4th Ave Trail

Lovely hike with lots of trees and a creek. I can take my dog on leash. There are various trails to explore.

Trail Series, Part 38 If you're searching for a destination that provides a diversity of trail experiences in Portland, Oregon, you should consider Tryon Creek State Natural Area. It offers clearly marked unpaved trails for hikers, leashed dogs, and runners; paved trails for cyclists; and unpaved trails for equestrians. Many of the trails are dedicated to either hikers/runners or equestrians, but some of them intersect for joint use. It is at such a juncture that I had the pleasure of meeting "Panama." While admiring his majestic stature, I noticed the "shoes" that he was wearing. While I assumed they were intended to increase his traction while on the trails, I was informed that they're actually for protection. Apparently hooves are akin to fingernails and can be prone to compacting both mud and rocks (which can cause a horse discomfort). ‍ While a number of the trails are moderate in difficulty, those with mobility issues should find the Old Main Trail easier to navigate (located at the South end of the parking lot). Although there is a myriad of trails to explore spanning many acres, access to Tryon Creek is prohibited (to protect the habitat of the Steelhead and Salmon). The Nature Center located in the center of the park offers limited free parking, restrooms, water fountains, trail maps, and some concessions (with a separate equestrian parking area available for those with trailers). Oregon State Parks also hosts regular weekend guided walks/hikes featuring various themes including "spiders", "fantastic fungi", and "Ghosts of the Park." And that's...Henry's Take. #runningportland

We came here for an easy day hike and it's the perfect place for that. Many trails of differing difficulty, but mostly pretty easy stuff when dry. We took a 2 mile loop that included the Middle Trail, Cedar, Horse Loop and High trail. The trail is shaded pretty much the whole way by tall firs and cedars, so we stayed cool despite the warm weather. Staff is friendly and helpful. There is an interpretive center that has great hands on displays for kids as well as adults I recommend this wonderful park.

Great state park! Nicely maintained trails, clean restrooms, and free parking! There are plenty of trees providing shade. Most trails are both dirt and rock. There are a combination of hills and flat trails. Perfect for beginners! There are plenty of benches available for viewing or resting throughout the park. I especially love the different bridges and boardwalks on the trails. Would highly recommend!

Another beautiful natural area! So appreciated. Somehow we'd missed this park, but luckily we found it this weekend. No parking fees or parking pass required. They've got a decent amount of parking, as well as restrooms at the center. So many options as far as trails are concerned. They've got multi-use trails for the equestrians, bike riders, and those of us pressing thru on 2 legs. Trails criss-cross everywhere, so you've got to pay attention if you're trying to follow a particular path. They do, however, do a good job with signage throughout the park and offer trail maps at the center. So very many ways to make a new path for yourself each time you stop by. The trails varied: some narrow, others wider...some dirt, others gravel or paved. Loads of shade, at least at this time of year. Bonus...everything looked clean and litter free on our visit! :)

What!!!!???? How can you rate a state park? This one has everything: great trails for a variety of activity levels, babbling brooks, a nature center/store...Sign me up. My dog loves the trails so much, she forgot to do her business last time we were there.

Great place to walk around and do some easy hiking in the Portland Area. Free parking is a plus, as well as trails that are kid friendly. The trees provide lots of cover during the summer. The bathrooms were clean when I was there as were the trails. Overall a nice place to enjoy nature.

If you want easy hiking trails in the shade, hike here. Not only are the trails dog friendly, but horse friendly as well. Depending on how long or short you want your trails, you can make them up using the handy map as a guide. On the trail, both people and dogs are friendly. At the start of the trails, there's a helpful nature center with nice displays, bathrooms, and a water fountain. There is NO fee to be at this state park.

