SW Trails Urban Hike #31: Mud to Mansions
This 6+ mile hike is one of my favorites so far. It starts and ends on the well-cared-for trails in the Tryon Creek Nature Park. In between, it meanders through the Dunthorpe and Collins View neighborhoods and then swings up by Lewis & Clark College.
This is one of the longer hikes on the list with an elevation change that is in the mid-range. You start by heading east from the Tryon Creek visitor center. The trails going in this direction are easy going as you head downhill. You cross Terwilliger before you get all the way down to Hwy 43/State St. and start your tour of houses that show a pretty cushy lifestyle.
The directions for this hike are pretty good. I’m guessing the team got into the groove by the time they wrote this up, since it is the 31st hike they’ve published.
SW Hike #31: Mud to Mansions
Neighborhood: Collins View, Lake Oswego
Distance: 6.23 miles
Elevation Change: 426 ft.
Starting/End: Tryon Creek Nature Center
Mobile Map
The Mud
Fortunately, there is little mud on this hike if you do it in the summer. In the directions, the mud they make mention of is a little patch of unimproved road between Aventine Ct. and Palatine Hill Rd. It was completely dry as we walked over it at the end of summer, which made for easy passing. But you could tell that if you did this hike in the middle of winter, which is when I believe they did, that it could be a bit of a mess.
You might also encounter mud on the trails of Tryon Creek Park but nothing a simple pair of hiking boots couldn’t get you through.
The Mansions
I’d always heard that the Dunthorpe area was for the more financially-enhanced families but had never gone through there. I mean, why would I? That’s well beyond my lifestyle and even if I knew anyone who lived there, they’re not inviting the likes of me into this hood. So, it was a treat to sneak a peek at the other side of the tracks.
We saw a wide range of magnificent houses. Some were grand with size, some with style, and some with their view. One had a swing with arguably the best view in town. It was on the hillside overlooking the Willamette River, where you could spend an afternoon feeling the wind under your feet and a sparkle off the water shining in your eye.
For example, this small abode was for sale:
- 5 bedrooms/7 baths
- 6,136 square feet
- 1.07 acre property
- Outdoor covered living room with fireplace
- Swimming pool & pool house w/ bath
- Full apartment suite
- 5 attached garage spaces
Other than the huge houses, neighborhoods like these are similar to many others. People hang out in their neighborhood parks, kids play outside, and people walk their dogs—like Merritt Paulson, owner of the Timbers and Thorns. His dog is very cute, BTW.
The Final Lap
