(Second Bridge to Gravel Pit)
 The upper section of the Table Rock Fork of the Molalla River is a great intermediate run for up and coming creekers. Although most of the drops are small, the continuous nature of the rapids keeps boaters on their toes. The road is always close which allows for easy scouting during the shuttle and an escape route if the rapids are too demanding.
River Description(Kayak/Canoe/Raft)
The first major rapid (The Pinch) is about a mile below the put-in immediately after a sharp left hand turn. It is easily recognized by steep rock walls on either side of the river and boulders that block much of the river. At most water levels the river drops through a tight, undercut slot on the right and into a hole. The slot can be portaged on the right. Immediately after the slot is a narrow drop which could contain wood.
The remainder of the run is continuous boulder gardens with the occasional larger rapid. There are very few pools but eddies abound at most water levels. The last mile before the take-out has a couple of harder rapids than rest of the run.
Rafting Note:
Water level is going to determine your enjoyment of this run. At a lot of flows it is rocky in a kayak so imagine a raft. Probably best as an R2 unit. The Pinch is too narrow for most rafts except at high water. It would be easy to get blown into the main drop so eddy out early. Some tricky rope work is necessary to line the boat past the first narrow drop. At really high water everything should be covered.
Hazards
The Pinch, about a mile below the put-in, should be scouted. The last mile should be scouted on the shuttle. Potentially dangerous wood could be present anywhere throughout the run.
Special Note:
Below the regular take-out the river begins to move away from the road into a deep gorge . The gorge is runnable at lower water(Class 5) but develops several dangerous features when the regular run is at optimum water level. The gorge can be viewed from the road on the way to the regular take-out but the most dangerous drop is hidden just downstream of the viewpoint.
How to get there
Take-out (GPS: 44o58.666'N, 122o23.537'W)-approximate
From downtown Molalla (18 miles southeast of Portland), travel east take the first right to Feyrer County Park at the east edge of town. From Feyrer County Park, cross the river and turn right on Dickey Prairie Road. Go upriver and pass through the community of Dickey Prairie. Continuing upriver, Dickey Prairie Road crosses the North Fork Molalla and after 0.2 mile the Glen Avon bridge is on the right, crossing the Molalla River. Turn right and follow this road along the Molalla for about 14 miles. To reach the take-out, follow Molalla Road 4.7 miles past Turner Bridge and turn left just before crossing a bridge over the Table Rock Fork. Continue on the Table Rock road another 1.5 miles to a parking area on your right.
Put-in (GPS: 44o59.443'N, 122o18.170'W)-approximate
To reach the put-in, continue upstream 5 miles to a spur road on the right. Put-in at the bridge over the river on this spur road.
Gauge
Molalla River near Canby
The Canby gauge is far downstream and doesn't always correspond well to flows in the upper river. In general, 1500 cfs on the Canby gauge is a good minimum if is raining but you may need more water if it hasn't rained for a couple days. Much of the run can be seen from the road so take a look before you begin.
More Info
Check out Jason's description of this run.
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