McKenzie River
Location - East of Eugene, Oregon
Difficulty - Class II-II+ (III)
Length - 37 miles
Level - 2,000cfs Date - various from 2006 / 07
Difficulty - Class II-II+ (III)
Length - 37 miles
Level - 2,000cfs Date - various from 2006 / 07
The McKenzie River is perhaps one of the most recognizable place names in Lane County. For many people the river cooridor provides numerous
recreational opportunities from paddling, fishing, hiking, and biking to plain old sight seeing. The river only a bit over 80 miles long, but its year
round flows make for an enjoyable resource for thousands.
SECTION ONE - Ollalie to Paradise Campground - 9 miles
This stretch of the river is continuous class II with a few heavier sections of class II+ and one class III rapid. The crystal clear water makes the river
look deceptively shallow, but this run has adequate flows year round. The first time I ran this stretch of river I guided a raft for Michelle and her
friends in early August and we all had a great time. The quick flowing water means that it is possible to float much of the run, paddling only to
maneuver around rocks and the occasional log jutting out into the main flow.
The put in is at the turn out near Ollalie Campground off of highway 126 and a nice path with a boat ramp has been installed. Once on the river the
first thing I always notice is how clear and cold the water of the McKenzie tends to be. The source of the McKenzie River is Clear Lake, a spring fed
body of water whose temperatures remain in the low forties year round. Much of the headwaters of the McKenzie consist
recreational opportunities from paddling, fishing, hiking, and biking to plain old sight seeing. The river only a bit over 80 miles long, but its year
round flows make for an enjoyable resource for thousands.
SECTION ONE - Ollalie to Paradise Campground - 9 miles
This stretch of the river is continuous class II with a few heavier sections of class II+ and one class III rapid. The crystal clear water makes the river
look deceptively shallow, but this run has adequate flows year round. The first time I ran this stretch of river I guided a raft for Michelle and her
friends in early August and we all had a great time. The quick flowing water means that it is possible to float much of the run, paddling only to
maneuver around rocks and the occasional log jutting out into the main flow.
The put in is at the turn out near Ollalie Campground off of highway 126 and a nice path with a boat ramp has been installed. Once on the river the
first thing I always notice is how clear and cold the water of the McKenzie tends to be. The source of the McKenzie River is Clear Lake, a spring fed
body of water whose temperatures remain in the low forties year round. Much of the headwaters of the McKenzie consist
The first recognizable rapid lies ahead when a set of powerlines crosses the
McKenzie as it swing sharply to the left and drops steeply. This is Fishladder
rapids, and while the line is complicated by boulders and heavy water, it can be
easily boat scouted. We started right of center and moved to the left to make our
way through the steepest section that consisted of a jumble of medium sized rocks.
The runout remained shallow and overall the rapid was probably about two hundred
yards long. While this drop is significantly more difficult than the whitewater seen on
the rest of the run, it should not give anyone capable of paddling this stretch much
trouble.
Below Fishladder the McKenzie continues to flow quickly through a narrow riverbed
lined with large old growth Douglas Firs and gorgeous gravel bars made of
beautifully rounded and polished stones. A few bends contain tricky rapids created
by gravel bars in this stretch, but nothing should be overwhelming. The river
remains surprisingly far away from the road through this section. In one place a log
jam at the head of an island forces boaters to paddle hard to the right to avoid the
potentially consequential hazard, but most everything else is straightforward.
The second largest rapid on this section comes when a footbridge is seen at
Belknap Hot Springs. Here the McKenzie runs over a few ledges and through
boulders with several large waves and couple of tricky hydraulics. This rapid rates
an easy class III, but it could be tricky to run in a canoe. Below here continuous
class II+ extends all of the way down to Paradise Campground. This upper run goes
quickly and despite its proximity to the highway, it feels surprisingly remote.
