CuteCamper
Molalla
Day use is OPEN up to the Table Rock Wilderness trailhead and 150 feet on either side of the Molalla River Road. All other areas remain CLOSED until further notice due to damage from September 2020 wildfires.
Camping is Open!
Please reserve your campsite for Three Bears and Cedar Grove online at www.recreation.gov. You can also pay nightly for any site that is not reserved using the electronic payment option with the Recreation.gov Mobile App that you must download before you reach the site.
Overview:
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Molalla River, which offers easy river access and opportunities for picnicking, swimming, camping, whitewater boating and fishing. The Molalla River is one of the few undammed tributaries of the Willamette River and cuts a picturesque gorge on its way to the valley floor.
The Molalla River Trail System is an extensive network of more than 20 miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. The system combines both single-track trails and old forest roads. The trails wind through the forested foothills and slopes of the Molalla River Valley, occasionally offering scenic glimpses of the forests and mountains of the Cascade Range. The system offers a variety of difficulty levels for a wide range of mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding enthusiasts. Trails are generally marked with directional signs and levels of difficulty. The best equestrian access to the trail system is from Hardy Creek or Annie’s Cabin Trailheads where there is ample parking for horse trailers. Mountain bikers and hikers may prefer to access the trail system via Amanda’s, AmeriCorps, and Sandquist ’s Trailheads.
Three Bears Recreation Site is available for walk-in tent camping using www.recreation.gov for reservations. Sites 10-15 are first come-first serve sites only with payment collected via the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Situated on a scenic stretch of the Molalla River 4 miles south of Glen Avon Bridge, the site has 15 campsites, each equipped with a tent pad, metal fire ring, BBQ grill, and picnic table. The campground also has vault toilets and access to a beautiful cobble beach and swimming hole.
Cedar Grove Recreation Site is available for walk-in tent camping using www.recreation.gov for reservations. Situated in a picturesque grove of western red cedar 6 miles south of Glen Avon Bridge, the site has 11 tent campsites, each equipped with a tent pad, metal fire ring, BBQ grill, and picnic table. The campground also has vault toilets and river access.
Aquila Vista Recreation Site is available for overnight group camping for up to 30 people. The site is closed in 2022 due to hazard trees. The site is located in the heart of the forest next to a large beaver pond. There is plenty of hiking and natural beauty to see at Aquila Vista including a small waterfall. Amenities include vault toilet, two group picnic shelters with multiple picnic tables and a metal fire ring. There is no running water at Aquila Vista; ensure that you bring plenty of drinking, cooking and sanitation water. There is no firewood at the site or firewood collection allowed, please bring your own firewood if you wish to have a fire. The campsite can have mosquitoes in the summer; bring bug repellent.
Know Before You Go:
- Camping is limited to the Three Bears and Cedar Grove Campgrounds along the Molalla River. Make a reservation at the above link. Fees are $15-30 per night plus applicable fees. Only campsites 10-15 in Three Bears are available on a first-come, first-serve basis with payment being collected via the Recreation.gov Mobile App
- Fires are limited to the steel fire rings or BBQ grills provided.
- No firewood collection is allowed at the developed campgrounds.
- Pack-it in, pack-it out.
- There is no cell phone service.
- Caution: Watch out for log trucks that frequently use the road.
Point of Interest:
Molalla Recreation Area is the gateway to Table Rock Wilderness.
Explore Oregon Recreation: Molalla River Corridor
RecAreaDirections
The Molalla River Recreation Area is located approximately 10 miles southeast of Molalla in Clackamas County. From the town of Molalla, drive east on Main St/OR 211. Veer right at the OR 211/Mathias Road intersection, follow signs for Feyrer Park. Once past Feyrer Park, cross over the Molalla River, turn right, and follow signs for Dickey Prairie Rd. Continue south on Dickey Prairie Rd, keeping the Dickey Prairie Store on your left. At 3.7 miles past the store, turn right on Molalla Forest Rd and cross Glen Avon Bridge.
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Permits info
Facilities
Three Bears Campground Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
No cash, check, or cards are accepted on site. Make a reservations three days in advance or use the mobile app below.
Reserve a site at Three Bears on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage.
