a Camera Kit with the camera-related gear you will need. You will need to pick up the Camera Kit from our office before heading out to visit your camera.

The kit contains: memory card, batteries, scent bait, disposable gloves​, Genetic Sample Collection items (paper bags, tweezers, lighter, and envelopes, and a ruler), local maps of camera site​, and instruction sheets.
​
Cameras, and at some site hair snaggers or bait boxes, will already be installed in the forest. 

​Other Required Equipment we can provide
​The following items are also required. These items can be checked out from Cascadia Wild on a first-request basis, subject to availability.
  • NW Forest Pass (some sites), to park at the trailhead
  • GPS or mapping application
  • Compass
  • Forest Maps
  • First Aid Kit and other personal safety gear
  • Hammer (some sites), for moving hair snaggers during your camera check
You will need to provide:
  • Personal outdoor gear such as outdoor clothing and footwear
  • Personal safety gear
  • Camera, either digital or smartphone for taking photos of genetic samples or other incidental sign

​Not sure what personal gear you need? See our packing list for some recommendations.

WHAT IS THE DATA USED FOR?

The Wolverine Tracking Project collects data on four species of special concern in Oregon - wolverine, Sierra Nevada red fox, gray wolf, and Pacific marten. In addition, data is also collected on other carnivores and prey of the forest, from Douglas squirrel to elk to bobcats, bears, and every mammal or ground bird in between. Cameras offer a great way to collect information on a wide variety of species, telling the story of the forest. Data is shared with a variety of partners, including: Mt Hood National Forest Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Defenders of Wildlife. 

​Read more about our target species and data.​
Picture
A Pacific marten, one of our target species, bounds to inspect a bait tree
Picture
This Sierra Nevada red fox was one of the first foxes documented by Wolverine Tracking Project trail cameras, which confirmed their presence on Mt Hood. Camera Survey, Winter 2011-2012.

​REady to join the camera crew?

Registration closes May 18
Our way of saying thank you:
​All volunteers have the option to receive the Cascadia Wildlife Weekly Newsletter, which includes all the week's best wildlife photos and news - only for volunteers and members!  Volunteers also have access to the data collected in one season, and are eligible to receive discounts on select Cascadia Wild classes, events, and programs.
Picture
A photo of the breeding pair of the White River wolf pack, who are centered on the Warm Springs Reservation and along the eastern flank of Mt. Hood National Forest. We have been monitoring for gray wolves since they returned to the forest in 2017. Photo taken by Wolverine Tracking Project Camera Survey, 2018.
Registration is now closed.

​Summer survey season will begin with trainings in May, so please check back this spring!
Cameras are maintained entirely by volunteers. 

This winter, Cascadia Wild will be maintaining 18 cameras on the Mt Hood National Forest and 5 cameras in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Cameras need to be visited every 3 or 4 weeks to keep them above the snow and make sure they are in working condition.

Visiting a camera is usually a full-day trip. Equipment will need to be picked up from the Cascadia Wild office. At the camera, you will change out the batteries and memory card, refresh the scent lure, collect any hair or scat samples, and make sure the camera is positioned for the current snow depth. Afterward, you will return the equipment and photos you collected, and submit a data sheet.

Cameras are at various sites all over the Mt Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Some cameras are close to a trailhead, while others require up to a 6 mile snowshoe or a 10 mile hike into the wilderness area. Many require driving to a snopark near the mountain, and a couple even require driving on unplowed dirt roads. 
​
You will be able to sign up for the camera location and dates that fit your hiking ability, preferences, and availability. You can sign up with friends, or by yourself and be paired with other volunteers. We require a minimum group size of 3 people on each camera visit. 

After attending the training, which will explain what to do on a camera visit, sign ups for camera trips will begin.
camera locations - winter

​Trail cameras are located based on where we expect to encounter target species. Specifically, we are interested in documenting Sierra Nevada red foxes, who are known to inhabit the higher elevations of Mt. Hood; gray wolves, who are known to inhabit the eastern forest; and wolverine, who may be dispersing through the area. We also consider areas where these animals may travel through or relocate. 

