Friday Five: Local Hikes Under 5 Miles

4. Tryon Creek State Park

2.7 miles loop | No permit required

Located in SW Portland

It seems that every corner of Portland boasts its own park full of wooded natural splendor. Tryon Creek runs through Southwest Portland, bumping up against the Lewis and Clark College campus, and while it doesn’t have the tall views of some other parks, there’s plenty to appreciate about this quiet natural area.

Reach the main trailhead for the park by taking exit 297 off of I-5 and heading south on Terwilliger Boulevard, following the signs for Tryon Creek State Park until you reach the trailhead parking lot. This trail is open 7AM to 6 PM, and you can grab a trail map at the visitor center before heading out. The trail can be muddy, and horses are allowed on some trails.

An almost three mile loop can be hiked by following the Old Main Trail to the Red Fox Trail, connecting with the Cedar Trail before heading back towards Tryon Creek. You’ll keep going on to High Bridge (we seem to have a lot of these around Portland!), then head up the Lewis and Clark trail. You’ll get to the North Horse Loop, which will take you back to the trailhead.

There are several bridges along the route, including a suspension bridge, and the Beaver Bridge. Take your time and peruse the educational signs to learn more about the bridges, plants, and wildlife of the area.