Molalla, North Fork

Gauge: This run doesn't get paddled very often, so the gauge range is of known runnable flows (not many data points).  It is possible this run could be done a little higher, or a little lower.

This is a great class IV-IV+ steep creek. The first mile contains most of the bigger rapids with small eddies and moving water in between. After the river narrows and starts to drop over some small ledges, be on the lookout for Island Rapid. Much of the water bounces down the steep, rocky left channel although there is a hard to catch right channel line as well. There are many small eddies to stop and scout this rapid. Below Island the river charges down through some more fast ledges and around a right corner where a bigger ledge drop awaits. This can be scouted from a small eddy on the right. Line is generally down the ramp in the middle working right. There is a steep and congested boulder garden about 200 yards downstream of this rapid. Mostly portaged on the left although it has been run at the right levels.After this boulder garden the river widens and the rapids are generally easier and more spread out although at higher water things can get hectic and there is always a suprise or two for new folks. The last few miles are a bit slow although there are rapids all the way to the takeout.

Access is currrently an issue as all roads are on Weyerhauser land and are gated. It is possible to get a motorized permit from Weyerhauser or a hiking permit. Check out their permit page for more information. The run somewhat correlates to a medium level for the more well known 3 Bears run on the main Molalla. Look for 2000 on the Molalla gauge as a minimum but visual level can be checked at the take-out bridge. Take out at the bridge over the NF on or continue down to the Cedars day use site on the main Molalla.

Check out the description and photos at Oregon Kayaking or

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