The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior tasked with administering federal land. Currently, the agency is responsible for one in every 10 acres of land, translating to 247.3 million acres across the country. BLM sites are known for offering incredible recreational experiences, and the Bureau of Land Management camping is highly encouraged and possible in Oregon. While some of the state's BLM sites provide free camping opportunities, others charge a small fee and may require guests to make a reservation. Search for "BLM camping near me" to find BLM sites. Three Bears Recreation Site is one of the most fantastic BLM sites in Oregon. It's a pristine river oasis in a picturesque western red cedar grove. This beautiful getaway destination offers various outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Three Bears Recreation Site is nearly 35 miles south of Mt. Hood National Forest and 228 miles north of Crater Lake National Park. The recreation site is about 26 miles south of Molalla River State Park. The nearest city to the BLM sites is Molalla, located nearly 11 miles north.
Hiking and biking are possible on designated trails within the recreation site.
This pet-friendly trail has a maximum elevation of 807 feet. It cuts through attractive, lush vegetation and offers stunning vistas of the Molalla River and its environs. It's quite simple, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced hikers. Length: 6.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
This is a short out-and-back trail traversing through a wooded area. It has minimal elevation changes, making it an amazing path for beginners. Length: 0.5 miles Intensity: Easy
This trailhead is about 14 miles southeast of the Three Bears Recreation Site. It has more than 1,700 feet of elevation with stunning views of its surrounding areas. Length: 7 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Three Bears Recreation Site offers exceptional fishing opportunities on the Molalla River. You can cast your line to reel in smallmouth bass, the most popular fish species in the area. You can also catch salmon and steelhead trout. Boating is possible in the river.
Picnicking is possible in the Three Bears Recreation Site's excellent picnic areas with tables and potable water. However, picnickers must clean up after themselves before leaving the site.
Given its location along the Molalla River, the Three Bears Recreation Site offers refreshing swimming opportunities. This site also has a swimming pool on the bank of the river. However, since the river has a current and no lifeguards are around, it's good to take precautions like wearing a life jacket and keeping children away.
There are numerous areas worth sightseeing near the BLM camping site. History buffs can pass by the Pacific NW Live Streamers Train Park to learn and explore a small historic train. You can also visit the Dibble House Museum comprising pioneer homes with olden-day furniture.
If you're in an RV, BLM camping is not permitted in the Three Bears Recreation Site. The site is suitable for walk-in camping only in tents and features a tiny campground with fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. For nearby RV camping, you can head to Feyrer Park Campground, which accommodates both tent and RV camping. Located about nine miles north of Three Bears Recreation Site, the campground is pet friendly and includes an RV dump station, flush toilets, and potable water.
The Three Bears Recreation Site also offers free camping opportunities. Campers can reserve a site or pay for non-reserved campsites upon arrival. Each site has a picnic table, BBQ grill, fire ring, and a tent pad. All camps have two parking spots and access to a potable water supply.
Travel to the Three Bears Recreation Site, knowing it experiences moderate weather conditions, with spring, summer, and fall being the best seasons to visit. Cell phone service is low sometimes, so it would help to plan accordingly. Always arrange a visit to the Three Bears Recreation Site, knowing the area has limited campsites. Camping in the nearby cities when you visit the BLM is a great alternative if you don't find space in the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. In this case, you can go to Molalla, 18 miles away, or Portland, 41 miles north. Be sure to carry enough clothing and footwear. Insect repellants, cookware, and sunscreen are other essential items to have. The Bureau of Land Management free camping is an affordable way to experience mother nature more closely across the nation. It also encourages physical activity, essential to good health and well-being. In addition, BLM camping promotes social interaction, allowing you to interact with other campers. So, before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
BLM needs visitors to the Three Bears Recreation Site to protect the outdoors by adhering to "Leave No Trace" policies. These include cleaning after your pets and proper waste disposal. Ensure you travel and camp on durable surfaces. Camping should be at least 200 feet from any water surface. Do not disturb wildlife or plants; leave objects as you find them. Moreover, always be considerate of and respectful to other visitors when you visit the site.
Three Bears Recreation Site Address: S Molalla Forest Rd, Molalla, OR 97038 From Molalla, drive east on Main St./OR 211. Turn right at the intersection of OR 211 and Mathias Road, then follow the signs to Feyrer Park. Once you reach the park, drive to the other side of the Molalla River, veer right, and follow the signs to Dickey Prairie Road. Drive south on Dickey Prairie Road, ensuring the Dickey Prairie Store is on your left. Cruise 3.7 miles past the store, then veer right on Molalla Forest Road and cross Glen Avon Bridge. Drive for three miles and find the Three Bers Recreation Site on your left. Ready to visit Three Bears Recreation Site? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