Anywhere along the upper McKenzie it is possible for a tree to block the entire
channel, but it is generally easy to see far downstream and although the current is
fast and strong, nothing should sneak up on a competent boater. The biggest
danger is being unprepared for the cold water and going for a long swim in the
continuous rapids. Even in the summer the river is cold enough to cool the air
around it so a jacket should be carried on all trips down the upper McKenzie.
McKenzie as it swing sharply to the left and drops steeply. This is Fishladder
rapids, and while the line is complicated by boulders and heavy water, it can be
easily boat scouted. We started right of center and moved to the left to make our
way through the steepest section that consisted of a jumble of medium sized rocks.
The runout remained shallow and overall the rapid was probably about two hundred
yards long. While this drop is significantly more difficult than the whitewater seen on
the rest of the run, it should not give anyone capable of paddling this stretch much
trouble.
Below Fishladder the McKenzie continues to flow quickly through a narrow riverbed
lined with large old growth Douglas Firs and gorgeous gravel bars made of
beautifully rounded and polished stones. A few bends contain tricky rapids created
by gravel bars in this stretch, but nothing should be overwhelming. The river
remains surprisingly far away from the road through this section. In one place a log
jam at the head of an island forces boaters to paddle hard to the right to avoid the
potentially consequential hazard, but most everything else is straightforward.
The second largest rapid on this section comes when a footbridge is seen at
Belknap Hot Springs. Here the McKenzie runs over a few ledges and through
boulders with several large waves and couple of tricky hydraulics. This rapid rates
an easy class III, but it could be tricky to run in a canoe. Below here continuous
class II+ extends all of the way down to Paradise Campground. This upper run goes
quickly and despite its proximity to the highway, it feels surprisingly remote.
Anywhere along the upper McKenzie it is possible for a tree to block the entire
channel, but it is generally easy to see far downstream and although the current is
fast and strong, nothing should sneak up on a competent boater. The biggest
danger is being unprepared for the cold water and going for a long swim in the
continuous rapids. Even in the summer the river is cold enough to cool the air
around it so a jacket should be carried on all trips down the upper McKenzie.
SECTION TWO - Paradise Campground to Finn Rock
18 miles
For the first five miles or so below the put in this section of the
McKenzie retains is continuous class II / II+ nature. The first
time I saw this stretch of river was from a canoe with Michelle
and we were easily able to boat scout and run everything.
Some stretches contain heavy water and we had to stop to
bail several times, but the run is actually nearly perfect for
open canoes. The water is still clear, and the highway
remains mostly hidden from view.
Below the highway bridge in the town of McKenzie Bridge, the
river enters a long rapid that builds into a long boulder
garden ending with a large pour over in the middle of the river
that is best avoided by hugging the river right shore. Another
long class II+ boulder garden is encountered in this section
that ends at a beautiful covered bridge. Beyond here the
water keeps moving along quickly, but the difficulty eases up
to quickwater, class I, and the occasional class II rapid found
in corners and where the river drops over gravel bars. In a
few places it is essential to look for the deepest channel in
order to navigate through gravel bars, but the route is
generally clear. A ways into this easier stretch a log jam is
encountered near a series of low islands, but a clear route
has been cut through the mess.
18 miles
For the first five miles or so below the put in this section of the
McKenzie retains is continuous class II / II+ nature. The first
time I saw this stretch of river was from a canoe with Michelle
and we were easily able to boat scout and run everything.
Some stretches contain heavy water and we had to stop to
bail several times, but the run is actually nearly perfect for
open canoes. The water is still clear, and the highway
remains mostly hidden from view.
Below the highway bridge in the town of McKenzie Bridge, the
river enters a long rapid that builds into a long boulder
garden ending with a large pour over in the middle of the river
that is best avoided by hugging the river right shore. Another
long class II+ boulder garden is encountered in this section
that ends at a beautiful covered bridge. Beyond here the
water keeps moving along quickly, but the difficulty eases up
to quickwater, class I, and the occasional class II rapid found
in corners and where the river drops over gravel bars. In a
few places it is essential to look for the deepest channel in
order to navigate through gravel bars, but the route is
generally clear. A ways into this easier stretch a log jam is
encountered near a series of low islands, but a clear route
has been cut through the mess.
