State / ProvinceDistance One WayElevation GainFeaturesTypeSeasonDifficultySummitUsage

Trail Photos

» Tryon Creek State Park: Red Fox – Lewis and Clark Loop  | Trailhead, 45.441452, -122.675346 Difficulty 3 - 4

Features

Elevation Gain: 475 feet
Distance one way: 3.5-mile loop
Best Season: Four Season
Features: Forest, Creeks, Bridges, Wildflowers
Trail Head Amenities: Restrooms, Potable Water, Visitors’ Center
Passes / Permits: None
Usage: Runners, Hikers, Dogs, Equestrians
Agency: Oregon State Parks and Recreation
Directions: I-5 S From Portland 1. Head south on I-5 S 1.0 mi 2. Slight right to stay on I-5 S 2.9 mi 3. Take exit 297 toward Terwilliger Boulevard 0.2 mi 4. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Terwilliger Blvd/Lewis and Clark C./V.A. Hospital and merge onto SW Barbur Blvd 0.1 mi 5. Turn right onto SW Terwilliger Blvd 1.3 mi 6. Slight left to stay on SW Terwilliger Blvd 0.3 mi 7. At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on SW Terwilliger Blvd 0.8 mi 8. Turn right Destination will be on the right 0.2 mi

Contributor

Trail Description

Enjoy a pleasant excursion in the lush forest of Tryon Creek State Park. On this moderately hilly loop, you will enjoy views of Tryon Creek, discover enormous old growth stumps and cross several footbridges. Interpretive signs enrich the experience by providing overviews of native flora and fauna, with an emphasis on salmon restoration efforts in the park.

From the Nature Center, head down Old Main Trail. After about 0.3 miles of gradual downhill on this broad path, turn left onto the marked Red Fox Trail. You will descend a brief series of switchbacks, then cross the Red Fox Bridge over Tryon Creek.

Stride uphill and turn right onto the Cedar Trail about 0.2 miles later. You will continue to climb for another 0.4 miles, then descend a gradual incline to Bunk Bridge, which crosses Park Creek. Continue to follow the Cedar Trail as it gently ascends and descends for 0.4 miles until its intersection with the Middle Creek Trail. Turn left and follow this flat span to High Bridge, where you will cross Tryon Creek again.

Just past High Bridge, turn left onto the Lewis and Clark Trail. You will climb over and down a moderately steep hill before arriving at the Terry Riley Suspension Bridge. This spot is great for a few moments of bouncing if you are so inclined.

Next, continue uphill as the trail bends farther into the forest. You will wind along gullies and up and down several small hills for about 0.5 miles, until you reach the intersection with the North Horse Loop. Turn right and follow this gentle incline 0.4 miles to an intersection. Take the left fork of North Horse Loop.

Soon there will be a small spur to your right; take this brief jaunt down to the Maple Ridge Trail and turn left. In just a moment you will return to the Nature Center.

As you hike, keep an eye out for the tremendous old growth stumps that pepper the forest. You can still see the notches that 19th-century loggers used as footholds in the great trunks. Also, springtime brings a profusion of trilliums. These lovely white blooms are at their peak in March and April, providing further reason to visit Tryon Creek’s beautiful forest during that time.

Maps: USGS: Lake Oswego, OR