1851
Socrates Hotchkiss Tryon, pioneer settler, established a donation land claim at the south end of the canyon.

1880-94
First major logging of virgin fir in the south portion of the canyon, used for charcoal at iron foundry in Lake Oswego .

1900 (circa)
Forest fire in the upper canyon - charred snags still visible along the Center and Big Fir trails.

1912-15 (circa)
Second major logging further north, with a logging camp on Alfred Street and a sawmill by the creek near the present Obie's Bridge. Wood used chiefly for railroad ties, cordwood and flagpoles. Huge cedar stumps still visible throughout the park.

1940-61
Third logging intermittent throughout the canyon. Area near Red Fox Hills cut around 1951 and Cook land near Lewis and Clark College in 1961.

1962
Columbus Day Storm caused severe blow-down throughout the canyon.

1965
Completion of City of Portland sewer interceptor line along creek. Wide swath left from construction grew back with alder, providing a plentiful cutting area for beaver when they returned.

1950's & 60's
Citizen and local official attempts at establishing park fail due to lack of funds and difficulty in coordination between multiple city and county jurisdictions. 1969 Multnomah County purchases 45 acres as the beginning of a large Regional Park and requests citizen help.   Public meeting in June results in formation of Friends of Tryon Creek Park. Friends goals: coordinate governmental efforts and assist with private funds.   Approval secured from City of Lake Oswego for a park.

1970 January
200 acres of land at north optioned to developer in Seattle .

1970 March
Friends hold three public meetings to inform people of the park plan and upcoming fund raising drive to gain option money.

1970 April
Friends launch fund raising on the first Earth Day in all communities around the canyon. 325 volunteers solicit in their neighborhoods and school projects. In three weeks, 1400 families, school, and civic groups donate $27,000.00.

1970 August
Friends take contract on a 14-acre parcel and option on a 28-acre tract. Negotiations begin with other landowners.

1970 September
Friends secure Multnomah County approval for park boundaries up to Terwilliger "if money can be found." Friends offer to raise 25% of necessary money; major fund drive planned.

1970 October
Efforts to option land fails; plans for housing development progressing.

1970 October
Leaders of the Friends, Lucille Beck and Jean Siddall, appeal to Glen Jackson, Chairman of the State Highway commission, for assistance from the State.

1970 October 26
Governor Tom McCall announces the formation of Tryon Creek State Park .

1971-72
Oregon State purchases 600+ acres of land for nearly three million dollars, including federal matching funds.   Friends and State collaborate in planning Tryon Creek State Park , agreeing that development should be limited to trails and a nature center.

1973 April
Massive trail building weekend organized; present nature center trails hand-cut by some 300 volunteers. 1973 - 74 From a base of $27,000.00, Friends raise approximately $135,000 toward construction of nature center and shelter. State contributes a necessary $50,000.

1974
Summer Construction of nature center and shelter begun.

1975 January
Nature center and shelter completed.   Architect: Curtis Finch of Fletcher, Finch
Contractor: R.A. Gray and Co.
Overseer: Glenn Gregg of the Friends project.
State of Oregon provides all utilities, sewer line, parking area, access road and landscaping.

1975 July 1st
Tryon Creek State Park officially dedicated