Molalla River State Park

Star3.67
12 reviews
8801 Buena Vista Rd NW, Albany, Oregon, 97321, United States

Quick Facts

105 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Oregon State Parks site

Official Website
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Molalla River State Park
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
User reviews strongly emphasize that Molalla River State Park is a rare state park without an entrance fee, which is appreciated by visitors. Melissa...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.67

Mixed Reviews

Based on 12 reviews

535 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulfriendly

"User reviews of Molalla River State Park are mixed, with some appreciating its peaceful atmosphere and suitability for dogs, while others criticize the poor maintenance of facilities like the boat ramp and restrooms. The park is described as 'almost like a secret park,' frequented by locals who enjoy its quiet and open spaces."

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Campground Map

8801 Buena Vista Rd NW, Albany, Oregon, 97321, United States

Molalla River State Park

8801 Buena Vista Rd NW, Albany, Oregon, 97321, United States

Driving directionsFrom Portland (I-5 south): Exit 282a toward Canby. Turn left onto Arndt Rd, which becomes Knights Bridge Rd. Turn left onto Holly St, then left at the park entrance. From Portland (205 south): Exit 9 toward Oregon City, follow 99E south. Turn right onto Territorial Rd, then right onto Holly St, and take a left at the park entrance. From Salem (I-5 north): Exit 278 toward Aurora. Follow 99E north to Canby, turn left onto Grant St, right onto First St, left onto Holly St, and left at the park entrance.
Molalla River State Park is accessible via paved roads, but it is located off the main highways. User reviews mention its remote location, stating 'it is quite a ways from a main road,' which limits random visitors and makes it primarily frequented by locals. Seasonal accessibility issues are not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Molalla River State Park

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Best enjoyed in dry season; can be busy in summer afternoons but good day-use recreation.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Less crowded in off-peak; pleasant fall weather and colors make it enjoyable.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers mild weather and fewer crowds in many periods; good for walks and wildlife.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Wet season brings mud and fewer visitors; facilities reportedly sometimes poorly maintained.

Planning Tips

    About Molalla River State Park

    Escape the crowds and discover your own riverside sanctuary at Molalla River State Park, a hidden gem where tranquility reigns supreme. This peaceful day-use park invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature along the banks of the Molalla River. While overnight camping isn't available, the park offers everything you need for a perfect day outdoors: modern flush toilets, refreshing drinking water, shaded picnic areas, and meandering trails that wind through diverse landscapes. Though some visitors have noted the park could benefit from additional maintenance, its serene atmosphere and relative seclusion make it an ideal retreat for those seeking a quieter alternative to Oregon's busier parks.
    Molalla River State Park is a day-use park with no overnight camping facilities. Visitors can enjoy picnics, fishing, walking trails, and other recreational activities.
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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Flush toilets
    Picnic tables

    Activities you can enjoy

    Molalla River State Park offers activities such as walking, fishing, picnicking, and dog exercise in an off-leash area. The park's open grass areas and trails make it suitable for day-use recreation.
    HikingThe park has unmarked dirt and gravel trails. Reviews highlight a 1.5-mile loop trail, but users noted the lack of signage, which can lead to straying into neighboring farmlands.
    FishingFishing is a popular activity at the park. According to reviews, fishing is accessible from the boat ramp and along the river, though some areas have overgrown vegetation.
    SwimmingWhile no designated swimming area exists, users mentioned that people often swim and float in the river, particularly near the boat ramp.
    BoatingThe park features a boat ramp, but multiple reviewers describe it as poorly maintained and difficult to use. It is primarily used to launch kayaks, pedal boats, or small fishing boats.
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsThe poorly maintained boat ramp is a recurring safety concern. Stephanie F warns about its condition: 'Even though it is technically a boat ramp/launch, it has always given off an abandoned, unsafe vibe. It scares me to use it.' Additionally, dog waste is an issue, as noted by various reviewers.

    Weather at Molalla River State Park

    Reviews

    3.7
    12 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Molalla River State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews of Molalla River State Park are mixed, with some appreciating its peaceful atmosphere and suitability for dogs, while others criticize the poor maintenance of facilities like the boat ramp and restrooms. The park is described as 'almost like a secret park,' frequented by locals who enjoy its quiet and open spaces.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 12 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Positive aspects include the park's 'peaceful' setting, dog-friendly amenities, open spaces for picnics, and trails for walking. Users also appreciate the lack of entry fees.
    Based on 12 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Complaints include poorly maintained facilities such as the boat ramp and restrooms, unmarked trails, and a lack of privacy in group reservation areas. One reviewer noted, 'Restrooms stink due to...
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    Based on 12 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Visitors recommend ignoring leash rules in certain areas, as the off-leash dog exercise area seems underutilized. Another tip is to be cautious when using the boat ramp due to its poor condition.
    Based on 12 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    The park is generally less crowded during off-peak seasons but can become busy during summer, particularly in the afternoons. Seasonal weather trends indicate that the park is best enjoyed during dry...
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    Based on 12 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    1. 'Molalla state park is almost like a secret park, mostly visited by local area residents.' 2. 'It would have been better if people, kids, dogs didn't walk through our space.' 3. 'Neglected park....
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    Based on 12 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Group areas were critiqued for a lack of reserved parking spaces and privacy, as noted by one reviewer: 'It would have been better if people, kids, dogs didn't walk through our space.'
    Based on 12 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    Limited accessibility information is provided. One reviewer noted that the trails can be unclear and may lead into farmland, posing challenges for all visitors.
    Based on 12 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Multiple reviews emphasize the dog-friendly nature of the park, including a designated off-leash area. However, leash rules are widely ignored, and not all owners pick up after their pets.
    Based on 12 reviews

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    Last updated January 13, 2026
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