Shortly below the log jam is a ledge extending off of the river right shore creating
a steep wave and hole known as Redsides. This is one of the few low water play
spots on the McKenzie that is in all summer long, and sometimes boaters will
drive here to surf and cartwheel. In our canoe we avoided the wave and rushed
on towards a series of large waves in a left bend immediately below the play
spot.
Longer stretches of quickwater follow and no real significant rapids are
encountered along this stretch of river. By this point the South Fork of the
McKenzie has joined with the main branch and the added flow is noticeable. The
clarity of the water also decreases and the river becomes more of a deep
emerald green as silt from the South Fork contributes turbidity. The next easily
identified landmark below Resides is a developed boat launch that is often
crowded on summer weekends. Most groups putting in at Paradise Campground
end up taking out here, although the day we rafted the upper stretch from Ollalie
we ran all the way to here in roughly 5 hours with a leisurely lunch break. This
also marks one of the put ins for the popular lower run on the McKenzie.
Section Three - Finn Rock to Helfrich Boat Launch - 10 miles
This lower stretch of the McKenzie is one of the most commonly run stretches of
river in Oregon and all kinds of watercraft negotiate its length. Drift boats, rafts,
and inflatable kayaks are the most common, but this piece of river is perfect for
canoes as well. In the winter and spring when flows increase, several excellent
playspots are found along the upper portion of this run.
On our first run down the McKenzie, Michelle and I combines this stretch with the
next section upstream for 28 miles of great paddling. Immediately downstream of
the put in the river divides around an island with almost of the flow heading to the
right where it drops over a gravel bar. Strong currents and some large waves
wait below the drop and in an open boat is was wise to have run a conservative
line here. Mellow waters follow for approximately two miles.
Clover Point is the next class II rapid, and it can be recognized by a large ledge
outcrop on river right and a cluster of red cabins on that shore. River left
provides clean passage for all craft, while some shallow waves and holes are
found on river right. At higher flows a fun hole develops on river right and at
certain levels a series of three or four huge waves with large foam piles can be
found. When above 4 feet on the gauge, Clover Point contains some of the best
surf waves in all of Oregon. The only problem is that when these waves are in,
literally hundreds of great creeks are running as well. The fun at Clover Point is
over once you pass under the next bridge.
Soon Eagle Rock rises up from river left in a majestic pillar standing several
hundred feet tall. A sharp class II rapid is found here at low water, but it can be
snuck on river right with some difficulty. Roughly a quarter of a mile below Eagle
Rock another great play wave can be found at flows between 2 and 3 feet on the
McKenzie. Niel's Wave is a nice three or four foot wave that usually has a foam
pile which makes doing spins and blunts pretty easy. If it were in all summer long
this playspot would likely draw considerable crowds, but at summer flows this
spot is fairly nondescript. We paddled past on river right and I didn't even take
notice of the spot until a winter trip to Niel's for some cold weather surfing. At the
right levels this wave could keep most boaters happy for a few hours.
Mellow rapids and easy boulder gardens follow for a mile or so until Brown's
Hole. This class II+ rapid is recognized by a river left outcrop and a steep river
left drop. The meat of the rapid spills into a sticky looking hole, but a sneak line
on river right provides easy passage and avoids the hydraulic. The ledges
immediately below Brown's Hole would be an excellent place to stop and relax,
but quite a crowd was gathered here when we paddled through. More easier
water follows and leads all of the way to a possible take out at Ben and Kay
Dorris State Park. Boaters not wanting to deal with class III Marten Rapid should
end their trip here. We paddled on and were confident it would be possible to
either run, line, or portage Marten Rapid without much difficulty. This turned out
to be true and we enjoyed seeing the pretty rapid.
a steep wave and hole known as Redsides. This is one of the few low water play
spots on the McKenzie that is in all summer long, and sometimes boaters will
drive here to surf and cartwheel. In our canoe we avoided the wave and rushed
on towards a series of large waves in a left bend immediately below the play
spot.
