
If your family is like mine, “going outside” sometimes turns into 45 minutes of finding water bottles, socks, and shoes that actually fit before anyone makes it out the door. But once you do get outside—someplace quiet, green, and blissfully free of devices—it’s almost always worth it.
And few places make that payoff as immediate and rewarding as Tryon Creek State Park.
Tucked between Portland and Lake Oswego, just 15 minutes from downtown, Tryon Creek is a 650-acre gem that somehow manages to feel both expansive and totally manageable. It’s the only Oregon state park within a major metropolitan area—and yet, once you’re on the trails, the city fades away and you’re surrounded by towering firs, sword ferns, and the soothing sound of the creek that winds through it all.
Trails for Toddlers, Teens, and Everyone In Between
Tryon is home to more than eight miles of hiking trails, plus dedicated routes for biking and horseback riding. But what makes it so family-friendly is the way the trails are layered for all ages and skill levels.
- Trillium Trail (0.3 miles) – This fully accessible loop near the Nature Center is perfect for strollers, toddlers, and grandparents alike. It’s paved, flat, and dotted with benches and interpretive signs about local plants and wildlife.
- Middle Creek Trail (1 mile) – A great step up for kids who want to explore more but still stay close to the main hub. It runs alongside the creek and has plenty of footbridges and spots to stop and look for frogs or slugs.
- North Horse Loop & West Horse Loop (2–3 miles) – Ideal for older kids or families looking for a longer adventure. These gravel trails are multi-use (yes, you might see horses!) and give a broader view of the park’s forested landscape.
- Outer Loop Hike (~3 miles) – For families with teens or seasoned hikers, this longer circuit links several trails (like Maple Ridge, Red Fox, and Cedar) into a satisfying loop. You’ll gain elevation, cross rustic bridges, and get deep into the heart of the park.
And here’s the best part: the trails are clearly marked and loop-friendly, meaning you’re less likely to end up muttering “we’re almost there” for 40 straight minutes.
Events That Bring the Forest to Life
The trails are only part of the Tryon experience. What really makes the park stand out is how it brings the natural world alive for families, thanks to a packed calendar of programs hosted by Oregon State Parks and the Friends of Tryon Creek.
Here are just a few recurring highlights:
- Guided Family Hikes – These low-key, high-fun walks are led by naturalists who teach kids how to ID plants, look for animal tracks, or listen for birds like pileated woodpeckers and owls. These ranger- or volunteer-led hikes are basically like walking TED Talks for kids—except you don’t have to do the talking.
- Forest Fridays & Nature Storytime – Designed for the youngest explorers (ages 2–6), these programs include songs, nature play, and seasonal crafts right outside the Nature Center.
- Trick or Trails (October) – One of the most beloved events of the year, this Halloween-themed walk through the woods features costumed volunteers, treats, and nature-themed surprises around every bend. It’s the one time your child wants to walk in the dark.
- Forest Adventures Summer Camps – Tryon runs immersive camps for kids ages 6–14, where they can build forts, study macroinvertebrates in the creek, journal about nature, and learn forest navigation—all while getting dirty in the best possible way.
- Volunteer Work Parties – Great for teens or families with older kids looking to give back. Help restore native habitats, remove invasive species, or plant seedlings. It’s real hands-on learning, and kids love seeing their efforts take root—literally.
Even if you’re just stopping by on a whim, the Nature Center is worth a visit. With wildlife exhibits, interactive displays, and helpful staff ready to answer every “what’s that bug?” question, it’s a great jumping-off point for your adventure.
A Place to Recharge
Tryon Creek State Park isn’t just a fun family outing—it’s a reset button. Whether you’re skipping rocks in the creek, spotting mushrooms on a damp log, or listening to rain fall through the canopy, there’s something calming and grounding about this place. It reminds us to slow down, to look closer, and to enjoy being together.
There’s no Wi-Fi in the forest, but you’ll find stronger connections anyway. (Yes, I said it. Yes, I stand by it.)
So if you haven’t been—or haven’t been in a while—this is your sign. Pack a snack, lace up your shoes, and set out for a day in the forest. Tryon Creek is waiting.

Tiffany Wilson is a 42-year-old stay-at-home mom from Tigard, Oregon, raising three kids—Sophie, Noah, and Riley. She’s a warm, hands-on parent who mixes daily routines with creative fun, whether it’s a backyard scavenger hunt or building a blanket fort in the living room.