Great sprawling park! And despite it being in the city and close to the highways, it's surprisingly quiet and peaceful among the towering pines and foliage. They have a variety of trails to choose from, and the way they all connect and loop around allows for you to take a shorter or longer hike, depending on your mood. The majority of the trail names are well marked with signage, but we only saw posted maps at the end/entrance of the Red Fox Trailhead where we parked (see my parking tip at the end of review), and at the main parking lot by the Nature Center, so we recommend either grabbing a printed map there or taking a photo of the map since there are so many different winding trails to choose from. The trails, for the most part, are easy, with a some moderate inclines throughout. It's a dirt trail that is well maintained, and relatively free of roots and rocks, so not many tripping hazards. Tryon Creek winds its way throughout, with some small footbridges along the trails. There's also an equestrian trail. They have an educational Nature Center with a small gift shop and restrooms just off the main parking lot. PARKING TIP: the parking lot isn't as big as you would expect for such a large park (in fact, we tried to visit before & didn't stop because we couldn't find a parking space). This time we opted to park our car and enter the park at the end of the Red Fox Trailhead which is at a dead-end cul-de-sac in a beautiful neighborhood (it's a nice neighborhood to take a stroll in as well).

I've come here twice now while visiting Portland and have entered the park through both the main entrance and another one at the other end in a neighborhood. Both trails were very pretty and scenic with a lot of greenery, water, and bridges. There's a nice variation of elevation here. I like that the hills are rolling and that it isn't all up hill then all down hill. I don't know the park well, but it seems like from the main entrance you can take a variety or routes and keep it as simple as you like or make it a little more intense. From the other entrance there's only one trail for a ways before you get to a spot that you can diverge onto another trail. As with most trails in the PNW it can get really muddy, so highly recommend wearing hiking boots or other shoes you don't mind getting dirty.

We visited Tryon Creek State Park during our recent visit to Portland. We loved the time we spent in the park. There are a lot of trails and all of them well marked. We explored the Middle Creek trail this visit. It's a great trail, crossed a couple bridges, not a lot of water in the creek this time of the year, but we enjoyed the quiet and all the different tress. So many shades of green. Great state park in the heart of the city.

This park is more than just great trails. It is a "Natural" park which means that sustainability of all parts of nature are allowed and cherished. While located between two teeming urban centers you are removed from any of the noise or commotion of a city. They also run educational workshops for children, special hikes for all levels of ability, and events such as Owlfest, Trillium plant sales, Summer Solstice celebrations, five levels of Jan 1st New Year's hikes, and other events of interest. "Membership" at this park is a form of donation that can be done monthly so a family membership for $50 can be under $5.00 per month and leads to private events that are "members only" and are not advertised to the general public. I volunteer in the visitor's center!

Lovely state park, the main benefit of which is its proximity. Other reasons to enjoy it: small creek adds charm, small bridges are fun to travel to, lots of well-maintained trails albeit with some steep sections, dog-friendly and horse-friendly too. Minus one star for a few reasons... I saw lots of invasive plants (blackberry, ivy, etc) - I know it's hard to battle against these but I'd hope a state park could make more of an effort. The Nature Center is currently closed due to COVID and the "main" bridge (Terry Riley) is also currently closed. Reports of car break-ins with some visible glass shards in the parking lot.

Can never go wrong with a visit here. It's the best place to get a quick hike, or run in without having to drive too far. Green, green and more green. Thank you. I love you, always. Moss.

Trails are well marked and there were plenty of signs which makes the park so awesome! Tons of free parking available! You can spend hours exploring all the trails!! There was a creek, but it wasn't full of water and there were a couple of small bridges I crossed which made the walk so sweet and enjoyable!

Great inner city hiking! Miles of trails and feels like you are out in the woods, if it weren't for the far away car noises. Encountered a few runners and other people in the early morning, but otherwise it was just me. Tip: download the map or snap a picture as few signs in the far sections point back to the parking lot.

Dusk walk with my daughter on Maple Ridge Trail Loop with a lovely 1/2 moon. Only downside was the trail was a bit muddy from about a week of rain and ice! No owls tonight, as it was getting foggy. We'll come back during the day for some birdwatching.

This place is currently under construction. Parking seems limited but you will eventually find some. The Park Rangers and guides are really nice. Porta Potties are everywhere near the entrance. The trails are amazing. Plenty of trails to choose from. Animals and plant life are everywhere. They have books to explain the animals and plants. I used the books to eat some plants while on my hike. Great Place.

