The best road cycling routes in Molalla River State Park
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Road cycling in Molalla River State Park offers diverse routes through a unique riparian environment at the confluence of the Willamette, Molalla, and Pudding Rivers. The area features well-maintained paved roads suitable for road bikes, with some routes incorporating short, steeper sections. Cyclists can explore forested canyons, basalt formations, and expansive floodplains. The region's landscape includes secondary growth forests of Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock, providing varied terrain for exploration.
Best road cycling routes in Molalla River State Park
- Theโฆ
Last updated: July 12, 2026
8
riders
32.1km
01:46
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
43.1km
02:22
790m
790m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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6
riders
26.1km
01:15
180m
180m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
2
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
73.1km
03:32
750m
750m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Molalla River State Park
Tips from the Community
Paved trails through park that are wide and allow for walkers, runners, and bicyclists to use together. Bicyclist will need to slow for pedestrians and either use a bell or audible signal when approaching. Lots of good nature views. Occasional deer and other wildlife sitings.
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Built in 1910, the Hawthorne Bridge spans 3,552 feet across the Willamette River with four lanes and is a key part of the city's bike culture. The bridge gives passage to over 30,000 vehicles daily, including 800 TriMet buses, along with more than 8,000 cyclists. During rush hour, bikes can outnumber cars. The wide sidewalks offer great views of the river and skyline. As the oldest vertical-lift bridge in the U.S. and Portland's oldest highway bridge, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
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Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, is a cable-stayed bridge designed by TriMet for MAX Orange Line trains, buses, streetcars, cyclists, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles. Opened on September 12, 2015, it prohibits private cars and trucks, making it the first major U.S. bridge built for transit and non-motorized traffic only. Named after the Chinook word for "people," it was the first new bridge over the Willamette River in Portland since the Fremont Bridge in 1973. Construction began in 2011.
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Great loop to take from any part of PDX. I cruise from NE take the east bank esplanade to the Springwater on the Willamette path to Oaks Park and the Sellwood bridge. Some near dirt trails off the path along the waterfront. Youโll see the occasional camper off the less travelled path but everyone seems to keep to themselves. Sellwood bridge has some nice views of the Portland skyline you cross the river and you can take the South Waterfront Greenway back to Downtown or the Tilikum Crossing Bridge. Itโs a pretty nice and simple convenient way to see different parts of town and be off in your own world if youโre looking for a ride to clear your head at 7AM, 2PM or 3AM itโs always pretty quiet
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Cook Park, a haven of play structures, soft and hard trails, and the enchanting Tupling Butterfly Garden. Nestled along the riverfront, it's a gateway to scenic waterways for boaters. The park features picnic shelters, soccer fields, and ball fields. A late-summer visit to the Tupling Butterfly Garden is a must, where blooms start in May with pinks, purples, and blues and culminate in September with gold, yellow, and white hues.
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The Tualatin Refuge is a wildlife refuge and one of the few urban national wildlife refuges in the USA. Situated in the Tualatin River floodplain, it is home to all sorts of wildlife within its watershed.
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Cook Park, a haven of play structures, soft and hard trails, and the enchanting Tupling Butterfly Garden. Nestled along the riverfront, it's a gateway to scenic waterways for boaters. The park features picnic shelters, soccer, and ball fields. A late-summer visit to the Tupling Butterfly Garden is a must, where blooms start in May with pinks, purples, and blues, and culminate in September with gold, yellow, and white hues.
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In the heart of Sherwood, Oregon, Magness Memorial Tree Farm stands as a testament to nature's enduring beauty. A gift from locals Howard and Panzy Magness, this tranquil retreat, overseen by the World Forestry Center since 1977, welcomes all on Mondays. With 4 kilometers of winding trails, secluded picnic spots, meadows, babbling streams, and lush woodlands, it beckons for a day of exploration and serenity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available in Molalla River State Park?
Molalla River State Park offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 20 different tours available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 8 easy, 13 moderate, and 1 difficult option.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Molalla River State Park?
The Molalla River area features mostly paved and well-maintained roads, ideal for road bikes. While many routes offer a scenic drive experience, some include short, steeper sections with varied terrain. You'll encounter river floodplains, forested canyons, and rolling hills, with landscapes ranging from secondary growth forests of Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock to unique basalt formations.
Are there routes suitable for beginners or families in Molalla River State Park?
Yes, Molalla River State Park has several easy routes perfect for beginners or family outings. An excellent option is the Graham Oaks Nature Park loop from Wilsonville, an easy 17.3-mile (27.9 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 28 minutes to complete, leading through natural parkland.
What are some notable natural features or attractions I might see while cycling?
While cycling, you can enjoy the unique riparian environment at the confluence of the Willamette, Molalla, and Pudding Rivers. Keep an eye out for the expansive floodplains, forested canyons, and dramatic basalt formations. The park is also home to one of the largest blue heron rookeries in the Willamette Valley, offering exceptional birdwatching opportunities. The Molalla River State Park itself features grassy areas and trails like the Willamette Greenway Trail for river views.
Can I find challenging road cycling routes with significant elevation gain?
Absolutely. For cyclists seeking a challenge, Molalla River State Park offers routes with substantial elevation changes. The Parrett Mountain โ Parrett Mountain loop from Wilsonville is a difficult 41.7-mile (67.2 km) path featuring significant elevation changes through the region's varied landscape.
Is Molalla River State Park suitable for road cycling year-round?
The Molalla River area is generally suitable for road cycling for much of the year due to its well-maintained paved surfaces. However, like much of Oregon, winter months can bring rain, which might affect riding conditions. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides warmer, drier conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Are there any unique experiences, like ferry crossings, on the routes?
Yes, a unique highlight in the area is the Canby Ferry, located a quarter mile downstream from Molalla River State Park. This ferry allows cyclists to cross the Willamette River, providing a distinctive part of routes like the 'Molalla River State Park via Canby Ferry' (not listed in guide data but mentioned in region research as a type of route). It's one of only three still operating on the Willamette River.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter while road cycling?
The park's diverse riparian environment supports a variety of wildlife. You might spot waterfowl, wading birds, deer, and small mammals. The Molalla River State Park is particularly known for its large blue heron rookery and unusual animal sightings, including the rare Oregon spotted frog. Bird migration events are also common, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Molalla River State Park?
The Molalla River State Park area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 4 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse routes, ranging from easy loops to challenging climbs, and the scenic backdrop of river floodplains, forested canyons, and rolling hills. The well-maintained paved roads are also a significant draw.
Are there any loop trails for road cycling in the area?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Molalla River State Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Magness Memorial Tree Farm โ Parrett Mountain loop from Wilsonville and the more challenging Parrett Mountain โ Parrett Mountain loop from Wilsonville.
Where can I park my car when going for a road bike ride?
Molalla River State Park itself offers parking facilities. Additionally, many routes, such as those starting from Wilsonville, often have designated parking areas nearby, making it convenient to access the trails. Always check specific route details for recommended parking locations.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the road cycling routes?
While Molalla River State Park is primarily a natural area, the nearby town of Canby offers various amenities, including cafes and places to eat. It's a good idea to plan your route to pass through or near Canby if you wish to stop for refreshments or a meal.
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