Just 10 miles from the town of Molalla, immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Molalla River Corridor Recreation Area. Designated Wild & Scenic, the free-flowing Molalla River carves a stunning path through forested canyons, offering exceptional river opportunities. More than 20 miles of trails lace the region which are perfect for hiking or mountain biking. Beautiful campgrounds provide a haven for overnight stays, making the Molalla River Corridor your basecamp for adventure.
While the entire corridor can be traversed by car in under an hour, true adventure lies in savoring the journey. Connect with the history of this region, meet passionate local business owners and delve into breathtaking outdoor recreation.
This map unveils the best the Wild & Scenic Molalla Corridor has to offer, igniting inspiration for an unforgettable escape. Whether you have a few hours or a few days, discover dozens of stops and must-do experiences that showcase the region's unique charm.
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.
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.
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 areas remain closed due to the wildfires from 2020.
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.
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.
The city of Molalla is at the heart of our region and teems with recreation of all kinds, from miniature train rides through verdant woods to skydiving from up to 18,000 feet—not to mention the Molalla Buckeroo, which has been going strong for more than a century. After a day of exploration, take time to learn about the city’s history through fascinating museums and grab a bite to eat at one of Molalla’s locally owned restaurants.
Forests gradually give way to farmland near Molalla, creating a lively hub for agriculture—one you can explore along the South Clackamas Farm Loop. Attractions along the self-guided tour include cutting-edge creameries, scenic wineries, and friendly farmers markets. Be sure to show up hungry.
