South Santiam Travel Corridor

McKenzie Travel Corridor

McKenzie River Recreation

McKenzie River

Location: The headwaters of the McKenzie River begin at Clear Lake, about 18 miles east of McKenzie Bridge. The McKenzie River flows into the Willamette River north of Eugene. The navigable reach of the river begins at Olallie Boat Launch, 11 located miles east of McKenzie Bridge at Olallie Campground.

Access: There are seven public boat launches located between Olallie Creek and Blue River. The Forest Service manages Olallie, Frissell, Paradise, McKenzie Bridge and Bruckart launches. No fees are required to use these launches.

Launch sites on the Upper McKenzie River are generally primitive.  They are at Ollalie Campground (milepost 13), Frissell Carpenter (MP 16), Paradise Campground (MP 54), McKenzie Trailhead (MP 52), McKenzie Bridge Campground (MP 49), and Bruckart (MP 45).  The first two are east of the Highway 242 cutoff, thus the milepost change.

Facilities: Several campgrounds that also include day use picnic areas are located along the river corridor. The 26.5-mile long McKenzie River National Recreation Trail closely follows the river. Sanitation facilities are located at all boat launches; however, river users are asked to pack out all trash.

Close To...

Check out the McKenzie Corridor of the Trip Planning Guide to find out more about nearby campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, points of interest, and more.

Activities: The upper portion of the McKenzie River is popular for fishing, rafting, drift-boating, and kayaking. Several species of fish can be found in the river, including bull trout, spring Chinook, rainbow trout and mountain whitefish. Water fowl can be seen along the river corridor, including bald eagles, osprey, mergansers, dippers and a variety of ducks.

Know Before You Go

Remember

It is state law that each person carry a life preserver for use when floating the river; a noncompliance fine might otherwise be levied by the Oregon State Police.  Wearing a life preserver is highly recommended when participating in activities on or near the McKenzie River.  The McKenzie River Guides Association along with the McKenzie River Fire District have a life jacket loaner program with life preservers available at nearly all of the markets along Highway 126 between Cedar Flats and McKenzie Bridge.

Floating and fishing the river can be a fun adventure for those prepared for the challenges whitewater can bring. Class 2 and 3 rapids, combined with natural obstacles such as fallen trees and stumps, require river users to anticipate and scout hazards and dynamic conditions. Visitors who want to learn more about the classification of the river should talk to local guides or read one of the many publications available that describe the navigable portions of the McKenzie River, as well as other rivers in Oregon.

Water levels change throughout the summer season. Current river flow information is posted daily at the McKenzie River Ranger Station, or can be obtained by calling the Call Eugene Water and Electric Board's 24-hour information line at (541) 341-1860.

Only permitted river outfitters and guides are authorized to operate commercially on the upper McKenzie River, under special use permit with the Willamette National Forest. Professional guides will provide the equipment, experience, knowledge and skills necessary to safely and enjoyably navigate the river.

Classification of Rapids

When navigating a river with whitewater rapids, it is important to have an idea of what to anticipate. To clarify this process, all whitewater rapids are rated on a scale of Class I to Class VI. A Class I rapid is considered the easiest and safest to navigate, where as Class VI rapids are the most difficult and dangerous. Classification of whitewater rivers is not an exact science, and may vary with fluctuating water levels. The upper portion of the McKenzie River, for example, is more difficult to navigate later in the summer from Olallie to Paradise, because rocks and boulders have less water flowing over them, making them more difficult to maneuver over or around. Some rapids may be more difficult for kayaks than rafts, and vice versa. Therefore, classification systems should be used as a guide only. The upper McKenzie River, as with most navigable rivers is a combination of the classifications and has varying degrees of difficulty and challenge on different segments.

Class I - Moving water with few riffles and small waves. There are generally few obstructions or obstacles to maneuver around.

Class II - Rapids with smaller waves, usually with a defined channel that is obvious without scouting. Some maneuvering may be required.

Class III - Rapids with higher, and irregular waves, often with narrow passages that require precise maneuvering. Some scouting may be required to determine best passage and changed conditions due to fluctuations in water level or natural hazards such as downed trees.

Related Information

Boating Regulations & Boating Safety
Oregon State Marine Board manages boating regulations. Visit their website for boating regulations and safety information. They also have links to information about water levels in the reservoirs.

Fishing Regulations & Information
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manages fishing regulations. Visit their website for information on fishing seasons and fishing licenses.

For additional information, contact the McKenzie River Ranger District.