McKenzie River Rafting

The McKenzie River is a classic, alpine river, cascading from its headwaters among glaciers and snowfields at over 10,000 feet above sea level to the confluence with the mighty Willamette River at Eugene, Oregon. It’s a beautiful stretch of river that includes good sections for both first-timer and hardcore rafting aficionados. Better yet, most of the McKenzie’s entire 90-mile length is easily accessible from Oregon State Route 126. The upper portion of the river between Paradise Campground and Blue River is the more technical stretch, requiring some skill and a steady hand to navigate between big boulders and Class II-III rapids. The lower McKenzie calms a little as the river flows through the heart of Willamette National Forest in its westward passage to Eugene. Families will enjoy this scenic float, with mostly Class II riffles and one exciting Class III bump.