Oregon / Clackamas County / Molalla River Corridor Recreation Area

Three Bears Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from late May through September. Reservations required through Recreation.gov.

About

Three Bears Campground offers a secluded camping experience in a picturesque grove of western red cedar along the Molalla Wild and Scenic River in the Molalla River Corridor Recreation Area. Located 4 miles south of Glen Avon Bridge, the campground features 15 walk-in tent sites, each equipped with a tent pad, metal fire ring, BBQ grill, and picnic table. The sites are accessed from a central parking area, with each site having two designated parking spots. The campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offers vault toilets on-site. Potable water is available via hand pump at Cedar Grove campground, located approximately 1 mile east of Three Bears. The campground provides direct access to a beautiful cobble beach and swimming hole on the Molalla River, one of the few undammed tributaries of the Willamette River. The river cuts a picturesque gorge on its way to the valley floor and is designated as Wild and Scenic. Recreational opportunities include camping, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and photography. Nearby hiking and biking trails include the Hardy Creek Trailhead. Table Rock Wilderness is accessible further up the canyon through three trailheads. Note that there is no cell phone service in the drainage, and campers must reserve sites in advance via Recreation.gov before entering the corridor. No firewood collection is allowed, so campers must bring their own. The main South Molalla Forest Road is regularly used for timber hauling.

Directions

From Molalla, drive east on Main Street/OR 211. Veer right at the OR 211/Mathias Road intersection, following signs for Feyrer Park. Past Feyrer Park, cross the Molalla River, turn right, and follow signs for Dickey Prairie Road. Continue south on Dickey Prairie Road, keeping the Dickey Prairie Store on your left. At 3.7 miles past the store, turn right on Molalla Forest Road and cross Glen Avon Bridge. Continue 3 miles; Three Bears will be on your left.

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