MOLALLA RECREATION MAP

The Molalla River Recreation Corridor lures hikers of all experience levels. With trails along the beautiful waterway offering incredible views this stop offers something for everybody. The area features 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. 

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This trail system is an extensive network of more than 20 miles of trails and combines both singletrack trails and old logging roads. Start at the popular Hardy Creek Trailhead and after warming up on the Warm-up Loop trail, head up for some intermediate and advanced riding on the Rim Trail. Remember that this trail system can be used by hikers and equestrians, so yield to both if you encounter them on your ride. System may be closed from November 15 to May 15 when the trails are muddy.

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The 5,800-acre Table Rock Wilderness is a pristine landscape in the Cascade foothills, boasting colorful bushes of rhododendron and forests of Douglas fir and western hemlock. Several hiking trails enter the rugged wilderness, but plan a summertime trek to Table Rock, the remnant of an ancient lava flow that once covered the wider region; from its summit, nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, views of Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, and another handful of Cascade peaks await.

Please Note: Day use is OPEN in the Molalla River Recreation Area up to the Table Rock Wilderness trailhead and 150 feet on either side of the Molalla River Road. All other trails can be difficult to follow because of lack of maintenance and down trees following the 2020 wildfires.

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Pitch a tent at the scenic Three Bears Recreation Site or Cedar Grove Recreation Site, both offering walk-in campsites with tent pads, campfire rings, barbecue grills, and picnic tables—all amid cedar and fir forests near the banks of the crystal-clear Molalla River. Reservations are required at recreation.gov. 

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Not up for a daunting day hike, overnight camping trip, or heart-pumping thrill ride on the river’s rapids? Kick back with a relaxing day along the Molalla River: Head out on a scenic drive, stopping as often as you’d like to savor the views from roadside viewpoints, take a dip to cool off, enjoy a picnic with farm-fresh fare, or stretch your legs with a short walk to the base of Shotgun Falls. Just over a mile south of the waterfall, keep an eye for the Basalt Eye—a sunburstshaped rock formation along the banks of the Molalla River that resembles an eye.

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Many of the public lands around Molalla are managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State Parks or the Mt. Hood National Forest. Some trailheads and day-use areas on these lands are free of charge, while others require a small day-use fee or valid recreation pass. We’ve noted where fees are required throughout this map, but contact the appropriate land manager (either by calling local offices or visiting their website) to learn more about costs, how to acquire the proper permits or passes, and when fees are required. Also note that campgrounds generally require a nightly fee.

Plan Ahead
Prepare before you head out, consider what you want to see and experience, your group’s physical abilities and what’s realistic to do in the time you have. Can you visit off peak to avoid crowds?

Be Ready
Check conditions. Pack your Ten Essentials. Got the right shoes for the terrain? Water? Cell phone? You may not always have coverage, so take a picture of the trail map or bring one with you. Consider hiring a guide.

Don't Forget
Let someone know where you’re headed and when you plan to be back. Tuck some cash in your pocket for park fees (that help maintain our natural spaces).

Make Smart Choices
Know your limits and when to stop for the day. Follow the signs; they’re there to tell you important stuff like how to avoid injuries and not get lost.

Be Respectful
If you’re lucky enough to spot wildlife, use your zoom lens and observe from afar. Share trails with others. Know who manages the land you access and what the rules and regulations are.

Keep It Natural
Stay on designated trails and areas to protect the landscape. Don’t take anything home but your trash—and please, please take your trash with you. Make wildfire prevention a top priority.

Enjoy Yourself
Experiencing the quiet, awe-inspiring beauty of nature can not only uplift your spirits, it can improve your health. Think of Oregon’s vast outdoors as your place to relax and recharge.

Say Hello
Greet fellow adventurers and spark a conversation. Check in at a visitor center, ranger station and/or local business to learn from the locals, grab a map and gather local insight.

Spread Goodwill
Share your knowledge with others if it’s helpful. Support the community— eat, drink, shop and stay local. Stop by cultural centers to learn our history and relationship to place.