Three Bears Recreation Site

Three Bears Recreation Site is a new BLM day use area in the Molalla River Corridor that is a perfect spot to cool down after your hike to Table Rock or elsewhere in the wilderness.  In its current manifestation the area has 10 picnic areas, each very private and removed from the other, and each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit.  The park runs along the banks of the Molalla River, so river access is abundant.  The water is relatively shallow near the park aside from one pool, so Three Bears may not be the best choice if you are searching for a swimming hole.  The depth is great for younger children, however, and perfect for a lawn chair and a hot day.  The real triumph of the area is its mere existence…the Molalla Corridor is a beautiful place that has seen its share of misuse and disregard, and it is great to see normal public use reclaiming the area.

As of this writing in 2013, the area is a free day use area and will remain so until September 30 when the site closes for the year.  The site features vault toilets, potable water, and plenty of parking.  Soon Three Bears will become a campground and fees and reservations will come into play.  Take advantage of the low price while you can!