search for tracks and sign of wildlife in the snow on Mt Hood
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Most wild animals are difficult to observe, even though they are all around us. By interpreting the footprints and other signs wildlife leave behind, tracking provides a way to unravel their mystery. Tracking can tell us not only about the presence of animals, but can also give a wealth of knowledge about how they are using and interacting with an environment.
Volunteers with the Winter Tracking Surveys are taking part in long-term data collection in the Mt Hood National Forest that will shape research and management decisions - true community science!
Read more about the Wolverine Tracking Project. |
Measuring coyote tracks
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get involved
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No previous experience necessary! These surveys provide a place for new and experienced trackers alike. Even if you are new to tracking, your observations are valuable, providing more eyes and brain-power to help find tracks.
Surveys are conducted on snowshoes. Snowshoes are the most versatile way to get around on snow. If you don't own snowshoes, Cascadia Wild has some you can borrow for your trip. Group Tracking Surveys are done in teams of 2-10 Trackers led by 1-2 experienced volunteer Tracking Leaders. Tracking in a group allows for a better survey - the more eyes on the ground and the more hands to help document tracks improves the data quality and our knowledge of local wildlife. Group Tracking Surveys also provide an excellent opportunity to gain experience tracking, where you can learn from leaders, apprentices, and each other all winter long! Survey trips are day-long trips that start on the mountain around 9:00am and end by 4:00pm. Trips usually travel along one of our twelve tracking transects (see map below). Transects are 1 mile long, allowing for a comfortable pace, with plenty of time to stop and look at tracks. Survey trip dates are scheduled ahead of time. You may come out as often as you like, however, we ask that you help out on at least two trips during the season. A link to sign up for trips will be given at the training. |
A group survey inspects hare tracks
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Tracking is a skill you can spend your whole lifetime learning and still not know everything. We want to be able to share this ancient art with you, to help you down that long road of knowledge that encompasses knowledge of animal behavior, awareness, ecology, and more. The more you study tracking, the more you realize that everything, in fact, leaves a track of some sort.
volunteer QUALIFICATIONS
Everyone is welcome to join, however, you must meet the following qualifications:
*Children under 18 years of age are welcome as long as they can meet the physical requirements and are accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
- Be able to snowshoe up to 2 miles. This is the equivalent to hiking around 5 miles. If you have never been on snowshoes before, be aware that it uses different muscles than you might be used to!
- Be comfortable in outdoor winter conditions for up to 6 hours, which can involve: snow, rain and/or other inclement weather; icy surfaces or deep snow; standing in one place for long periods of time to inspect tracks; and some uphill snowshoeing.
- Provide own transportation (carpooling is encouraged but cannot be guaranteed). Drivers must be comfortable driving in winter conditions, and highway regulations may require you to carry tire chains.
- Provide all required gear and equipment (see below)
- Accurately follow survey protocol
- Attend the online training or watch the recording
- Commit to at least 2 surveys in the season
*Children under 18 years of age are welcome as long as they can meet the physical requirements and are accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
Training
VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Before attending a survey, participants need to attend the online training. This training covers survey goals and protocols, plus an introduction to our target species and their tracks. If you are not able to attend the training, it will be recorded and you will need to watch the recording prior to helping on a survey.
This training is online, and will be recorded for those who can't attend.
Before attending a survey, participants need to attend the online training. This training covers survey goals and protocols, plus an introduction to our target species and their tracks. If you are not able to attend the training, it will be recorded and you will need to watch the recording prior to helping on a survey.
- Tue, November 3, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm
This training is online, and will be recorded for those who can't attend.
INTRODUCTION TO WILDLIFE TRACKING COURSE
In addition to the Volunteer Training, trackers are very highly encouraged to attend the Introduction to Wildlife Tracking course, which teaches how to identify the tracks and trail patterns of the animals we expect to see during the surveys. This class is suitable for experienced trackers as well, as it will cover a lot of information specific to tracking in snow around Mt Hood.
The class is offered as a sliding scale - ($65 recommended but pay what you feel comfortable with) - no one will be turned away for lack of funds. We want you to come!
The class has 2 parts, an online talk and a field trip.
