| Governor Kulongoski's Recommended Hikes |
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| Greater Molalla River Area |
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Table Rock
Directions: From State Highway 211 (which runs through Molalla), turn south onto South  Mathias Road, then make a left onto South Feyrer Park Road. After crossing the river, turn right onto South Dickey Prairie Road. After about 5 miles, turn right across the Molalla River, then turn left onto South Molalla Road; after roughly 12 miles, turn left onto the gravel road—Middle Fork Road. After a couple miles, turn right onto Table Rock Access Road and continue on that until you reach the trailhead, which will be marked with a small sign on the right.
Length: 5.4 miles through rugged terrain
The Hike: Table Rock, a 4,881 foot high plateau, is a remnant of the lava flow that once covered the Cascade region. The trail takes you through the Table Rock Wilderness Area (which is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management) to the summit and gives you a stunning view of the Willamette Valley and the Cascades. On the way back, kids can stop for a swim in the Molalla River at any one of numerous swimming holes.
Bagby Hot Springs
Directions: Take Highway 224 to the junction just beyond Ripplebrook Ranger Station. Make a sharp curve to the right onto Forest Service Road 46; stay on this for approximately 3.5 miles before turning right onto Forest Service Road 63. After three miles, turn right onto Forest Service Road 70 and travel about 5.5 miles. The turnoff on the left leads to the Bagby Hot Springs trailhead parking area.
Length: 3 miles
The Hike: The two naturally hot springs flow year round and produce water at approximately 136 degrees fahrenheit The hike goes through a section of beautiful old growth forest. There are three bathing areas at the hot springs and several bathhouses for those who choose to bathe.
Pansy Lake
Directions: Take Highway 224 to the junction just beyond Ripplebrook Ranger Station. Make a sharp curve to the right onto Forest Service Road 46; stay on this for approximately 3.5 miles before turning right onto Forest Service Road 63. After about 6 miles, turn right onto Road 6340. Continue on this for about 8 miles before turning right onto Road 6341. After roughly 3.5 miles you will see a turn-out on the right. Park there; the trailhead is across the road to the right of the creek.
Length: 2.6 miles
The Hike: The short, relatively easy hike to Pansy Lake travels through old growth Douglas Firs. Once at the lake, you have the option of staying there or continuing on (by way of a more difficult trail) to a pair of historic watchtowers used to spot forest fires.
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