Molalla River Recreation Corridor

Off the beaten path but only an hour from Portland, the Molalla River Recreation Corridor is an authentic example of a wild Cascadian river, never dammed or diverted. The river rises in Oregon’s Table Rock Wilderness and cascades through spectacular basalt and lava outcrops en route to the Willamette Valley floor. Salmon, steelhead, rainbow and cutthroat trout attract anglers, particularly fly-casters. A paved road provides access to approximately 12 miles of protected river with numerous campgrounds and more than 30 miles of non-motorized trails. The corridor offers year-round recreation opportunities, including kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, fishing and hunting, hiking, picnicking and horseback riding. The corridor is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Best of all—it’s all free.

Community efforts to preserve and enhance the Molalla River watershed and recreation corridor are coordinated by the Molalla River Alliance (http://www.molallariveralliance.org), a nonprofit, all-volunteer group comprised of more than 45 public and private, regional, local state and federal organizations and groups as well as individual conservationists and property owners. Conservation and enhancement projects such as riverside cleanups, habitat restoration, trail maintenance and educational workshops are carried out throughout the year. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Molalla River Resource Center in Molalla to learn how they can participate in preserving a remarkable natural resource for future generations to enjoy and learn from.  A long-term recreation management plan is currently being developed by the federal Bureau of Land Management.

• ADA accessible
• Trained guides available
• Visitor center nearby