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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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USA Parks
Oregon
Mt. Hood and the Gorge Region
Molalla River State Park
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Molalla River State Park © Luteguy / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Molalla River State Park © Luteguy / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Main parking lot and boat ramp at Molalla River State Park, Oregon
Molalla River State Park © Luteguy / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Picnic tables under trees, near main parking lot, at Molalla River State Park, Oregon
Molalla River State Park © Ian Poellet (User:Werewombat) / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Willamette River at Molalla River State Park near Canby, Oregon, United States.
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MOLALLA RIVER STATE PARK
MOLALLA RIVER STATE PARK
Canby, Oregon   97013
(lat:45.2955 lon:-122.6998) map location

Phone: 800-551-6949
Toll Free: 800-551-6949
Reservations: 800-452-5687
Imagine combining a scenic drive, hiking, picnicking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing and a ferry ride all in one location. You can do it all at Molalla River State Park near Canby, Oregon.

This natural area sits at the confluence of the Willamette, Molalla and Pudding rivers. The floodplains of these rivers provide important habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, deer, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. One of the largest blue heron rookeries in the Willamette Valley is located here.

Molalla River State Park has grassy field areas for picnics and games and a pet exercise area where you can let your dog run off leash. Fishing is a popular activity, and a boat ramp gives you convenient river access. No boat? You can cross the river on the Canby Ferry, located a quarter mile downstream. It?s one of three ferries still in operation on the Willamette River. Fruit, vegetable and flower stands abound seasonally in some of the finest farmland in Oregon.
History of the Area
Located in the northwestern part of Oregon, this natural reserve is situated at the confluence of three rivers - Pudding River, Molalla River and Willamette River. The park's history dates back to 1954 when it was first established as a state recreation site.

The land for the park was acquired between 1960 and 1972 through purchases from private owners. It spans over an area of approximately 567 acres offering recreational activities such as hiking trails, picnic spots along with boating facilities on its riverfronts.

In addition to these amenities provided by nature itself, human intervention has also played a significant role in shaping up what we see today. In particular during late-1980s till early-1990s several developments were made including construction of parking lots & restrooms; installation signs etc., making it more accessible for visitors while preserving its ecological balance simultaneously.

Boating
The park offers a boat ramp that provides access to the Willamette River for boating enthusiasts. However, it's important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty and visitors must adhere strictly to safety precautions while enjoying water activities. The river is also popular among anglers as it hosts various species of fish including salmon and steelhead trout during certain seasons.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing for species like smallmouth bass, steelhead and Chinook salmon. A boat ramp is available too.

In the park's waters, you'll find cutthroat trout alongside other fish varieties.

Fishing enthusiasts might also encounter Pacific lamprey during their angling adventures in these parts of Oregon.

The river offers both bank and boat fishing options to cater to different preferences or skills levels among anglers.

Remember that a valid state license is required before casting your line into this popular freshwater destination.



Picnicking
Molalla River State Park offers picnic tables and grills, perfect for family outings. No covered areas or reservations are available.
Trails
1. Molalla River Trail: This is a 5.8-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels.

2. Hardy Creek Loop Hike: A moderate, 4 mile loop hike with beautiful forest scenery along the creek side.

3. Annie's Cabin Nature Walk: An easy half-mile walk suitable for families or those looking to enjoy nature at a leisurely pace; features interpretive signs about local flora and fauna.

4. Cedar Grove Botanical Area Trails: These trails wind through an old-growth cedar grove, offering hikers stunning greenery throughout their journey of approximately two miles round trip.

5. Coyote Wall- The Labyrinth Hiking Trail: It's around six miles long but can be extended up to nine if you want more adventure; it provides panoramic river vistas from atop Coyote Wall cliffs.

6. Hard Rock Mining Tour - Table Rock Road To Rooster Park: This historic mining route has been converted into hiking paths where visitors can learn about Oregon's gold rush history while enjoying natural beauty on this three-miles-long path.

7. Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo Grounds Pathway: A short one-kilometer pathway ideal for quick walks or runs near the rodeo grounds area in town center.

8. Annie Kilmers Nature Preserve Walking Paths: The preserve includes several walking paths winding through wetlands teeming with wildlife - perfect spot birdwatching enthusiasts.

9. Feyrer Park Riverside Walkways: Feyrer park located nearby also offer riverside pathways which are great spots picnic lovers who wish take break after exploring other longer routes within state park.
Birding
The park offers birding opportunities with over 50 species of birds, including waterfowl and raptors. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting bald eagles, ospreys or blue herons along the river's edge. The area is also a migration stop for many types of songbirds in spring and fall seasons.

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Area Campgrounds
RV Park of Portland
6645 SW Nyberg Lane
Tualatin, OR
Roamer's Rest RV Park LLC
17585 SW Pacific Highway
Tualatin, OR
503-692-6350
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. Start on Highway 213, heading south from the city of Molalla.
2. Continue driving for approximately 6 miles until you reach Feyrer Park Road SE.
3. Turn left onto Feyrer Park Road SE and continue for about half a mile.
4. Take another left onto S Mulino Road/Highway 211 South and drive for around 5 miles.

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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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