Tryon Creek State Park, Cedar Trail Hike

The Cedar Trail hike is a short little adventure, but it is just long enough to offer a nice break from the urban surroundings and provide an introduction to the ecosystem in Tryon Creek State Park.  The hike remains relatively level for its entire length with the exception of a few modest grade changes, most of which feature well-maintained steps built into the trail.  Once on the trail, you’ll enjoy the dappled light on the moss and licorice ferns. Red alder and bigleaf maple trees ostensibly dominate the park’s landscape.

Like Forest Park, the forest vegetation is all second growth. The site was heavily logged during the latter half of the 19th century, in part by the Oregon Iron Company.  The company purchased the land in 1874 from the heirs of Socrates Hotchkiss Tryon Sr., the pioneer settler who filed the original land claim in 1850.  Logging continued into the early 20th century, and the Boone’s Ferry Wood and Tie Company established a sawmill along Tryon Creek near Obie’s bridge. The company primarily produced railroad ties, cordwood, and flagpoles from cedar and Douglas fir.  If you have the time, the Cedar Trail Loop provides a terrific overview of the park.