Since 1996 we have proudly served as the eyes, ears, and voice of the Willamette River. Good boat control and safety skills are needed. We'll explore and identify flora and fauna along the way while fostering respect of and learning about the history of the watersheds.A half day of floating the Upper McKenzie will take us about forty miles out of Eugene to historic Finn Rock. How long do you want to be in the water?Only if you stick to Hayden bridge and exit at Armitage. Further up is awesome if you have whitewater knowledge and a kayak or other boat. I got a little bruised up going over it once(accidentally).Scout the route ahead of time if you're worried about it, almost the entire route can be seen from roads + bike paths. We will then push off and make our way downriver with multiple stops in eddies, side channels, islands and areas of interest.
One of the scariest moments of my life. Is the McKenzie much calmer than the Williamette?At least four people died there that year and I was almost the fifth.That stretch is not safe for innertubing, the channel is narrow and fast and there are many hazards.
Snacks and beverages will be available throughout the trip.
Respect the river and understand that tubing can go from fun to deadly in a matter of seconds. This tour will take about two hours and cover three river miles. Close. CONDITIONS ARE ALWAYS CHANGING. More frequently than the middle fork of the willamette, I'm pretty sure.Depends where you go. There are heaps of access points along the way, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to just relax.The Willamette River runs right through Eugene, and the River Walk that runs alongside it is a great way to explore Eugene by foot or bicycle.It's a beautiful river - and since the "formula" demands 50 characters I'll say it over and over - it's a beautiful river. 5.
It's a lot cleaner than the Willy-met though. Snacks and beverages will be provided in the boat. Do not attempt to go over the dam, even though it's not very big.I’ve never done that stretch myself. If you want to go past that stretch get out at boat ramp on the north side and walk your tubes to the put in below the bike bridge.I have been 3 times this year, starting in Island Park in Springfield and ending at Alton Baker. The half day Upper McKenzie float will be three to three and a half hours in duration.The full day of floating the Lower McKenzie or Willamette river takes us twenty miles or less from Eugene. Canoeing down the mellow main stem of the Willamette River, a 185-mile designated national water trail, provides an entirely different view of the fertile valley from Eugene to Portland. Just no. As other said, wear a life vest. Time: 2-3 hrs Season: All year.
Past Armitage you eventually become the Willamtte, and I know flat bottomed river boats and Catarafts that float that all the way to Corvallis but it’s very sketchy and possibly deadly in a tube (those are actually never safe and the McKenzie is really cold- your ass gets frozen unless it’s really hot which this summer is not!). The clear, cool waters run through the riparian zone that is a mix of state, county and private lands with stands of deciduous trees, vine maple and some neighboring agricultural lands. ... Close. But those are more tractable and easier to understand from river level.People die on the McKenzie too. Just float the McKenzie, don’t risk it.No. Willamette River: Float the River - See 94 traveler reviews, 15 candid photos, and great deals for Eugene, OR, at Tripadvisor.
As other said, wear a life vest. It is totally fine, only if you are aware & have a life jacket.
Located on the Alton Baker Park Canoe Canal.
Willamette River by Melanie Griffin Floating the Willamette River. Archived. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text Station operated in cooperation with the City of Eugene. The tour begins across the Autzen footbridge in the heart of Alton Baker Park where we’ll meet at the boat landing near the Cuthbert Amphitheater. I'm new to Eugene and have read a bit about floating the rivers. The clear, cool waters run through the riparian zone that is a mix of state, county and private lands with stands of deciduous trees, vine maple and some neighboring agricultural lands. One of my trips almost did.Be aware that there are other areas with rapids near Skinners butte park and the Boulders down near Marist High school. The bird and wildlife on this float is plentiful with eagles, osprey and heron, river otter and deer often seen.
Best advice I’ve received for any float is to find someone who’s done the particular float you want to do and go with them.