Access in winter is also an important consideration, since much of the area is covered in snow.
IN-PERSON TRAINING
The in-person training will go into more depth about what to do on a camera trip, navigating off-trail to the camera, snowshoeing, and winter safety. Unless you have lots of experience working outdoors or extensive snowshoeing experience, this training is also required.

Location: Leaven Community Center, 5432 NE 20th Ave (map)

Choose one date, each session will cover the same information.
  • Saturday, November 8, 1:00-5:00 pm. 
  • Sunday, November 16, 1:00-5:00pm. 
winter volunteer requirements

Each volunteer with the Camera Surveys must be able to:
  • Commit to conducting at least 2 camera checks during the winter season, November through April.
  • Be able to snowshoe up to 1/2 mile and be comfortable traveling off-trail for short distances.​
  • Be comfortable working outside in various conditions for up to four hours, which can include: snow, rain, and/or other inclement weather; cold temperatures; icy surfaces; standing in one place for long periods of time setting a camera; some uphill snowshoeing.
  • Be able to navigate off-trail using a mapping application, GPS, or map and compass, or the ability to learn
  • Provide transportation to/from Mt Hood National Forest. (Note: highway regulations may require you to carry chains.)
  • Accurately follow survey protocols
  • Provide all required gear and equipment (see below)
  • Properly maintain and store borrowed Cascadia Wild equipment​
  • Attend the training

​*Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
​A NOTE ON SNOWSHOES

Camera visits are generally done on snowshoes, since they give the ability to stop in one spot while servicing the camera, and are usually easier when traveling off-trail. 

If you have never  been on snowshoes before, be aware that they use different muscles than you might be used to! Snowshoeing 2 miles is generally the equivalent of hiking 5-6 miles.​
​
equipment - winter

Cascadia Wild will provide a Camera Kit with the camera-related gear you will need. You will need to pick up the Camera Kit from our office before heading out to visit your camera.

The kit contains: memory card, batteries, scent bait, disposable gloves​, Genetic Sample Collection items (paper bags, tweezers, lighter, and envelopes, and a ruler), local maps of camera site​, and instruction sheets.
​
Cameras, and at most sites bait boxes or hair snaggers, will already be installed in the forest. 

​Other Required Equipment we can provide
​The following items are also required. These items can be checked out from Cascadia Wild on a first-request basis, subject to availability.
  • Snowshoes
  • Ski poles
  • Snowpark pass (some sites), to park at the trailhead
  • GPS or mapping application
  • Compass
  • Forest Maps
  • First Aid Kit
  • Other personal safety gear, contact us for what is available
  • Hammer, for moving bait boxes during your camera check if needed
winter 2023-24

Cameras are maintained entirely by volunteers. 

​Camera Crews.
Each Camera Crew is responsible for a camera, or group of two nearby cameras, throughout the season.

You may register either on your own, or with friends who you wish to be on a crew with. Camera Crews typically range from 4-10 people in size (larger groups usually include a family or friend group).

Your crew will be assigned to a camera site based on your hiking/snowshoeing preferences. Some cameras are close to a road, others are a substantial hike or snowshoe in; some require driving on dirt roads, others do not. When you register, you will have a chance to tell us your preferences and we will match you to a site that fits. 

Cameras need to be checked every 3-5 weeks. Not every crew member has to go out on every trip; it is up to the members of the Camera Crew to communicate with each other to organize who goes out on which camera checks. There are usually 4-6 trips during the season, depending on snow conditions and other factors that affect accessing a site. We ask that each member of a Camera Crew commit to checking the site 2-3 times in the season.

Checking a camera is usually a full-day trip. Equipment will need to be picked up from the Cascadia Wild office. During your camera check, you will change out the batteries and memory card, refresh the bait, and collect any hair or scat samples. Afterward, you will return the equipment and photos you collected, and submit a data sheet.
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