Online talk:
Field trip:
An optional in-person Field Trip is also included to provide additional instruction on identifying tracks and trail patterns in real life. If you are new to tracking, this hands-on training will especially be very helpful. Class will held at Sauvies Island, at the beach at end of Reeder Road. There is no additional charge for the field session, however, however, a $10 pass is needed to park at the location.
Choose One Field Trip date:
Registration for this class is separate from registering as a volunteer.
In addition to the Volunteer Training, trackers are very highly encouraged to attend the Introduction to Wildlife Tracking course, which teaches how to identify the tracks and trail patterns of the animals we expect to see during the surveys. This class is suitable for experienced trackers as well, as it will cover a lot of information specific to tracking in snow around Mt Hood.
The class is offered as a sliding scale - ($65 recommended but pay what you feel comfortable with) - no one will be turned away for lack of funds. We want you to come!
The class has 2 parts, an online talk and a field trip.
Online talk:
- Tue, November 10, 2026, 6:30-8:30 pm
Field trip:
An optional in-person Field Trip is also included to provide additional instruction on identifying tracks and trail patterns in real life. If you are new to tracking, this hands-on training will especially be very helpful. Class will held at Sauvies Island, at the beach at end of Reeder Road. There is no additional charge for the field session, however, however, a $10 pass is needed to park at the location.
Choose One Field Trip date:
- Sun, November 15, 10:00 am-12:00 pm (noon)
- Sun, November 22, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
- Sat, November 28, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Registration for this class is separate from registering as a volunteer.
Equipment needed
Items marked with an *asterisk can be borrowed from Cascadia Wild. Not sure what personal gear to bring? See our packing list for some recommendations!
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Trackers can borrow snowshoes from Cascadia Wild.
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Driving and carpools
Although survey trips officially meet at the survey location on Mt Hood, we do our best to organize carpools for those interested. If you don't have a vehicle, we still encourage you to join, just be aware that your ability to come on a survey trip will depend on the other volunteers in the group and may not work out every time.
Although survey trips officially meet at the survey location on Mt Hood, we do our best to organize carpools for those interested. If you don't have a vehicle, we still encourage you to join, just be aware that your ability to come on a survey trip will depend on the other volunteers in the group and may not work out every time.
survey locations
Tracking surveys are done along predetermined routes, which were chosen to cover all habitat types within the snow zone on Mt Hood. Routes generally follow trails or closed roads and are 1 mile long.
Survey TRIP dates
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Group Survey Trips happen most weekends from December through March. Depending on snow conditions, surveys may end mid March or may extend into April.
Most survey trips are on Saturdays and Sundays, and there are usually 2-3 weekday trip as well. Most survey trips are day-long trips, starting the mountain around 9:00am and ending by 4:00pm. There is usually one overnight snow camping trip as well. Survey trip dates will be determined in October or November. To give you an idea of what to expect, here are last year's dates: 2025-26 dates:
Information on signing up for trips will be given at the training. |
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Tracking LEADER Apprenticeship
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The Tracking Surveys depend on knowledgeable leaders, and we would love to teach you the skills you need!
The Tracking Leader Apprenticeship is for people looking to develop both their tracking and leadership skills. Apprentices help on survey trips and receive one-on-one support and instruction. Apprentice qualifications:
Learn more about the Tracking Leader Apprenticeship! |
Looking at the fine details of tracks in the snow.
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Tracking LEADERship
Tracking Leaders are the backbone of the Wolverine Tracking Project. Tracking Leaders share their knowledge and skills with others, and in so doing become part of a community where they can develop their skills even further.
Already have these skills? Learn more about becoming a Tracking Leader.
Already have these skills? Learn more about becoming a Tracking Leader.
Self-organized Tracking surveys
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For Experienced Trackers
Want to go out with your friends and do a Tracking Survey? Experienced trackers are encouraged to conduct Self-Organized Tracking Surveys, going out to explore the snowy trails on their own schedule. To carry out an Self-Organized Survey, we ask that you first have:
For data sheets, transect routes, and more information, please contact us. |
Trackers follow a ridge as they search for tracks
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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.
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.
Looking at Mt Hood from Surveyor's Ridge. Photo by Käthe Steck
