Tryon Creek State Park

Hat: Nike (similar); Jacket: Nike; Pants: c/o Yoga Outlet; Shoes: Adidas; Sunglasses: Kate Spade

In and effort to get outside more on the weekends, Ben and I have been dedicating a few solid Sunday hours to exploring the local parks/hikes/walking trails. It has been invigorating to get outside in the sunshine and just walk after a rainy season and winter that felt much more sedentary.

Our latest foray was only about 10 minutes south of our house and was packed to the brim with people out walking their kids/dogs/horses (yep, horses!). Tryon Creek State Park is nestled in the north end of Lake Oswego and offers a few miles of looping, intersecting, and generally beautiful trails. There's an equestrian side to the park and quite a few horse-trails also intersect with the walking trails. Last Sunday, in the 70 degree weather, the parking lot was so packed we had to wait for someone to leave on the street to nab their space. Fair warning - get there early. And bring a picnic as there are some nice benches out in the sun, a pavilion that overlooks the park, and quite a few spots to enjoy a quiet moment after your hike.

Ben and I walked for about 3.5 miles on various trails and, though the hike was short, we felt a bit tired from the ups and downs. Each of the trails climbed up and down little ridges in the park and you can work up a nice sweat if you're hiking quickly. There was a cool suspension bridge we crossed, some pretty creeks, blooming trillium, little songbirds chirping, a woodpecker sighting, and lots of gorgeous forest to enjoy.

I'd highly recommend this weekend jaunt and am sorry that we didn't discover it sooner! Happy Friday all!