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Molalla, OR

Molalla is a city in Clackamas County, Oregon, with a population of 10,228. Known as the "Home of the Buckeroo," it was incorporated in 1913 and is a gateway to outdoor recreation in the nearby Molalla River Corridor and Table Rock Wilderness.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the city is Molalla. It is a city in Clackamas County, Oregon, United States. It is not a state capital, but it is an incorporated municipality within the county . Clackamas County is part of the Portland metropolitan area and is known for its diverse landscape, which includes urban centers, historic Oregon City (the first territorial capital), and vast stretches of farmland and forested foothills .

Founding Date and Age

Molalla was incorporated as a city on August 23, 1913 . The area's post office was first established in 1850, named after the Molalla River and the Molala Native American tribe who originally inhabited the region. William H. Vaughan was an early pioneer who took up a land claim in the area in 1844 . As of 2026, the city is 112 years old.

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Molalla is located in the foothills of the Cascade Range at coordinates 45°09′00″N 122°35′05″W . It is situated approximately 15 miles (24 km) south of Oregon City and about 13 miles (21 km) from Interstate 5 . The city lies near the Mount Hood National Forest and is surrounded by farms, rural residential areas, and private timberlands . The elevation of the city center is approximately 361 to 375 feet (110-114 m) above sea level . It is a small city in a river valley at the western edge of the Cascade foothills.

City Type and Economic Specialization

Molalla's economy was traditionally based on logging and agriculture. While these sectors remain important, with companies like RSG Forest Products and many logging and quarrying firms operating in the area, the city is increasingly focusing on commerce to revitalize its economy . An expanding agritourism industry is also taking root, with local farms and creameries welcoming visitors . The city serves as a residential community and a commercial hub for the surrounding rural areas .

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 census, the population of Molalla is 10,228 . By population, it is considered a small city. The city experienced significant growth in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with its population more than doubling between 1990 and 2020 . The median age in 2010 was 31.4, indicating a relatively young population .

City's "Business Card" (Briefly)

Molalla is a historic logging town and the self-proclaimed "Home of the Buckeroo," nestled in the scenic foothills of Oregon's Cascade Range. Visitors come to experience its authentic small-town charm, from the long-running Molalla Buckeroo rodeo to its easy access to the wild and scenic Molalla River Corridor for hiking, fishing, and floating.

Geography

Mountains and Ranges

Molalla is located in the foothills of the Cascade Range . A prominent local landmark is Table Rock, a rocky promontory east of the city that provides visitors with expansive views of Molalla and the surrounding countryside . The area near Table Rock is part of the Table Rock Wilderness .

Water Bodies

The city is named after the Molalla River, which flows nearby . The Molalla River is one of Oregon's last wild rivers, meaning its flow has not been significantly altered by development . It offers opportunities for fishing (salmon, steelhead, trout), kayaking, rafting, and floating . A notable stretch of rapids for rafters is known as the Three Bears, with sections named Papa, Mama, Baby, Goldilocks, and Porridge Bowl .

National and State Parks

While Molalla itself does not contain a national park, it is situated near the Mount Hood National Forest . The Molalla River Corridor is a key conservation and recreation area with 20 miles of scenic trails, campgrounds, and access points to the river . The Table Rock Wilderness, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, is also nearby and offers hiking opportunities .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Molalla has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen classification Csb), characteristic of the western Willamette Valley . This region experiences warm, dry summers and very cold, wet, and overcast winters .

Average Temperatures by Month

The hottest month in Molalla is August, with an average high of 84°F (28°C) and an average low of 56°F (12°C) . The coldest month is December, with an average high of 46°F (7°C) and an average low of 37°F (1°C) .

Month Avg. High (°F / °C) Avg. Low (°F / °C)
January 47 / 8 37 / 2
February 52 / 8 38 / 1
March 56 / 11 40 / 2
April 62 / 14 43 / 4
May 68 / 18 48 / 7
June 75 / 21 53 / 9
July 83 / 27 56 / 12
August 84 / 28 56 / 12
September 77 / 24 52 / 11
October 65 / 18 47 / 7
November 52 / 11 41 / 3
December 46 / 7 37 / 1

Precipitation and Humidity

Molalla receives a significant amount of precipitation, with an average annual total of 1898 mm (approx. 74.7 inches) . The wettest month is December, with an average of 283.5 mm (11.2 inches) of precipitation, mostly rain . The driest month is August, with an average of only 24 mm (0.9 inches) . Snowfall is possible in winter, with February seeing the highest proportion of snow (about 19% of total monthly precipitation) .

Sunny Days and UV Index

The amount of sunshine varies dramatically by season. The sky is mostly clear from mid-June to early October. August is the clearest month, with clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy conditions 76% of the time . December is the cloudiest month, with overcast or mostly cloudy conditions 77% of the time .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Molalla for warm-weather activities is from early July to late August .

