Owl Fest at Tryon Creek Natural Area

Photo by Erik Karits

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

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 at Tryon Creek Natural Area

Owl Fest is Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 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 at Friends Circle in front of Nature Center during these times:

• 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

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., dissect owl pellets on the back deck of the Nature Center.

Owl Crafts

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., get creative with arts and crafts in the Nature Center Classroom.

Face Painting

From 12:30-2:30 p.m., have your face painted with nature-themed imagery in the Nature Center Classroom.

Owls of Tryon Creek Table

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., learn about owl species that live in Tryon Creek near the Friends Circle.

Special Guests and Presentations

There are multiple opportunities to learn about owls, including: 

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., stop by the Bird Alliance of Oregon table to learn about owl adaptations.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Meet Nothern Pygmy-Owl researcher John Deshler and explore his new book, The Pygmy-Owls of Forest Park.

From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Cascades Raptor Center let’s you get up close with Valentino the Great Horned Owl.

From 1 to 2 p.m., Park Ranger Matt Palmquist hosts an owl presentation.

Tryon Creek Natural Area is located at 11321 S Terwilliger Blvd. in Portland. Parking is $10. For more information about Owl Fest, visit Friends of Tryon Creek’s website.

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