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Molalla River Corridor offers multi-use trails August 13, 2004 Whether you enjoy a relaxing horseback ride, a scenic hike or an exhilarating mountain bike ride, there is one spot in Molalla that fits your needs. The Molalla River Corridor, located nine miles to the southeast of downtown Molalla, offers multi-use trails for equestrians, bikers and hikers. In 1992, Molalla RiverWatch (MRW) helped to create the trails, and has been assisting in maintenance ever since. Part of the goal in creating the trails was to divert usage away from the Molalla River. MRW Executive Director Kay Patteson sees the trails as a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. “I think it’s a wonderful way for people to experience the forest and get out and get a lot of exercise,” she said. Trails are broken off into three unique sections: the Loop Trails, North End Trails and South End Trails. The Loop Trails include the Rim Trail, a favorite of mountain bikers and equestrians. Looneys Trail, the first of the North End trails, offers hikers and riders alike some of the most scenic views on the trails. A small bridge crosses over Hardy Creek early into the trail, and as sightseers move farther out of the forest there is a view of the surrounding area. Maps for both the Loop Trails and North End Trails are provided at Hardy Creek Trailhead. The South End Trails, which are used for youth educational trips, do not currently do not currently have a map. MRW ensures that the trails stay well enough maintained to support the high-level of traffic. Group cleanups are scheduled for the fourth Saturday of every month. Along with cleaning up the trails, group sessions give the various groups who use the trails a chance to meet and discuss issues. While problems occasionally arise between equestrians, mountain bikers and hikers, they all have a common bond. “They have worked together on creating this trail system,” Patteson said. Linda Turner, an equestrian from Oregon City who took two of her horses up to the trails on Saturday, agrees that, for the most part, the groups get along. “If everyone is considerate it works out pretty well,” she said. “Knowledge is the key.” For those inexperienced with multi-use trails, the maps located at Hardy Creek Trailhead explain basic guidelines. For hikers, the best piece of advice is to yield to horses and watch where your step. Trails vary from easiest to most difficult, and some are accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Patteson recommends that people interested in hiking, biking or horseback riding bring water, as there is no drinking water provided on the trails.

Molalla River Corridor offers multi-use trails

August 13, 2004

Whether you enjoy a relaxing horseback ride, a scenic hike or an exhilarating mountain bike ride, there is one spot in Molalla that fits your needs.

The Molalla River Corridor, located nine miles to the southeast of downtown Molalla, offers multi-use trails for equestrians, bikers and hikers.

In 1992, Molalla RiverWatch (MRW) helped to create the trails, and has been assisting in maintenance ever since. Part of the goal in creating the trails was to divert usage away from the Molalla River.

MRW Executive Director Kay Patteson sees the trails as a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

“I think it’s a wonderful way for people to experience the forest and get out and get a lot of exercise,” she said.

Trails are broken off into three unique sections: the Loop Trails, North End Trails and South End Trails. The Loop Trails include the Rim Trail, a favorite of mountain bikers and equestrians.

Looneys Trail, the first of the North End trails, offers hikers and riders alike some of the most scenic views on the trails. A small bridge crosses over Hardy Creek early into the trail, and as sightseers move farther out of the forest there is a view of the surrounding area. Maps for both the Loop Trails and North End Trails are provided at Hardy Creek Trailhead. The South End Trails, which are used for youth educational trips, do not currently do not currently have a map.

MRW ensures that the trails stay well enough maintained to support the high-level of traffic.

Group cleanups are scheduled for the fourth Saturday of every month.

Along with cleaning up the trails, group sessions give the various groups who use the trails a chance to meet and discuss issues.

While problems occasionally arise between equestrians, mountain bikers and hikers, they all have a common bond.

“They have worked together on creating this trail system,” Patteson said.

Linda Turner, an equestrian from Oregon City who took two of her horses up to the trails on Saturday, agrees that, for the most part, the groups get along.

“If everyone is considerate it works out pretty well,” she said. “Knowledge is the key.”

For those inexperienced with multi-use trails, the maps located at Hardy Creek Trailhead explain basic guidelines. For hikers, the best piece of advice is to yield to horses and watch where your step.

Trails vary from easiest to most difficult, and some are accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Patteson recommends that people interested in hiking, biking or horseback riding bring water, as there is no drinking water provided on the trails.