UPDATE: 5.11.11 The Senate subcommittee on National Parks is holding a hearing today to consider protections for the Molalla River. Next steps are a hearing in the House and full committee in the Senate. When passed this would protect 21.3 miles of the Wild and Scenic Molalla River.

                                                            Photo: Molalla River Alliance

Oregon Wild is working with the Molalla River Alliance to protect the Wild and Scenic Molalla River for future generations to enjoy as we do today. The Alliance is comprised of 45 partners ranging from the Oregon State Police to Molalla River Anglers to the City of Molalla.

One of the critical functions of the Molalla River is to provide clean drinking water to the cities of Molalla and Canby. The river also supports an abundance of wildlife including native winter steelhead and salmon runs, geological wonders and a wide range of recreational opportunities.

Sign up here to help Oregon Wild protect the Molalla River and other waters and wildlands across the state.

The Molalla River Recreation Corridor is well known for its hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, swimming, picnicking, nature watching, or simply enjoying the sounds of the River. There are more than 30 miles of non-motorized trails which access numerous waterfalls and vistas.

Wild and Scenic River Protection                                           
Oregon Wild and the Alliance have mapped and documented 23 miles of the Molalla River and the Table Rock Fork of the Molalla River that deserve protection as a Wild and Scenic River.  Click here to see a map of the proposal.                  

Wildlife
This area also serves as an important wildlife corridor containing critical habitat for the northern spotted owl, pileated woodpecker, red tree vole, red-legged frog and pacific giant salamander. It also provides habitat for bears, cougars, bobcat, deer, elk, beaver, otter, hawks, osprey and both golden and bald eagles.

The Molalla River provides critical spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead, salmon and native wild cutthroat trout. Distinct populations of Molalla River steelhead and salmon are listed as 'threatened' under the Endangered Species Act.