Three Bears Campground - Molalla River

• Three Bears Recreation Site is a pristine river oasis in the western red cedar forest
• Swimming, hiking, camping, and picnicking are popular pastimes here

SwimmingFishing OregonHiking OregonCamping Oregon



Three Bears Recreation Site is a pristine river oasis in a beautiful grove of western red cedar. This site is one of many places along the scenic route of the Molalla River Recreation Corridor, 11 miles away from the city of Molalla.

Three Bears is a great destination where you can enjoy the beauty of the lucid green river water making its way through dramatic basalt rock formations.

The area provides excellent opportunities for picnicking, camping, hiking, and refreshing swimming in the cool and crystal-clear water. The site maintains a large swimming area. The water is deeper near the rock wall that lines the opposite bank. Some places are chest- and neck-deep. There are rapids upstream. The water is warming up to 70°F in August. The beach consists of cobbles.

The river is easily accessible from the parking lot. The campground has 15 tent sites with metal fire rings, barbecue grills, and picnic tables. Advance camping reservation is available via Recreation.gov. While you can claim a camping site on a first-come, first-served basis, you still need to pay through Mobile App. Be aware there is no cell reception along the Molalla River Recreation Area.

The Molalla River Trail System combines 25 miles of trails with various difficulty levels designated for mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers.

Three Bears Swimming
Swimming Hole
Three Bears - Molalla River
Recreation Site
Molalla River Trail
Molalla River Trail
Three Bears Recreation Site - Molalla River
Swimming Hole



Three Bears Recreation Site | General Description

Open: Campground open from May 15th through October 1st
Managed by: BLM
Location: Molalla River Recreation Area

Amenities: Vault restroom, potable water, garbage service, and picnic sites
Activities: Swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Popularity: Moderate to High

Accommodations: Reservation is recommended

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Salem

Elevation: 800 ft (244 m)

Three Bears Area is located:

  • 11 miles southeast of Molalla
  • 37 miles east of Salem
  • 46 miles southeast of Portland.




Directions to Cedar Grove Campground

From I-5,

  • Take exit-271 and then turn left onto OR-214 toward Woodburn
  • Head 16 miles east along OR-214 then OR-211 to Mathias Road in Molalla
  • Bear right onto Mathias Road and follow 0.2 miles to S Feyrer Park Road
  • Turn left onto S Feyrer Park Road and continue for 1.7 miles to S Dickey Prairie Road
  • Turn right onto S Dickey Prairie Road and drive 5.3 miles to Glen Avon Bridge
  • Cross the bridge and bear left, continue on S Molalla Forest Road for about 3 miles to the destination on the left.

Phone: 503-375-5646

GPS: N 45°2.556' W 122°29.340' | 45.0426, -122.489



Adventures Nearby




2 Comments

  1. This site mentions a 25 mile long loop trail. “Designated for mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers, a 25-mile-long loop trail is nearby.” I am looking for more information about this trail. Do you know the name of it or location of the trailhead?

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