Owl Fest at Tryon Creek Natural Area

Photo by Erik Karits

Explore nature and outdoor activities at Owl Fest at Tryon Creek Natural Area this Saturday.

Located in Southwest Portland, Tryon Creek is one of Portland’s best urban parks. This beautiful natural area is a great example of our temperate rainforest climate: Trees covered in moss with huge ferns lining the trails that lead to a waterway. More than 658 acres creates an ideal habitat for many flora and fauna.

Here’s how you can explore this special natural area and enjoy fun, free activities.

Owl Fest is Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is open to all ages and free to attend.

Tryon Creek State Natural Area has five species of owls that call the protected forest home. The Great-horned, Barred, Western Screech, Northern Saw-Whet and Northern Pygmy find ideal conditions to nest in the large forested area that offers food and a place to raise their young.

The owls are such a beloved sight at the natural area that Friends of Tryon Creek have an event all about these birds of prey. Head to the forest to learn more about owls and admire the incredible forest they call home.

Schedule of Activities

Here’s a list of the fun activities planned for the event:

All Ages Guided Hikes

Meet the guide at the Friend’s Circle.

10:30 a.m.Owls of Tryon Creek
11:30 a.m. Owl Adaptations
12:30 p.m. Owls of Tryon Creek
1:30 p.m. Owl Adaptations

Owl Pellet Dissection Activity

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Uncover owl pellets in the Nature Center.

Owl Photography

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Photographer Adam Stunkel sets up an owl photograpy display and information in the Nature Center.

Owl Crafts

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Get creative with arts and crafts in the Nature Center’s classroom.

Owls of Tryon Creek Table

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn about the natural area’s local owls at the Friend’s Circle.

Bird Alliance of Oregon Table

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn about owl adaptations in the Nature Center.

All About Owls Presentation

11 a.m.-2 p.m.Park Ranger Matt Palmquist uses to educate about owls in the Nature Center’s craft room.

Face Painting

12:30-2:30 p.m. Have your face painted with nature-themed imagery in the classroom.

Owls of Portland Presentation

1-2 p.m. Local owl photographer Scott Carpenter shares about these curious creatures in the Nature Center’s craft room.

Tryon Creek Natural Area is located at 11321 S Terwilliger Blvd. in Portland. For more information about Owl Fest, visit Friends of Tryon Creek’s website.

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