Tryon Creek State Natural Area

A beautiful oasis of greenery within the city.

The park is open but with some trail closed due to damage from recent windstorm.
For State Parks status check this site:
https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=visit.status

Tryon Creek State State Natural Area is located between Portland and Lake Oswego. This park includes a 650-acre-plus natural day-use area with 8 miles of hiking trails, 3.5 miles of horse trail, and a 3-mile paved bicycle trail.

This Natural Area is one of those places that are close to my heart. I still remember the first time I visited it, all the green tones were magical, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. And after all these years hiking there, I feel in the same way every time I walk those trails.

If you ask me what my favorite locations to hike close to my home are, my answer is easy. Tryon Creek, Hoyt Arboretum, and Forest Park (Especially lower Macleay Park to Pittock mansion trail) are part of a selected group I call “Happy Places.”

What to see and do

There is a long list of activities you can do at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. With 8 miles of hiking trails (including an all-access one), 3.5 miles of horse trail, and a 3-mile paved bicycle trail, you have options for everyone.

Particularly, I love hiking in those lush woods. Whenever we need Forest therapy, we go there with my kids.

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After you park on the designated areas close to Nature Center, you can plan your walk with available maps at the entrance.

At the Nature Center, you can find restrooms, drinking fountains, a beautiful exhibition, and a lovely gift shop. Additionally, volunteers can help you to plan your visit too.

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This Natural Area has several trail loops, depending on what do you want to do and see. Specifically, on the map at the entrance, you can choose between some suggested ones. However, for me, my all-time favorite ones are:

• The 2 miles loop: Old main to Red Fox, to Cedar trail to Middle Creek to Maple Ridge.
• And in Springtime, the must-see and all-access Trillium trail. Those flowers are gorgeous!

However, no matter what trail or activity you pick for doing there, you will enjoy an unforgettable natural experience. I guarantee you will want to come back!

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Finally, for taking a break, you will find picnic areas and benches along the trail.

I hope you fall in love with this place like us!

In case you love natural areas like this one and wildlife refuges and preserves, you will really enjoy some or all of these options.

Plan your trip

Main features/Amenities

• Trails: 8 miles Trails for hiking and running, 3.5 miles of equestrian trail, 3-mile paved bicycle trail (all of them well-signed).
• Nature Center open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Includes restrooms, exhibitions, and planned activities (Guided walks, summer camps, etc).
• Free parking area.
• Picnic areas.

Important information and tips

• Location: 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219.
• Web site for more information. And don’t forget to check Friends of Tryon park web site too.
• Trail map.
• Open from 7 am to dusk.
• During rainy days it can be very muddy for that reason be prepared with the right shoes.
• Bicycles only at the designated trail.
• Dogs on leash only.