Ferns and small cedar trees cover the forest floor, large-leaf maple trees climb to the heavens, a few second-growth Douglas firs are beginning to establish their dominance and small streams tumble near the trails.
It’s the first day of winter and the weather is unbelievable – – – 54 degrees with some sun breaks at the Tryon Creek visitor center.
Next to Lewis & Clark College, Tryon Creek is the only Oregon state park within a major metropolitan area.
The six-mile hike brought back memories of early springtime and trilliums too ubiquitous to count.
Another reason to live in Portland.
Tributary to Tryon Creek
Sun-dappled trail
Old Cedar tree that began life growing on a stump
Reflections in Tryon Creek
Sun bursting through the tall trees
I used to live across from this park and it was a blessing. Many a good run taken through the woods.
Every time I visit the park there are always a few runners joining me on the trail. It’s really a nice place to have nearby.
Love the last one, “Sun bursting through the tall trees.” We live relatively close to Tryon, and since moving here in 2010, it has been our most visited natural area.
Thanks for the kind words. I got lucky that day with the sun breaking out of the clouds every once in awhile. It made the photographs more dynamic than usual. By the way, I can’t wait until spring when Tryon Park has its Trillium Festival. It’s always a treat.
I have yet to attend the Trillium Festival (usually working).
It’s worth a hike through the park when the trillium are blooming. Some of the early wildflowers are usually in bloom too: salmonberry, yellow violets and others.
Oh, I’ve definitely been to Tryon in the spring, just not the Festival.