Longer stretches of quickwater follow and no real significant rapids are
encountered along this stretch of river. By this point the South Fork of the
McKenzie has joined with the main branch and the added flow is noticeable. The
clarity of the water also decreases and the river becomes more of a deep
emerald green as silt from the South Fork contributes turbidity. The next easily
identified landmark below Resides is a developed boat launch that is often
crowded on summer weekends. Most groups putting in at Paradise Campground
end up taking out here, although the day we rafted the upper stretch from Ollalie
we ran all the way to here in roughly 5 hours with a leisurely lunch break. This
also marks one of the put ins for the popular lower run on the McKenzie.
Section Three - Finn Rock to Helfrich Boat Launch - 10 miles
This lower stretch of the McKenzie is one of the most commonly run stretches of
river in Oregon and all kinds of watercraft negotiate its length. Drift boats, rafts,
and inflatable kayaks are the most common, but this piece of river is perfect for
canoes as well. In the winter and spring when flows increase, several excellent
playspots are found along the upper portion of this run.
On our first run down the McKenzie, Michelle and I combines this stretch with the
next section upstream for 28 miles of great paddling. Immediately downstream of
the put in the river divides around an island with almost of the flow heading to the
right where it drops over a gravel bar. Strong currents and some large waves
wait below the drop and in an open boat is was wise to have run a conservative
line here. Mellow waters follow for approximately two miles.
Clover Point is the next class II rapid, and it can be recognized by a large ledge
outcrop on river right and a cluster of red cabins on that shore. River left
provides clean passage for all craft, while some shallow waves and holes are
found on river right. At higher flows a fun hole develops on river right and at
certain levels a series of three or four huge waves with large foam piles can be
found. When above 4 feet on the gauge, Clover Point contains some of the best
surf waves in all of Oregon. The only problem is that when these waves are in,
literally hundreds of great creeks are running as well. The fun at Clover Point is
over once you pass under the next bridge.
Soon Eagle Rock rises up from river left in a majestic pillar standing several
hundred feet tall. A sharp class II rapid is found here at low water, but it can be
snuck on river right with some difficulty. Roughly a quarter of a mile below Eagle
Rock another great play wave can be found at flows between 2 and 3 feet on the
McKenzie. Niel's Wave is a nice three or four foot wave that usually has a foam
pile which makes doing spins and blunts pretty easy. If it were in all summer long
this playspot would likely draw considerable crowds, but at summer flows this
spot is fairly nondescript. We paddled past on river right and I didn't even take
notice of the spot until a winter trip to Niel's for some cold weather surfing. At the
right levels this wave could keep most boaters happy for a few hours.
Mellow rapids and easy boulder gardens follow for a mile or so until Brown's
Hole. This class II+ rapid is recognized by a river left outcrop and a steep river
left drop. The meat of the rapid spills into a sticky looking hole, but a sneak line
on river right provides easy passage and avoids the hydraulic. The ledges
immediately below Brown's Hole would be an excellent place to stop and relax,
but quite a crowd was gathered here when we paddled through. More easier
water follows and leads all of the way to a possible take out at Ben and Kay
Dorris State Park. Boaters not wanting to deal with class III Marten Rapid should
end their trip here. We paddled on and were confident it would be possible to
either run, line, or portage Marten Rapid without much difficulty. This turned out
to be true and we enjoyed seeing the pretty rapid.
At this level Marten Rapid is a steep class III boulder garden ending at a
constriction that creates a few big waves and one large hole. We approached
on river right and ran down to the head of an island before exiting the canoe.
