Meet big doug the coffee van!

For years, @seanbenesh brought this 1995 Chevy Sportvan to trailheads, gravel races, dig days, and community gatherings across the Pacific Northwest. Along the way it became something many people recognized. Coffee at the trailhead, a shuttle to the ride, a familiar place for the community to gather.

It is a story I have been following and admiring.

Recently Sean shared that he was ready to sell Nacho and the mobile coffee business. I had been searching for months for the right van for my passion project.

The alpenglow trail co helps people connect with the outdoors through trail runs, hikes, and community gatherings here in Portland, many centered around Forest Park.

When Sean mentioned the van, I reached out right away.

What I did not expect was the chance to continue a story that already meant something to so many people.

In adopting Nacho, I feel incredibly honored to be the next caretaker of this little piece of trailhead history.

Many of you know him as Nacho the Van, and that story will always be part of who he is.

As this next chapter begins, he is also getting a new name.

The decision to change his name was not taken lightly. Nacho is part of his story after all.

After spending some time with him and reflecting on where he has been and where he is headed, the name Big Doug felt right.

He’s named after a giant Douglas fir we visit during our friday trail + coffee socials in Forest Park, said to be one of the oldest trees in the park at roughly 400–500 years old. Grounded. Energetic. Enduring.

Big Doug will continue serving coffee, supporting trail stewardship, and being a loved trailhead pal.

You can meet Big Doug at our friday trail + coffee socials starting this week. We’ll be serving free @coavacoffee from 7:45–8:45 AM in the parking lot behind the old Children’s Museum by the zoo.

Follow along as Big Doug evolves. spontaneous trailhead pour over popups in and around portland, Oregon.

If you see Big Doug out in the wild, swing by and share a cup of coffee.

Annalou + the alpenglow trail co crew