McKenzie River

Photo by: Robert Chastain

Map

The McKenzie River flows from Clear Lake (in the Cascades) and is 86 miles long. It runs through the mountain communities of Belknap Springs, McKenzie Bridge, Blue River, Finn Rock, Leaburg, Vida, Nimrod and Walterville (the McKenzie Valley) along Hwy 126 for much of the way.

As it flows from the McKenzie Valley, it comes out just north of Springfield and merges with the Willamette a few miles north of Eugene. The McKenzie River and its watershed is the source of drinking water for approximately 200,000 area residents (primarily Eugene).

Sixteen miles of the McKenzie have been designated as "Oregon Scenic Waterway" and thirteen miles are federally protected as "Wild and Scenic."

The river is a popular location for fishing and floating. In addition to fish stocked at the Leaburg Fishery, a variety of fish migrate to the sea and back to spawn (such as spring Chinook Salmon and Summer Steelhead). Other fish found in the watershed include Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout, White Fish, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Sculpin, Dance and Suckers.

There are two class-3 rapids in the middle section of the McKenzie, known as Martin's Rapid and Brown's Hole (between Blue River to Leaburg). They can be dangerous for inexperienced rafters and boaters. We strongly recommend hiring a professional guide to navigate these areas.