Beautiful scenery | fun visitor center I love coming here, especially when it rains. Someone told me that the landscape comes alive when it rains; they are so right. I've been here during the winter and late fall seasons, and the scenery always takes my breath away. Popular park! Dog friendly. Family friendly. Handicap friendly. Great for all hiking levels. There's really no excuse for you not to hike when there's something for everyone. The first time we came here we took our 3 month old in a stroller and did the Trillium Trail. It's paved, flat, a couple vista views, and benches along the way. It's probably the shortest trail, a loop. We also did other trails when we were able to put our daughter in a baby carrier: -Old Main Trail to Big Fir Trail to Center Trail -Old Main Trail to Big Fir Trail to Center Trail to Maple Ridge Trail to Middle Creek Trail (High Bridge) to North Horse Loop, which brought us back to the parking lot. It's super popular on sunny weekends and holidays. We went on Black Friday, dubbed Green Friday at the park, and they had an art walk event. It was awesome to see others out and about too! Bathrooms at the visitor center. We were so thankful for the children's play area too. They have puppets, a designated rug for babies to crawl on, books, and some other educational exhibits about the area.

Nice state park. Decent parking lot and a nature center with a helpful ranger to help you plan out your trip. There are a lot of different trails to pick from depending on how long of a hike you want. If you give the ranger a target length, they will map out a route for you to match. A number of stream crossings which are all cute. There are some parts of the trail that can get your legs burning but for the most part this isn't a strenuous hike. Trails are well maintained and I saw a number of people on trail runs here. No day use fee which is nice for a state park. Bottom line: Great hiking area for all ages and skill levels just 10 minutes from downtown.

I love this park, but I'm giving it a bad review to grab your attention. Please don't leave anything in your vehicle, valuable or not. Someone broke the window of our car to steal a diaper bag worth basically nothing.

How I never managed to knock down a hike here when I used to accompany my ex to Lewis and Clark's law library ( a decent amount) completely eludes me. I could have hiked while he did his thing. Never mind; redemption is here, and on a glorious day too! A vision of amazing verdant nature-- why I feel inextricably linked to the poetry behind the leaf patterns, the sway of the canopy, the tender portrait that screams life and hope--- love hiking!!!!

When I went to Tryon Creek State Park for the first time two days ago, I was simply blown away at how lovely it was in both terms of looks and beauty. Basically, as far as the eye could see, there were trees, plants and nature everywhere I looked. Also, to a nature photographer, that means plenty of opportunities to take a camera and shoot plenty of nature photos. Plus, the trails were amazing to walk up and down on, and when you got tired of walking, there was a bench to sit on at the end of one path. From my perspective, that sure came in handy when I wanted to stop and rest for a bit, as well as drink some water and take some time to read one of the books I brought with me. Of course, walking all the way back to the parking lot was quite an adventure in itself; I felt as though I had gotten some good exercise, as well as a nice walk while I was at it. It sure was a big help right there, indeed. Finally, I highly recommend this park to anyone who likes a combination of nature, hiking and taking nature photos. And I give it five stars (although ten stars would be even better).

Fantastic spot for a quick forest getaway. Still within Portland city limits (but just barely), this park's plethora of easy to navigate trails ensure you can go for as short or as long of a hike as you want. It also has a really great visitor center, especially for kids. Stop in there to pick up a map before you hit the trails. I thought this would be a hidden gem that no one knew about, but the parking lot was overflowing when we went this past mid-November Sunday. That being said, the park was large enough to hide everyone and we didn't have any trouble finding that good-old mossy green tranquility. This fall and winter, when you're feeling the seasonal blues (or maybe the Trump blues) and you're tired of hiking the same old Forest Park or Washington Park trails, come here instead!

Love going here for a family hike or bike ride! Well maintained and beautiful getaway.

Beautiful park with good parking and restrooms. Several nice paths to chose to get your outdoor fix. It can at times be pretty crowded and with several of the trails being narrower in these times it can be a bit uncomfortable to have so many people to encounter on the trails.