The main drop would have been worth attempting, but we had already paddled
through half of the rapid and it was a simple matter to line the canoe through
some shallow water next to the island and into a large river right eddy below the
rocks and waves. We enjoyed looking at the pretty rapid for a while and when
the few rafts we saw run the drop provided no carnage we continued on down
the short distance to the Helfrich take out just below an old cable and wood
bridge spanning the McKenzie.
constriction that creates a few big waves and one large hole. We approached
on river right and ran down to the head of an island before exiting the canoe.
The main drop would have been worth attempting, but we had already paddled
through half of the rapid and it was a simple matter to line the canoe through
some shallow water next to the island and into a large river right eddy below the
rocks and waves. We enjoyed looking at the pretty rapid for a while and when
the few rafts we saw run the drop provided no carnage we continued on down
the short distance to the Helfrich take out just below an old cable and wood
bridge spanning the McKenzie.
Michelle and a group of friends enjoy the upper McKenzie on a warm August day from the
comfort of a raft we rented from the University of Oregon's Outdoor Program.
comfort of a raft we rented from the University of Oregon's Outdoor Program.
After enjoying a long and sunny lunch the crew gets ready to hit the river a few miles upstream of
Belknap Hot Springs.
Belknap Hot Springs.
Michelle looks at a stretch of rapids on the upper McKenzie a short
distance below Paradise Campground.
distance below Paradise Campground.
While none of the rapids on the run below Paradise Campground are large, the constant nature
makes for an enjoyable paddle. This scene is typical of the entire run.
makes for an enjoyable paddle. This scene is typical of the entire run.
A gorgeous gravel bar rest stop somewhere below Rainbow Bridge on
the McKenzie River.
the McKenzie River.
Finn Rock rises several hundred feet above the McKenzie River near
the start of the lower whitewater run.
the start of the lower whitewater run.
Here I am enjoying some cool shade below Marten Rapid on the lower
McKenzie during August of 2006.
McKenzie during August of 2006.
Michelle smiling at the bottom of Marten Rapid after paddling half of the drop before lining the
steepest section on river right.
steepest section on river right.
of highly porous lava rock which makes for extensive
aquifers fed by melt water from high in the Three Sisters
Wilderness area only several miles above the river. It is
the extensive aquifers in this area that allow the McKenzie
to run at boatable levels throughout Oregon’s dry
summer and autumn months. The river is so clear
because its waters have been filtered by traveling
through the porous lava rock and they are so cold
because the aquifers are deep enough to maintain a
consistently low temperature. On our trip we were
amazed by the water’s blue shine.
While this upper run is very enjoyable, it is essentially one
long class II / II+ rapid, with only a few remarkable river
features that stand out. Despite this, some larger waves
do exist and the current is always moving along quickly.
The day we made the run a fair bit of rock dodging was
necessary, but enough waves were big enough to provide
some excitement for the raft crew. In addition to the
rapids, old growth trees, gorgeous mountain scenery, and
a hot spring make the paddle interesting.
aquifers fed by melt water from high in the Three Sisters
Wilderness area only several miles above the river. It is
the extensive aquifers in this area that allow the McKenzie
to run at boatable levels throughout Oregon’s dry
summer and autumn months. The river is so clear
because its waters have been filtered by traveling
through the porous lava rock and they are so cold
because the aquifers are deep enough to maintain a
consistently low temperature. On our trip we were
amazed by the water’s blue shine.
While this upper run is very enjoyable, it is essentially one
long class II / II+ rapid, with only a few remarkable river
features that stand out. Despite this, some larger waves
do exist and the current is always moving along quickly.
The day we made the run a fair bit of rock dodging was
necessary, but enough waves were big enough to provide
some excitement for the raft crew. In addition to the
rapids, old growth trees, gorgeous mountain scenery, and
a hot spring make the paddle interesting.