Tryon Creek Daytrippers

Daytrippers hiking the Toutle River Trail, Washington

In the Fall of 1980 Barbara Orloff, then-Director of the Friends, suggested that volunteer Andi Gassman organize a hiking club. Thus, the Daytrippers hiking group was born.

The Daytrippers meet on Tuesdays and hit the proverbial trail for either a moderate hike (between 5 – 12 miles in length with negligible to 3000-feet elevation gain) or an easier “ramble” (shorter in length and less than 1000-feet elevation gain). Each year they meet in the Nature Center to plan their annual hiking schedule and, at season’s end, they enjoy a potluck with an awards ceremony for hikers’ achievements on the trail.

The Daytrippers consider Tryon Creek their home base and although they occasionally hike in the park their adventurous spirits take them beyond, to the gorge, coast, and mountains, trying to keep the roundtrip under 200 miles. They strive not to repeat hikes for at least three years. Sharon Hawley, who has been active with the Daytrippers since 1998, notes that with “the almost unparalleled hiking opportunities in this area, we are truly blessed!”

The group has a wonderful social dynamic (and still retains some of the original members). Participants look out for each other, share a common love of the trail, and deep friendships and bonds develop (a few marriages have resulted from hiking together!).

The Daytrippers welcome new hikers. Please visit this link for more information: http://home.comcast.net/~l-simmons/daytrippers.htm

 Hope to see you on the trail!