Just a great jewel in the 15 min reach of the city. Sure the Nature Center is closed which means basically no water fountains or bathrooms are available. So you will have to make due with the Porta potty if nature calls. So much other nature calls as walk the paths here. There is an abundance of varying plants and berries at every turn. Some edible some not. Get out your field guide book to be able to discern the difference or just enjoy the view. There are also plenty of landscape scenary for you to enjoy as twist and turns reveal lakes, streems, and creaks. All worth a photographic moment as you climb up and down the paths. The entire place has signage all over at each crossroads. It's good to know your route before you go because some signs point to the next crossroads and you could be either shortening your walk or extending it depending on which way you decide to go. Plenty of room for all. A really nice way to spend an hour or two outdoors in the city.v

This is a great park. Centrally located to Portland Metro area and easy to get to. No fee to visit and the trails are easy to moderate. There is a suspension bridge that looks awesome, too!! The visitor center is closed this month, but when visiting other times the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Perfect place to get some nature therapy and fresh air.

Wonderful park. Great staff. Nice trails and beautiful park. Be ready for mud. The trails are terrific

If you dress right, the sub 40° day with no sun, wind or rain is awsome hiking weather. Extremely peaceful. Just a real nice connection to the natural world. City out of sight, out of mind, for a while. Even though you're just 15 minutes from Portland City Center, suddenly you find yourself in this beautiful wilderness State Park surrounded by Oregonian green, lush ferns, tall trees and Moss abundant. You could hike 10 miles of trails that connect one another and walk across swinging bridges (8 bridges total). Also, 3 miles of paved bike trails and 3 miles of horse trails. Not a difficult terrain either. Nice hard packed dirt, very even to walk on. Tennis shoes or hiking shoes. It's moderate rolling. Good to pump up the pulse and get ready for happy hour. We hooked with an online meet up group who knew the trail system and we could tagalong! Good trails! The Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a state park is the only Oregon state park within a major metropolitan area, Portland! Be sure to check out the Nature Center with interpretive exhibits and store.

I read reviews that this place is pretty but full of dog crap-no. One instance of poo, a few piles of horse doo. Unbothered. So pretty, right in the city. My pom loves it. The parking lot was full but the trail wasn't out of control. Love it!

One of my favorite places to hike with the doggos is Tryon creek. It's so nice and peaceful there, I also love the fact that its dog friendly and the trails are poop free. I'm so tired of seeing poop along the path or little baggies everywhere so that's a plus when the trail is nice and kept. I also love the fact that theres bins here and there so I dont have too carry the poop the entire hike through. My boy loves to poop when hes excited so that helps me out. I also like the fact that theres shade and the suns not beaming down on us, especially when my dog has a thick double coat. The paths are marked with signs so getting lost is near impossible. It's also simple enough for younger children and older adults, it's not too muddy nor is it slippery. So far I've been going back to this one because I enjoy it and I know the pups do too.

My first time to this park and it didn't disappoint. I can't wait to go back in the Spring and see what else it has to offer!

This is a very nice nature park located in southwest Portland. It's close proximity to the city makes it super convenient to escape the concrete jungle and get lost and explore a real treasure. I say 'get lost' figuratively because the trails are generally well marked so getting lost is hard to do. There's a lot of wildlife and beautiful scenery to enjoy. The trails do get muddy and slippery after a good rain so proceed with a little caution. Otherwise, please enjoy and respect the beauty of Portland's little oasis (don't litter and please pick up after your dogs, there are bags provided at the trail head near the nature center).

