McKenzie River Float

A raft trip down the McKenzie River is Lane County’s signature outdoor experience

The McKenzie is probably the most popular river in Oregon, and a float trip is the perfect escape from the summer heat waves—a fast exciting ride, gorgeous scenery….

And whitewater air conditioning.

The McKenzie River begins as rainfall and snow melt on the flanks of the Three Sisters.  Water percolates through porous volcanic soil and emerges out of a giant lava tube at Great Springs near Clear Lake.  From Clear Lake, the river runs for 90 miles to its confluence with the Willamette north of Eugene/Springfield.  Most of the river is easily accessible from Highway 126. 

The most popular section of river for rafters and kayakers is the 36 miles between Olallie Campground (approximately 45 miles east of Eugene/Springfield on Hwy. 126) and Leaburg dam. 

The first run—9 miles from Olallie Campground to Paradise Campground—is a bouncy ride down a fast shallow stretch of almost continuous Class 2 and 3 rapids.  The most interesting part of this run is just upstream of the big northern bend of the river near the junction of Hwy. 126 and 242.  Look for an eddy and plumes of steam rising from the outflow of Belknap Springs. 

A more popular and longer summer run with lots of fast water is the 18 miles from Paradise Campground to Finn Rock. 

When most people think of a McKenzie float, they’re thinking of the stretch between Finn Rock and Prince Helfrich Boat Landing.  To make this trip a little longer, put in at the Blue River Boat Landing.  Downstream of Blue River, the McKenzie takes on more of a pool and drop character, with dozens of fast rapids broken up by slower sections where you can relax and catch your breath.  The last portion of this run features two of the more challenging stretches of whitewater on the river. 

Browns Hole is a tricky drop over a rocky lip that can easily flip a raft or kayak, located downstream of Rennie Public Boat Landing.  You can avoid Browns Hole entirely by staying on the right side of the river. 

Halfway between Ben and Kay Dorris State Park and Prince Helfrich is Marten Rapids, a fairly violent Class III rapid that careens through a boulder garden.  The preferred route through Marten is just to the right of the largest boulder in the center of the channel. 

All of these runs are doable by amateur paddlers, or you can make the trip with any number of professional guide services.  If you’re guiding yourself, go with someone who’s been on the river before, scout out fast water, and ALWAYS wear a life jacket. 

Whatever run you choose, you’ll see some spectacular sights and sounds—craggy rock faces, river banks lined with giant old-growth Douglas fir, picturesque riverside cabins, the shrill cries of osprey and bald eagles, crystal clear water whipped to white foam, and the throaty roar of fast water. 

You do not want to let this summer pass you by without at least one float down the Mac.

Raft rentals and guide services

Adventure River Center                        1-800-547-5565
High Country Expeditions                     822-8288
Oregon River Sports                              334-0696
UO Outdoor Program                            346-4365