Aquila Vista Recreation Site
Aquila Vista is closed until further notice to remove wildfire burned danger trees.
Aquila Vista is available for overnight group camping for groups up to 30 people and 20 vehicles. The season, when it reopens, will be mid-May through mid-October.
The site is located in the heart of the forest next to a large beaver pond. There is plenty of hiking and natural beauty to see at Aquila Vista including a small waterfall. Amenities include vault toilet, two group picnic shelters with multiple picnic tables and a metal fire ring. There is no running water at Aquila Vista; ensure that you bring plenty of drinking, cooking and sanitation water. There is no firewood at the site or firewood collection allowed, please bring your own firewood if you wish to have a fire. The campsite can have mosquitoes in the summer; bring bug repellent.
Amenities include vault restrooms, two group picnic shelters with multiple picnic tables, and metal fire rings. There is no running water at Aquila Vista, ensure that you bring plenty of drinking, cooking, and sanitation water. There is no firewood at the site or firewood collection allowed, please bring your own firewood if you wish to have a fire.
Need to Know
Current fire information for the Northwest Oregon District can be found at BLM Fire Restrictions and Closures under the district specific section.
Groups must enter through a locked gate, the combination should be received in the email receipt. The group is responsible for keeping the gate locked at all times.
There is no cell phone service. In case of emergency go to an area where you get cell service and dial 9-1-1. There is a payphone on the east side of Glen Avon bridge.
Be aware that the main S. Molalla Forest Rd is regularly used for hauling timber and forest products.
Please observe posted rules and regulations.
The Molalla recreation corridor sits between 800 and 1200 feet in elevation.
Be prepared for flying and biting insects. Bring your bug spray.
Swimming is not recommended in the pond.
Warning: there is an underwater culvert under the roadway between the trail and viewing pier. Do not swim near the culvert.
Poison oak is in the area. Leaves of three - let it be.
Natural Features
The site is located in the heart of the forest next to a large beaver pond. There is plenty of hiking and natural beauty to be seen at Aquila Vista including a small waterfall.
Nearby Attractions
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Molalla Wild and Scenic River which offers easy river access and opportunities for picnicking, swimming, camping, whitewater boating and fishing. The Molalla is one of the few undammed tributaries of the Willamette River and cuts a picturesque gorge on its way to the valley floor.
Recreation
The Molalla River Trail System is an extensive network of more than 20 miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. The trail system can be accessed from Aquila Vista. The system combines both single track trails and old forest roads. The trails wind through the forested foothills and slopes of the Molalla River Valley, occasionally offering scenic glimpses of the forests and mountains of the Cascade Range. The system offers a variety of difficulty levels for a wide range of mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding enthusiasts. Trails are generally marked with directional signs and levels of difficulty. Additional equestrian access to the trail system is from Hardy Creek or Annie’s Cabin Trailheads where there is ample parking for horse trailers. Mountain bikers and hikers can also access the trail system via Amanda’s, Americorp, and Sandquist ’s Trailheads.
Changes & Cancellations
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.
Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
Contact Information
Mailing
Bureau of Land Management Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations 1717 Fabry Rd SE Salem OR 97306
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 503-375-5646
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
The Molalla River is located approximately 10 miles southeast of Molalla in Clackamas County. From the town of Molalla, drive east on Main St/OR 211. Veer right at the OR 211/Mathias Road intersection, follow signs for Feyrer Park. Once past Feyrer Park, cross over the Molalla River, turn right, and follow signs for Dickey Prairie Rd. Continue south on Dickey Prairie Rd, keeping the Dickey Prairie Store on your left. At 3.7 miles past the store, turn right on Molalla Forest Rd and cross Glen Avon Bridge. Continue on the Molalla Forest Rd for approximately 7 miles to a yellow gate where you will enter the combination provided. Drive another 2 miles up a steep gravel road keeping right until you reach Aquila Vista.