Things you are almost always going to see at Tryon... **People of all ages - families with strollers on the paved Trillium Trail, cub scout troops on nature walks, older folks with walking sticks, young families and lovers. **As many dogs as people - this was our dog's favorite place before her joints got too tender to join us. **Law students running (for their lives) - the park is next to Lewis & Clark Law School **Streams - many with beaver dams **Bridges - our favorite is the Terry Riley suspension bridge One of my favorite hikes this time of year. Why? Because in addition to all of the natural beauty, it has a gorgeous canopy of trees above. So when the weather turns bleak, it is still a nice place to hike since it gives you protection from the rain and wind. Most of the paths are open, so there is pretty good visibility to let the kiddos run ahead or trail behind and not worry too much that they will be wiped out by joggers. Some are so wide four can play crack-the-whip and there are many good hiding places if you want to take cover, then jump out and scare the rest of your family (good times). Many signs are posted reminding you to keep your dogs on leash and out of the streams to preserve the natural environment. So it's a great place to take them walking, but not swimming. Also, many of the trails are hilly, so I find this place is more enjoyable if the kids are still in packs or old enough not to protest too much at every increase in elevation. Otherwise we tended to stick relatively close to the nature center, which also has a couple of activities for the kids and many special programs throughout the year.

You just can't see enough in one day at this park! It's has so many different trails I have yet to travel on the same one twice. We spotted some baby owls next to the creek high up in the tree, was a lovely treat. It's shaded from the heat. Make sure you bring plenty of water because once you leave the main building that's the last water fountain till you make it back. I suggest also bringing binoculars another hiker had a pair and said he recommends them for wildlife viewing since sometimes the park can get deer and fox and other bird species you can only view from a distance. The best time to go is May when the trillium flowers are blooming. Enjoy

This is one of those parks that makes you feel at peace. It would perfect for: 1) First dates. You can actually talk to one another because the trails are pretty level and not all too difficult. 2) Lazy Sundays. You know you should get outside and do something, but you kind of just want to lay around and watch Netflix instant. Go here for a few hours instead. You'll get a little bit of exercise and a chance to enjoy a whole lotta legit greenery. 3) Dog or kid walking. The whole place is pretty dog and kid friendly. They can play on the bridges and run around. Some kids on my hike stopped me to show me a mole that was burrowing. It was pretty sweet. Downside is probably the fact that unlike other state parks, there isn't really a "hike for a phenomenal view at the top" kinda trail, which is always what I go for when it comes to parks. *Sigh* A little disappointing on that end, but that aside, gorgeous and GREEN!

Eek. Well maybe I need a hike in the spring or summer because it was full, dirty (lots of dog poop, and I watched another dog owner let their dog poop and not clean it up ‍) and dirty as all get out in the nasty bathrooms. It was nice having fresh air but just eek everything else. I won't be back!

Love this park. So peaceful and looked like a fairytale. Hope to be back soon. The nature and being outdoors was amazing.

First hike in Portland. Beautiful trails. So much green. Everyone is so informative and friendly. Nature center & restrooms are close which was unfortunate but did not take away from the beauty. Went to Obie's Bridge and explored several other bridges and trails.

Went to see the mini suspension bridge. The fastest trail to get there is the 4th ave trail off of sw boones ferry road. If you go to the address listed it will bring you to the main visitors center which is many mile walk to the bridge. Very pretty, not busy on a winter Saturday.

Great place to walk and hike for free and enjoy Mother Nature. Has a lot of shade and it's full of insects. ( bring bug spray) other than that it's great. Great trials very visible path, enough parking, dog friendly, and great scenery.

I absolutely loves this State Park! Located in the middle of the city this park is a must visit. The small visitor center was an excellent stop to get information. Everyone in the visitor center was very helpful and cheerful. Definitely stop and get a map. There are many well maintained trails. The first trail we took was an excellent small hike with these markers along the trail for the kids to find. Each marker was different and the kids could place their paper on the marker and rub a pencil on it to reveal something cool. There were lots of tree and shrub identifiers along the way for the botanical nerds such as myself. After the first quick hike we decided to explore some more and find the bridges that cross over the creek. This is where the map is helpful so as long as you don't let your five year old lead the way. We took a wrong turn somewhere and our 1.5 mile hike turned into 4 miles. We all loved it tho. I absolutely loved all the trees, moss, and smell of a wet, damp forest (total opposite of a Southern California forest). The restrooms located at the visitor center were also very clean and well maintained. We will definitely be back to visit if we ever come back to Portland, Oregon.

