Aquila Vista Recreation Site

Show on map 503-375-5646 blm_or_no_mail@blm.gov

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

Overview

Aquila Vista is available for overnight group camping for groups up to 20 people and 8 vehicles. The opening date for 2026 is June 26.

The site is located in the heart of the forest next to a significant spring fed wetland, with excellent birding opportunities. 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. Trash service is not provided. You are welcome to drop off trash at the dumpster at Cedar Grove.

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

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.

Natural Features

The site is located in the heart of the forest next to a significant wetland. 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.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Fire pit: all 1 sites
Pets allowed: all 1 sites
Group sites: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 12 ft
Largest party: 20 people
Equipment: CAR, CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, Hammock, Horse, LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, SMALL TENT, Tent, VEHICLE

Fees

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

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

1 review

4 stars

Amber P

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Aquila Vista was a serene, beautiful experience. You get the whole park to yourselves, there's a lot of trails to walk around and explore. I would recommend reserving this spot if you like being by yourself in nature. However, there were a couple things to note: lots and lots of rats/mice in the area. Do not leave ANY food outside of your vehicle. A bushy tailed wood rat made a nest in the engine bay of my boyfriend's truck within 12 hours of being there, we just kept disturbing it and it finally went away thankfully. One last note, they should put up some signs along the trails where the park intersects other public hiking trails. We did have a couple walk right through our camp, like 5 feet away from our stuff because they came in from another trail. They just walked around for awhile in the park we payed to reserve, because there's nothing indicating that it's a private reservable area until you're in the campground. So just be aware you may not be alone the whole time. Either way, completely worth it for the cost of reservation! We will come back.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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