Boating on the McKenzie River can range from drifting in slow currents to aggressive white-water kayaking, both of which can be enjoyed by anyone who likes to be on the river. The McKenzie is a beautiful river with many areas for boating for paddlers with skill levels ranging from beginner to very advanced and everything in between. The river has such wonderful conditions it is excellent for boating any time.
The McKenzie River is located in west-central Oregon. Starting in the Cascade Mountains flowing between Mounts Washington and Jefferson and going on to the city of Springfield, this very scenic river, which has its headwaters coming from Clear Lake, forms the Sahalie Falls which are a beautiful sight for anybody to see. Along with the Sahalie Falls, there are multiple hot springs located along the McKenzie River.
The recommended flow for the McKenzie is 500-2500 cubic feet per second (cfs). The optimal flow is 2000 cfs. The average gradient for the McKenzie is 27 feet per mile, providing a good downgrade for beginning to advanced boaters. The most dangerous hazard is the upper section of the McKenzie because that is around Sahalie Falls. That section of the river has an absolutely mandatory exit before the falls. Another area in the lower section, which is usually not too dangerous, is at Fishladder rapid (class III +) that requires very technical maneuvers in an area with many boulders and holes to dodge. Except for these two main difficulties, the majority of the McKenzie River is a great river to run. The McKenzie River is very accessible. There are a great number of campgrounds and boat launches along Oregon Highway 126, which crosses the McKenzie at Hendricks Bridge and keeps going to the source at Clear Lake.
SECTION 1: The McKenzie River is divided into three sections. The first section has a more difficult run requiring only the most advanced to attempt it. This run is from Sahalie Falls to Trail Bridge Reservoir. It is class V and has a recommended flow of 250-600 cfs. The next part of river below Koosah Falls is more rapids continuing until Carmen Reservoir. Below the reservoir the river goes on for about 2 miles and then reaches the take-out at Trail Bridge Reservoir. Within those 2 miles the river flows by lava beds and then to the Tamolitch Falls. The Trail Bridge Reservoir ends the first section of the McKenzie River. SECTION 2: The second section of the McKenzie doesn't have so many dangerous spots. It is a class II and III and has a recommended flow of 700-3000 cfs. This second section is 42 miles long. It starts at Olallie Campground and goes to Leaburg Dam. This section is particularly popular with rafters. The majority of the run is class II water with some class II+ rapids and some surfing waves. After some minor obstacles, Belknap Hot Springs are available about 5 miles after the put-in at Olallie Campground. Below Belknap, the river entertains its boaters and reaches Paradise Campground in about 2.5 miles. The river has some good surf waves and large pool-drop areas along private property, but maintains its class II level. It does this until it reaches Brown's Hole. The only potentially dangerous spot is a hole on the left side. Less than a mile down the river is Martin's Rapid. This rapid is class III to III+, depending on the kind of boat the person is using and what the level of the water is. At the top of this rapid big boulders are prevalent and boaters easily get wrapped around them. After the excitement with the boulders, some good surf waves occur before the take-out at Helfrich Boat Landing. Boaters can either get out there or continue for 3 more miles of pretty easy riding until they reach Leaburg. The take-out will be on river right just above Leaburg Dam. SECTION 3: Finally, section 3 of the McKenzie River. This section if from Leaburg Dam to the Willamette River. The class is I to II and the recommended flow is 700 to 3000 cfs. This section is 39 miles long. This third section takes quite a while to get through because of the low gradient. Since this is the case, several day trips are made out of this third section. Even short trips can take a long time so make sure everything is planned accordingly. This leisurely portion of the McKenzie River provides a great spot for boaters to practice their stroke as well as prepare for upcoming class II rapids. A half mile above Hendricks Bridge a class II rapid will cause some rocks to get in the way and will need to be avoided. The river acts in a similar way for about 15 more miles until it reaches Hayden Bridge. Good surf spots with eddies are around here. Not only are there good surf spots around Hayden Bridge, but the most difficult rapid below Leaburg is there as well. This rapid will show up below Weyerhaeuser Paper Mill near Hayden Bridge State Wayside. This area provides many opportunities for paddlers to work on wave-oriented skills. The most common place for inner tubers is from Hayden Bridge to the Willamette River, especially on hot days. Islands will be found along this portion of the river, but few hazards are to be found. A couple of popular floats are in this area, including floating from Hayden Bridge to Armitage State Park.
Three boats commonly used on the McKenzie River are drift boats, rafts and kayaks. Rafts and kayaks are used for similar purposes, which could include floating down the river in all sorts of rapids, depending on the guide of the boat. The drift boat is more commonly used for fishing and is not recommended for use in some of the bigger rapids that rafts and kayaks are used for. DRIFT BOATS: Drift boats are generally made out of three kinds of materials: aluminum, wood and fiberglass. It is very rare to find a drift boat to rent, unlike rafts and kayaks, which are commonly rented. A drift boat is often used for fishing. The boat is 14-18 feet in length and can usually hold three people. Even though drift boats aren't rent, guided fishing trips are available. RUBBER RAFTS: Rubber rafts are quite common on the McKenzie River. They are used more for boating and not fishing. Rafts are rented quite often for 6-14 people. KAYAKS: Kayaks are also common to see on the river. Both inflatable as well as hard bodied kayaks are available. Kayaks are not used for fishing, but they are excellent in white-water. One or two people, depending on the style, can fit in a kayak. Guided kayak trips are available. The price depends on whether a guide is taken and also the length of time spent on the river.
The process that is required to go through to become a guide is quite extensive. A guide has to be licensed and that is why the long process must be accomplished. First, an application needs to be filled out, including information on experience and the different areas familiar to the applicant. Then the applicant must get the insurance necessary to be a guide, and that can be a long process in itself. The applicant must be first aid and CPR certified, and the applicant has to pay a fee and pick a certain zone, or area within a state, in which to be a licensed guide. If everything works out and the applicant has all of the qualifications, then s/he will be a licensed guide. A guide's job holds a lot of responsibility. First, the guide must be certified and then get hired by an outfitter. Once one is hired and actually out on the river, s/he needs to get to know the guests' physical condition and hope they are all honest. The guide has to give a safety talk and instructions on what to do in different situations. Most importantly, the guides must make sure that there is a clear line of communication with each of their guests. As far as equipment for a boating trip, a lifejacket must be worn. Generally they are provided along with paddles, dry bags, a cooler depending on the length of the trip and a wet suit depending on the weather. Sunglasses are important to have, but aren't generally provided. The McKenzie is a great river to be explored by anybody that enjoys the water. Many put-in/take-out spots are found along the McKenzie. The run along the river from place to place varies so much that a boater with any skill level can enjoy some section of the river. The first section is for the more advanced boaters. The second section is not so difficult, but still requires moderately advanced boaters because of its class II and class III drops and rapids. The third and final section is not so difficult and is generally class I, but has some class II rapids. The third section also provides a very popular spot for inner tubers. Most sections of the McKenzie can be run by either a drift boat, a raft, or a kayak. The first section would be best run with kayaks and smaller rafts. The second and third sections aren't so difficult and don't need a certain type of craft to run it. A lot of work goes into any type of boating trip. Despite the type of craft used for the run that is planned, it is always important to scout the area that is going to be run as a part of the planning of the trip. Even if the area is familiar it is good to look for any recent changes due to floods. It is also important to run the river with at least one other person. No matter what skill level, how many people, or how long the trip, have fun. Enjoy the time on the beautiful McKenzie River. |