Too many dogs ruin chances of wildlife encounters... First off, I love dogs. Look at my profile pic. With that being said, there's plenty of places to bring dogs yet very few untouched places remaining for wildlife. Approximately 98% of the lower 48 states have been transformed by humans for agriculture, freeways, housing, parking lots, strip malls, etc. Let's leave one place alone for wildlife. Although Tryon Creek is great if you are into native plants, it's not good for wildlife watching or birding because animals view dogs as predators. I've hiked all of Tryon multiple times and sometimes see zero birds while there. You might see birds on their feeders near the visitor center, but do you really want to see or photograph wildlife on backyard bird feeders when there is an entire forest right there? I've talked with other birders and they agree - the place is pretty barren. So yeah, it's good if you're one of those people who think nature is your gym (gotta go for a run at Tryon and disturb every living thing nearby!) or yet another place to bring your dog, but I don't go to state parks to see domesticated house pets and neither should you. If you want to actually see birds and wildlife, go to the White Oak Savanna Park in West Linn as they don't allow dogs. I hope Tryon Creek will follow suit - even if it's just for a day or two per week, although I'm sure donors will freak out of the possibility of having to bring their dog somewhere else for a day.

Can't believe I've lived here all these years and never visited. Looking for a quick hike today, i googled it and then took off with my dog. Nice, woodsy trails with a bunch of uphill spots to get the quads working. My dog was not a fan of the bridges. The trails are well marked but I could have used a few "you are here" reminders. The parking lot has ample space, I hardly saw anyone even though there were about 20 cars parked in the main lot. It's a great trail system, easy to get to. Definitely added this to my weekly hiking schedule.

Beautiful state park. Fall looks real good on you Tryon! My only tip is that if you're wearing nice shoes don't walk around horse loop trail!!

Tryon is right up there with Forest Park as my favorite escape from the city but still be within the city limits place in all of Portland. It is beautiful. At 600+ acres you just disappear from Portland. Simply amazing. I loved how you could walk for quite a while and not pass another person, and hear nothing but trees rustling, leaves falling, birds chirping (including one very busy woodpecker!) and the sound of the creek. All was relaxing and such a fantastic place to get exercise. I found the trails (or at least the ones we went on) to be quite manageable, a few steep inclines here and there but there were families with kids that seemed to be enjoying themselves...the trails didn't seem to be too much for them at all. Plus, the trails are wide enough that when families with kids and/or dogs come by or runners go zipping by, I could still walk next to my husband and not feel crowded. The trails are well marked and you can easily find your way back to the Nature Center from any of the trails. Actually, let me clarify....we easily found our way back. The trails were quite well marked and with the many bridges that cross the creek at various points you can wind your way back to the Nature Center no problem. We also checked out the Natural Cycles installations that they currently have at the park. There are five or six installations that are on display until September 2009. (I am not positive but I think they have new installations every year) The installations are on a short trail that is easily accessible from the parking area/Nature Center area. The trail that they are on is a loop and it is quite flat, very easy to wander around on. The installations were interesting, especially the Invader...reminded me of Blair Witch, it was cool. Tryon is amazing, so beautiful. I loved how most of the trees were covered in this thick moss and had gnarled exposed roots/stumps. The trees are so dense and lush that it is a great place to visit when it is slightly raining, the trees block some of the mist. I just love Tryon and cannot wait to go back.

This is a beautiful place to hike and get some nature really close in to the city. The paths are nice and wide and well maintained. Part of the park allows for horses, so watch your step on those paths. Some paths are nice and quiet, others, not so much. (at least on the day I was there). I was there to seek some quiet and hopefully wildlife and to snap a picture or two. If you're close by, it's a nice place to get away from the city noise. Can be very busy on the weekends.

A great place to go year round, although it is a bit more enjoyable if you give it a few days after it rains. Mud can be ok sometimes, but I prefer to hear the assorted twigs, pebbles, and dried pine needles crunch below my feet. I love that the trails are far enough from the road and there are enough trees that it is difficult to hear cars anywhere in the park. And one doesn't have to go far to get that experience. There are usually plenty of people there but you can feel alone for a few minutes at a time. A great, close by get away.