Aquila Vista Recreation Site

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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.

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.

Charges & Cancellations

Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.

Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.

Photos

Upper picnic shelter
Upper picnic shelter
BLM
vault toilet
vault toilet
BLM
Upper picnic shelter
Upper picnic shelter
BLM
Lower Aquila Vista picnic shelter
Lower Aquila Vista picnic shelter
BLM
Upper picnic shelter
Upper picnic shelter
BLM
vault toilet
vault toilet
BLM
Upper picnic shelter
Upper picnic shelter
BLM
Lower Aquila Vista picnic shelter
Lower Aquila Vista picnic shelter
BLM

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

Phone

Activities

Iconograph of a bicyclist
BIKING
Iconograph of a tent.
CAMPING
Iconograph of two people wearing backpacks and using walking sticks
HIKING
Iconograph of a person on horseback
HORSEBACK RIDING
Iconograph of a camera
PHOTOGRAPHY
Iconograph of binoculars
WILDLIFE VIEWING

Addresses

Bureau of Land Management
Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations
1717 Fabry Rd SE
Salem
Oregon
97306

Geographic Coordinates

44.984517, -122.493515

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.

Fees

Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. No discounts apply to any group site.