River Rafting Mile by Mile River Guide
River Description / Natural History
The McKenzie River is surrounded by the Cascade Mountains and is at an elevation of 1500'. The weather is typically warm and sunny in the summer and early fall but it is also susceptible to quick changes in climate. The spring is typically wet and cool with snow possible, sometimes even in May. Always bring the appropriate cold weather gear when camping and/or rafting in this area.
The following river description was derived primarily from Western Whitewater - From the Rockies to the Pacific by Cassady, J., Cross, B., & Calhoun, F. (1994), Berkeley, CA: North Fork Press. This book is an exceptionally well written and very thorough guide book covering rivers throughout the West. To order, please click here!
Mile 0 - Paradise Campground is on river left. The first 4 miles are fairly continuous Class II rapids and riffles.
Mile 4 - McKenzie Bridge Rapid (II+) begins where Highway 126 crosses the river at the town of McKenzie Bridge. This is one of the most significant rapids on this stretch and is a long boulder garden that ends above the covered Rainbow Bridge. Just below Rainbow Bridge there is an "S"-curve that ends in a rocky stretch with a strong diagonal wave on the right. The rest of the run is easy Class II with Redsides, a favorite kayakers play wave, about halfway down.
Mile17.5 - Finn Rock is on the right and river access is on the left above the bridge. The next 10-15 miles consists of quiet stretches with exciting rapids and play spots.
Mile 25.5 - Brown's Hole (II+) is a famous hole on the left side of the river that can flip a small raft and is hard to see from upstream. The hole is easily avoided on the right.
Mile 27.3 - Marten's Rapid (III) is just past Ben & Kay Dorris State Park. Look for the largest boulder in the middle of the rapid and there is a good channel about 10 feet to the right of the boulder at most river levels. Watch out for the large hole at the bottom on the right.
Mile 28 - Prince Helfrich Boat Landing is on the right. Boaters may continue another 4 miles through mostly flat water and one good Class II to a boat ramp above Leaburg Dam.