Wooden Boat People
By McKenzieDriftBoat.com
McKenzie River information
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Randy Dersham on
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Frank Amato Publications has a website HERE that has a link to a map and a lot of information about the river.
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Permalink Reply by mitchell on
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Stephen,
I've only done two different runs on the McKenzie. I'll give you a heads up on the runs I've done and hopefully the other more rounded McKenzie drifters will chine in.
The run from Hayden Bridge to the take out at Armitage Park is usually refered to as the easiest of the drifts on the Mckenzie. I'd have to check but I think I used to run it down to a river level of 1.2 on the Vida gage.
The other drift I've done a few times is from Deerhorn Rd. put in/takeout to Hendricks Park. I can't remember what level the river was the times I drifted it. I just called a local flyshop and asked them if the days current level was high enough to drift that run and the answer was yes. That run has some deccession making envolved. After the first 1/2 mile you need to choose between a three way split in the river. I always chose the middle. I think the right channel goes into a cannel and I don't know if it comes back out to the River. (yikes) The left channel looks like it could be a good choice when your looking down river but you can clearly see when looking back on it (after you make your run from the center channel) from down river it's toooo bumpy. The rest of the run is pretty tame but you'll need to keep an eye out boulder pick a little. If your good enough with the oars it's a pretty easy run too.
You mentioned it's been 30 years since you drifted the McKenzie. Beeee careful anywhere anytime things happen. A heads up too, some of the Parks/ramps now require a purchased pass posted on your windshield. The take out at Armitage requires pay your way into the park fee. Henricks Park has a ramp that has a drop off edge that is a pain in the butt but do-able.
hope this helps some
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Permalink Reply by Stephen Blalock on
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It is a big help, I have been working on my boat and reading wood boat stuff on the web and want to get out of my rut, and see some new water. I want to work up to some harder stuff as the Sacramento river is great fishing but prettty easy stuff. The sections of the trinity I run are more challenging but I know them well. Any other Ideas about Rivers in southern Oregon would be welcome. I have been rowing Rogue river boats for many years and am a good oarsman.
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Permalink Reply by Robb Grubb on
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Stephen,
- The best resources are obviously locals who float regularly. Between WBP, McKenzie River Guides Association and local private folks (I think Greg Hatten lives in his boat) you can find all you need. It also depends on if you are going to fish or just float some fun whitewater.
- There is some great upper river fishing but it takes an oarsman that is focused on rowing and keeping the boat safe while the fishermen fish.
- Every year there are accidents on the river, mostly on the lower stretches (Eugene upstream to Leaburg) where a person would mistakenly perceive the water being easier, or think that you don't need rowing / boating skills, which can let your guard down, become distracted by fishing, lose your angle and drift into a log jam without your life jacket on.
- Some of the posted river maps at the boat ramps are mis-labeled (then re-labeled, kind of...) with rapids in the wrong spot, so take the map for what it is.
- For all you invasive species (not Californians), but the mussels, plants, clams and such, you now need a permit to float the river (Purchase online off of the ODFW website).
- And as Mitchell stated, you need a Lane County boat ramp permit, most of the stores on the river should have them by now, sometimes it takes awhile at the beginning of the year for the county to deliver the new year permits to the local stores to purchase.
- If on the upper river on Forest Service land, they request you "self-issue/register" at the put-in for their own tracking purposes.
- The McKenzie valley is quite amazing, great boating, scenery, easy shuttles, fishing and local lodging. Plus a couple of reservoirs to fish as well. You don't even have to go into town for resupply.
Cheers, Robb Grubb
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Permalink Reply by Greg Hatten on
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Ha, Robb... I don't live in my boat - "I live in a van down by the river..." I just spend a lot of time in my boat on the McKenzie. Ha ha!! Stephen - I'd be happy to help "reaquaint" you to the river... it changes every year - there's a little stretch below Hendrick's that changed significantly from last year. The local Caddis Fly shop can help with current "trouble" or river obstructions... they are very piped into the local guides who are on the river daily....
GH
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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on
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Greg, I've heard things about guys that live in van's down by the river. Will the daughters of Eugene be safe? Ha-ha
Rick Newman
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