Elk Rock Garden is another one of Portland's mysterious hidden delights. I found out about it recently in some really random way, and realized I've been within blocks of it many times without knowing it was there. It's only about 3 miles from Tryon Creek State Park, and was once a lovely private home with an extravagant garden on the banks of the Willamette. It was given to the Episcopalian Archdiocese of Portland with the stipulation that the grounds must be open to the public. This is not a goal they exactly seem to have embraced wholeheartedly. The home is in a neighborhood where the current homes rival this estate in grandeur, and parking is minimal. They are open daily from 8AM- 5PM, at which time the gate is locked. You are allowed to walk around, and dogs are permitted on leashes, but you are forbidden to bring food, beverages, or lawn games such as frisbees, and children under 16 are required to be supervised at all times. There are no public bathrooms, and the "visitor's center" (where signs advise all visitors are required to check in) consists of a covered porch with a registration book. This time of year, there is not much in bloom. But it was really delightful to explore its many secluded and lovely corners, to search for koi hiding in the shadows of a pond, and to wander its looping trails. More information here:
http://www.elkrockgarden.com/
Naturally we couldn't resist stopping by Tryon Creek State Park, while we were right in the neighborhood. We wandered towards the "meadow", a small area that gets mowed regularly to create habitat for plants and animals you wouldn't otherwise be likely to see in Tryon Creek. We discovered a mysterious "house" built just inside the woods. I know the meadow was a popular spot with summer campers and I wonder if they had something to do with its construction.
The meadow is one of the few places at Tryon Creek where you are sure to see a snake, or at least, to catch a glimpse of a rapidly disappearing tail. It is also home to lots and lots of wild blackberries, as well as many plants that appreciate more sun. Jasper found a brilliant yellow flower crab spider, whose strategy is to hang out in flowers to ambush any insects that might visit.
The meadow is one of the few places at Tryon Creek where you are sure to see a snake, or at least, to catch a glimpse of a rapidly disappearing tail. It is also home to lots and lots of wild blackberries, as well as many plants that appreciate more sun. Jasper found a brilliant yellow flower crab spider, whose strategy is to hang out in flowers to ambush any insects that might visit. 
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