Molalla River State Park sits at the confluence of the Molalla, Pudding, and Willamette rivers near Canby, Oregon — a meeting of waters that makes this park uniquely rich for wildlife watching and quiet riverside exploration. Located in the northern Willamette Valley just south of Portland, it offers an easy escape from the city without a long drive.

The park’s network of trails winds through bottomland forests of cottonwood, ash, and willow, opening onto meadows and riverbanks where great blue herons, osprey, and bald eagles are regular visitors. A paved multi-use path makes the park accessible for cyclists, joggers, and families with strollers, while unpaved trails lead deeper into the riparian woodland for a more secluded experience.

Fishing is a major draw here. The Molalla River supports runs of steelhead and salmon, and the calmer waters of the Willamette offer opportunities for smallmouth bass and sturgeon. Kayakers and canoeists use the park as a put-in or take-out point for paddling the lower Molalla or the Willamette.

Spring brings wildflower displays and migrating songbirds, while fall offers golden foliage reflected in the slow-moving river channels. Summer is ideal for picnicking along the shaded banks, though the park is pleasant year-round in western Oregon’s mild climate.

Note that Molalla River State Park is a day-use area — there are no campgrounds on-site. Nearby options in the Canby and Oregon City area provide overnight accommodations for visitors planning a longer stay.

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Explore Nearby

• Molalla Recreation Area — Public Land in Oregon
• South Fork Clackamas Wild and Scenic River — Public Land in Oregon
• Historic Columbia River Highway — Scenic Byway in Oregon
• Warrior Rock Light — Lighthouse in Oregon
• Willamette River Light — Lighthouse in Oregon