Three Bears Recreation Site is available for walk-in tent camping on for reservations and first-come, first-served basis. Situated in a picturesque grove of western red cedar 4 miles south of Glen Avon Bridge, the site has 15 tent campsites, each equipped with a tent pad, metal fire ring, BBQ grill, and picnic table. The campground also has vault toilets and access to a beautiful cobble beach and swimming hole.
Recreation
Camping, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking on nearby trails (Hardy Creek TH closest)
Facilities
Amenities includes a vault restroom, individual campsites with picnic tables, BBQ grill, and a metal fire ring. There are two parking spots for each campsite located in the central parking lot. There is a central handpump for potable water off-site at Cedar Grove campground 1 mile east of Three Bears. There is no firewood at the site or firewood collection allowed, please bring your own firewood if you wish to have a fire.
Natural Features
Molalla Wild and Scenic River and forested environment.
Nearby Attractions
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Molalla Wild and Scenic River which offers easy river access and opportunities for picnicking, swimming, camping, whitewater boating and fishing. The Molalla is one of the few undammed tributaries of the Willamette River and cuts a picturesque gorge on its way to the valley floor. Table Rock Wilderness is further up the canyon and accessible through three trailheads.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (503) 375-5646.Charges & Cancellations
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.
Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
Cedar Grove Campground Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
No cash, check, or cards are accepted on site. Make a reservations three days in advance or use the mobile app below.
Reserve a site at Cedar Grove on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage.
Cedar Grove Recreation Site is available for walk-in tent camping on for reservations and first-come, first-served basis. Situated in a picturesque grove of western red cedar 6 miles south of Glen Avon Bridge, the site has 10 tent campsites, each equipped with a tent pad, metal fire ring, BBQ grill, and picnic table. The campground also has vault toilets and river access.
Recreation
Camping, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking on nearby trails (Hardy Creek TH closest)
Facilities
Amenities includes a vault restroom, individual campsites with picnic tables, BBQ grill, and a metal fire ring. There are two parking spots for each campsite located in the central parking lot. There is a central handpump for potable water. There is no firewood at the site or firewood collection allowed, please bring your own firewood if you wish to have a fire.
Natural Features
Molalla Wild and Scenic River and forested environment.
Nearby Attractions
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Molalla Wild and Scenic River which offers easy river access and opportunities for picnicking, swimming, camping, whitewater boating and fishing. The Molalla is one of the few undammed tributaries of the Willamette River and cuts a picturesque gorge on its way to the valley floor. Table Rock Wilderness is further up the canyon and accessible through three trailheads.
Charges & Cancellations
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.
Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
Aquila Vista Recreation Site Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Aquila Vista is closed until further notice to remove wildfire burned danger trees.
Aquila Vista is available for overnight group camping by obtaining a special recreation permit. This accommodates groups up to 30 people and 20 vehicles. The season is mid-May through mid-October.
Recreation
The Molalla River Trail System is an extensive network of more than 20 miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. The trail system can be accessed from Aquila Vista. The system combines both single track trails and old forest roads. The trails wind through the forested foothills and slopes of the Molalla River Valley, occasionally offering scenic glimpses of the forests and mountains of the Cascade Range. The system offers a variety of difficulty levels for a wide range of mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding enthusiasts. Trails are generally marked with directional signs and levels of difficulty. Additional equestrian access to the trail system is from Hardy Creek or Annie’s Cabin Trailheads where there is ample parking for horse trailers. Mountain bikers and hikers can also access the trail system via Amanda’s, Americorp, and Sandquist ’s Trailheads.
Facilities
Amenities include vault restrooms, two group picnic shelters with multiple picnic tables, and metal fire rings. There is no running water at Aquila Vista, ensure that you bring plenty of drinking, cooking, and sanitation water. There is no firewood at the site or firewood collection allowed, please bring your own firewood if you wish to have a fire.
Natural Features
The site is located in the heart of the forest next to a large beaver pond. There is plenty of hiking and natural beauty to be seen at Aquila Vista including a small waterfall.
Nearby Attractions
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Molalla Wild and Scenic River which offers easy river access and opportunities for picnicking, swimming, camping, whitewater boating and fishing. The Molalla is one of the few undammed tributaries of the Willamette River and cuts a picturesque gorge on its way to the valley floor.
Charges & Cancellations
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.
Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
