About
OUR MISSION
The Orogenesis Collective is devoted to 1) the creation and stewardship of a contiguous singletrack trail through the western ranges of the North American continent, 2) to the education and fulfillment of its users, 3) and the vibrancy and longevity of communities and landscapes they pass through.
VISION STATEMENT
“A vibrant community of people growing their relationship with backcountry landscapes, each other, and themselves along an uninterrupted ribbon of singletrack trails that bridge borders throughout the western ranges of the North American continent.”
2017
Oregon Timber Trail and Baja Divide were created, sparking an interest in connecting them through California and farther north to Canada.
2018
Feasibility study completed and outreach to race promoters and route creators for input on best alignment.
2019-2021
Scouts across 4 states explored many options and compiled their findings.
2022
Work began in earnest to form a nonprofit and finalize the route. Fundraising campaign raised $200,000 and executive director was hired.
2023
Co-hosted a total of 21 stewardship days with organizations throughout Washington, Oregon, and California.
2024
Orogenesis Collective was awarded 501c3 status. Scouted 457 miles of trail and added 377 miles of singletrack. First rider completed 700 miles across Washington.
2025
The first sections of the route were launched.
Board of Directors & Staff
Chris McNamara
Board President
Chris is the Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of the GearLab websites. Chris is the author of 10 books and a recovering ex-Wingsuit BASE jumper. Climbing Magazine once computed that three percent of Chris's life on earth had been spent on the face of El Capitan—an accomplishment that has left friends and family pondering Chris’ sanity. He’s climbed Yosemite's daunting 3,000+ foot El Capitan over 80 times and holds a few big wall speed climbing records. In 1998, Chris did the first Girdle Traverse of El Capitan, an epic 75-pitch route that begs the question, “Why?” Outside Magazine has called Chris one of “the world’s finest aid climbers.” He’s the winner of the American Alpine Club's prestigious Bates Award and the founder of the American Safe Climbing Association. This nonprofit group has replaced over 120,000 dangerous rock climbing anchor bolts. Chris is also the founder and lead author of the rock climbing guidebook publisher SuperTopo. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley. You can follow him on Instagram and ChrisMcNamara.com.
Bruce Rogers
Board Secretary
Bruce worked in the video game industry for many years. He was a cofounder and CTO of Cryptic studios, which published a number of successful massively multiplayer role playing games - City of Heroes, Star Trek online, and Neverwinter nights.
Following the sale of Cryptic, he co-founded another company that was acquired by Facebook, where he worked as the engineering director of the games team. During this time, he spent most of his time away from the keyboard avoiding technology in the wilderness hiking or biking on remote trails.
Since retiring from the game industry, he's constantly exploring new trails, and working as a volunteer to help build and maintain the ones near him. He feels there is a real magic in the longer trails where you can detach from the modern world, and simply exploring nature 'becomes your reality.'
Timmy O’Neill
Board Treasurer
Timmy O’Neill is an alpine-rock climber, a surf-rock drummer and a rock-steady reader. He mails out hundreds of ‘life notes’ per year that express gratitude and love. Cody, his toddler son, has taught him that though we outgrow our shoes and clothing, the key is to not outgrow your sense of wonder and joy. Reach Timmy at Instagram and timmyoneill.com
Gabriel Tiller
Executive Director
Gabriel Tiller is finding a new way on old ground as the executive director of the Orogenesis Collective. He is the founder and former executive director of the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance, as well as helping co-found the Oregon Mountain Biking Coalition and served as a board member for Bikepacking Roots. He’s passionate about backcountry trails and long-distance connectivity, and is a staunch believer that playful outdoor experiences have the power to transform people’s lives. Joy makes us the best people we can be.