Landmarks

Historic Buildings on the National Register

Molalla and its surrounding area are home to several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), preserved by the Molalla Area Historical Society . These include:

Rodeo History Walk

An interesting and free public exhibit in downtown Molalla honors the "Heroes" of rodeo. Large brass plaques are embedded in the sidewalks, creating a Rodeo History Walk that memorializes famous cowboys and cowgirls .

Molalla Train Park

Located three miles east of Molalla, this park features the Shady Dell Pacific Railroad, a miniature steam train that offers rides, providing family-friendly fun .

Molalla Buckeroo

The Molalla Buckeroo is not just an event but a defining cultural landmark for the city. It is an annual rodeo that began in 1913, the same year the city was founded, and is central to the town's identity as the "Home of the Buckeroo" .

Skydive Oregon

For a modern thrill, Skydive Oregon is an airport located within the city limits that offers tandem skydiving experiences, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape .

Transport

Major Highways

Molalla's principal road links are Oregon Route 211 and Oregon Route 213 .

Public Transit

The South Clackamas Transportation District provides a transit route around town, as well as service to Canby and Clackamas Community College in Oregon City .

Airports

Molalla is served by several small regional airports :

The closest Amtrak station and commercial airport (Portland International Airport, PDX) are located in Portland, approximately an hour's drive north .

Museums

Dibble House Historic Museum

For a glimpse into Oregon's pioneer past, visit the Dibble House Historic Museum. This site offers a look at life during the state's early settlement period and includes one of the few remaining salt-box houses in Oregon . The museum complex also features a former stagecoach station and an exhibit hall, both filled with historic artifacts . It's a valuable local resource for understanding the region's heritage. The museum is located at 620 S. Molalla Avenue and is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM .

Sports and Recreation

Molalla Buckeroo

One of Oregon's oldest and largest rodeos, the Molalla Buckeroo, is staged annually from July 2nd through July 5th at the Buckeroo Grounds . This major community event draws world-class cowboys and cowgirls from across the USA and beyond. In addition to the rodeo competitions, the Buckeroo features a carnival and a Giant Street Parade, making it a highlight of the year for families .

Molalla BMX Track

Cycling enthusiasts and spectators are drawn to Molalla's world-class BMX track, located at 920 Toliver Road . The track hosts ABA Motocross Racing events throughout the year and attracts cyclists from all over the Northwest, cementing its reputation as a top-tier facility .

Local Sports Teams

Molalla is home to active community sports participation. The town has a high school cross-country team that competes in various invitationals and the OSAA 4A State Championship . Additionally, a local coed slowpitch softball team named #NOFILTER represents the city in recreational leagues and events like the Boneyard Blast XVIII .

Sharp's Green Acres Model RC Air Park

Regarded as one of the finest model aircraft facilities on the West Coast, Sharp's Green Acres Model RC Air Park is a hub for aviation hobbyists . Located at 32899 S Molalla Forest Road, the park hosts numerous regional competitions, including the Pacific Coast Free Style Championship during the last weekend in July. On sunny weekends, visitors can often see impressive model aircraft in action .

Outdoor Recreation: Skydiving and the Molalla River Corridor

For adventure seekers, Molalla offers the opportunity to go skydiving with experienced instructors, either in tandem or solo . For more grounded pursuits, the Molalla River Recreation Corridor, just a few miles from town, provides excellent opportunities for family outings, including hiking, picnicking, camping, swimming, and rafting .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Clackamas Community College

While Molalla itself does not host a university, higher education is easily accessible in the neighboring city of Oregon City. Clackamas Community College (CCC) , located at 19600 Molalla Ave, Oregon City, serves as the primary institution of higher learning for Molalla residents . This public, two-year college offers a vast array of programs, including associate's degrees and certificates in career and technical fields such as healthcare, automotive technology, welding, computer science, and nursing . CCC also provides university transfer degrees, community education, and workforce training services, making it a comprehensive educational resource for the area .

Healthcare Facilities

Providence Medical Group Molalla

Residents of Molalla have access to primary care services through Providence Medical Group Molalla, located at 110 Center St . Part of the larger Providence Health & Services network, this clinic provides Family Medicine services, offering comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families . The clinic focuses on total health care, integrating biological, clinical, and behavioral sciences to treat patients of all ages .

Molalla Medical Clinic

Also situated at 110 Center St, the Molalla Medical Clinic is another key healthcare provider in the city . This multi-specialty group offers services in both Internal Medicine and Family Medicine . This allows them to provide long-term, comprehensive care for common and complex illnesses, as well as preventive care and wellness support for adolescents, adults, and the elderly .

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