About
Tryon Forest Adventures includes learning about the flora and fauna, hands-on activities, and anything science-y. Campers hike tree-lined trails, cross the many bridges over Tryon Creek, and may complete a 4 mile hike. Activities also include observing the sights and sounds of the changing seasons in the forest, writing journals, storytelling, making arts and crafts, spending time with new friends, running and playing games in an open meadow, enjoying a Meadow Day, and building a fort of tree limbs and moss.
• Ages: 5–12 years old
• Schedule: Fall sessions run 3 full camp days at 7 hours each day; Spring and Summer sessions run 5 full camp days at 7 hours each day, with registration and drop-off beginning at 8:30am and camp days starting at 9:00am.
• Price: Fall 3-Full Camp Days: $300 non-members or $250 current Friends of Tryon Creek Members ($50 Family Level or higher). Spring & Summer 5-Full Camp Days: $475 non-members or $425 current Friends of Tryon Creek Members ($50 Family Level or higher).
Friends of Tryon Creek has connected youth to nature since 1970 as a community supported nonprofit in partnership with Oregon State Parks. Camp programs are led by a full time Education Team, with a high instructor-to-youth ratio of 2 leaders to every 15 youth or fewer, and Assistant Counselors are volunteer high school aged youth who are mentored in leadership and environmental education. Instructors attend a 5 day training week that includes CPR and First Aid Certification, Restorative Justice practices, Cultural Competency, Social-Emotional skills, and Environmental Education Curriculum development. The leadership team includes Jonathan Hayden, Education Programs Manager (also known as Mr Crabapple), Betty, who focuses on field trips and adult education during the school year and camp and assistant counselor coordination during the summer, and Joseph, a part-time substitute instructor who has returned year after year.
Programs at Tryon cultivate a community of respect and inclusivity, and the camp creates a space that is inclusive and caring by being respectful to each other and the forest. Camp families are offered a 20 minute no fee parking window during drop off and pick up times. During registration, parents or guardians receive and are required to sign an Emergency Contact Information Form, a Liability and Medical Consent Waiver, and a Medical Authorization Form. Friends of Tryon Creek’s mission, supported by membership donations in partnership with Oregon State Parks, is to inspire every community to identify, cultivate or reclaim their relationship with nature in this urban forest, and the program has been a Top 5 PDX Parent Reader Favorite since 2020.
Campers and families describe the experience as “learning about the flora and fauna as well as anything science-y,” and mention “the variety of activities, kind staff, ability to be outside all day.” They also highlight “crafts and spending time with new friends” and note that one camper “was proud of the 4 mile hike she did!” Other comments include “lots of adventure and getting to know and appreciate nature” and a simple favorite: “Meadow Day!”
Last updated April 14, 2026.
• Ages: 5–12 years old
• Schedule: Fall sessions run 3 full camp days at 7 hours each day; Spring and Summer sessions run 5 full camp days at 7 hours each day, with registration and drop-off beginning at 8:30am and camp days starting at 9:00am.
• Price: Fall 3-Full Camp Days: $300 non-members or $250 current Friends of Tryon Creek Members ($50 Family Level or higher). Spring & Summer 5-Full Camp Days: $475 non-members or $425 current Friends of Tryon Creek Members ($50 Family Level or higher).
Friends of Tryon Creek has connected youth to nature since 1970 as a community supported nonprofit in partnership with Oregon State Parks. Camp programs are led by a full time Education Team, with a high instructor-to-youth ratio of 2 leaders to every 15 youth or fewer, and Assistant Counselors are volunteer high school aged youth who are mentored in leadership and environmental education. Instructors attend a 5 day training week that includes CPR and First Aid Certification, Restorative Justice practices, Cultural Competency, Social-Emotional skills, and Environmental Education Curriculum development. The leadership team includes Jonathan Hayden, Education Programs Manager (also known as Mr Crabapple), Betty, who focuses on field trips and adult education during the school year and camp and assistant counselor coordination during the summer, and Joseph, a part-time substitute instructor who has returned year after year.
Programs at Tryon cultivate a community of respect and inclusivity, and the camp creates a space that is inclusive and caring by being respectful to each other and the forest. Camp families are offered a 20 minute no fee parking window during drop off and pick up times. During registration, parents or guardians receive and are required to sign an Emergency Contact Information Form, a Liability and Medical Consent Waiver, and a Medical Authorization Form. Friends of Tryon Creek’s mission, supported by membership donations in partnership with Oregon State Parks, is to inspire every community to identify, cultivate or reclaim their relationship with nature in this urban forest, and the program has been a Top 5 PDX Parent Reader Favorite since 2020.
Campers and families describe the experience as “learning about the flora and fauna as well as anything science-y,” and mention “the variety of activities, kind staff, ability to be outside all day.” They also highlight “crafts and spending time with new friends” and note that one camper “was proud of the 4 mile hike she did!” Other comments include “lots of adventure and getting to know and appreciate nature” and a simple favorite: “Meadow Day!”
Last updated April 14, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.