McKenzie River • Oregon

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The McKenzie River Tourism Committee meets monthly and is open to public and local business participation. With the river’s rushing waters and natural wonders, the McKenzie River is a destination for people from all around the world. The influx of visitors during the Summer makes for a vibrant economy. We are striving to strengthen the economy with off-season features.

To receive an email invitation for the Zoom meeting.

Contact Connor Nolan, Destination Development Manager with Travel Lane County 714.624.0105

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Emerald Art Center

Walterville Community Center

Vida-McKenzie Community Center
Fundraising to build new center post-fire. Build is funded. Now collecting for furnishings, kitchen items and new bingo board.

McKenzie Community Track & Field

Upper McKenzie Communtiy Center

McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce

ZOOM Tourism meeting - all are welcome!

ZOOM Board meeting - Anyone is welcome to join and share or learn!

Visit MRCC's Facebook Page

Eugene, Cascades & Coast

McKenzie River Communities

WALTERVILLE

Just outside Springfield, Walterville offers the McKenzie River's only shopping center with a restaurant, supermarket and feed and tackle store. The annual Walterville Community Fair is held here in September. Walterville is also part of Eugene's hydropower system, home to the 70-acre (28 ha) Walterville Pond. Triangle 5 Ranch offers horseback rides on woodsy trails and past historic farm buildings. The Walterville post office was established in 1875.

Leaburg Oregon Sign

A picturesque destination for fishing, the Goodpasture Covered Bridge spans the McKenzie River at the east end of town. There is a public boat launch on Greenwood Drive, and the Leaburg Dam is an excellent spot to observe salmon and steelhead climbing a fish ladder. Bring your camera along with your fishing rod! There is a fish hatchery in the vicinity. Leaburg offers a library, veterinarian, auto shop, fire station and a country store with groceries and gas. You'll find Ike's Lakeside Pizza, which is now home to a life-sized Simpsons' family statues. (Another photo opportunity!)

VIDA

Milepost 26.9

Wonder where the popular UO campus-area bar "Rennie's Landing" name came from? It's a boat launch in Vida! Also here is Ben & Kay Dorris Park which includes the famous Marten Rapids stretch of the McKenzie River. The community offers a grocery store, gas station, café and fire station. There are several lodges, vacation rentals and cabins. Vida was established in 1868, and named for the first postmaster's daughter.

Nimrod Oregon Sign

Nimrod's name gets a lot of attention (and the town has had to bolt its sign down) as a modern day synonym for "fool," but some believe its name is actually in reference to a biblical figure known for his hunting prowess. A ferry crossing was once established here. In 1938, Nimrod hosted the first white water parade, an event that attracted thousands and peaked with 300 boats covering 20 miles (32 km) until it was shut down in 1970 due to reckless boating. Today the annual Wooden Boat Festival is re-created on a modified scale from Eagle Rock Lodge. Eagle Rock itself is a huge boulder on the south side of the river. There are several bed and breakfasts here and a fire station.

BLUE RIVER

Milepost 41.3

A former 1863 gold mining town, Blue River is nestled on the banks of Blue River which flows into the McKenzie River. The McKenzie Community Track & Field hosts track meets and the annual Arts Festival. The town was leveled by the Holiday Farm Fire in September of 2020. Plans to rebuild are supported by local, state & federal assistance as well as many organizations. The new Blue River post office services a mail drop and pickup. The library and medical clinic plan to come back. The boat landing is active. The Blue River Water District and Park Board have plans to improve and rebuild. Visit their website for updates.

The H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest is nearby. Cougar Reservoir, and adjacent Terwilliger Hot Springs, are popular for water recreation. Turn onto the Aufderheide here, a national scenic byway that connects the McKenzie River area with Oakridge-Westfir. (The Aufderheide is a seasonal road, not maintained in the winter.)

Rainbow Oregon Sign

Milepost 47.1

Rainbow was once an important stage stop for travelers and offered ferry service. Later a series of bridges crossed the McKenzie River here. The current Belknap Covered Bridge, built in 1966, still accommodates cars. Hike to Castle Rock, a former fire lookout with amazing valley views. Or play golf at Tokatee Golf Club with views of the Three Sisters Mountains from the greens. The United States Basketball Academy is here - a great spot for groups. And the town includes the Blue Sky Market and a shop dedicated to the Christmas holidays.

McKenzie Bridge Oregon Sign

Milepost 51.1

Lane Transit District's bus will take you this far from Eugene, right to the McKenzie River Ranger Station. McKenzie Bridge has the McKenzie General Store, lodges and cabin resorts and a fire station. Belknap Hot Springs Resort & Camp Yale, a camper's paradise of gardens, hot spring pools, riverfront campsites, cabins and the main lodge is in the vicinity. From here, branch off to Highway 242 during the summer season for an amazing drive through lava fields to the Dee Wright Observatory. (Hwy 242 is closed to vehicle traffic in the winter months.)

BEYOND THE COMMUNITIES

On the way to Sisters and Bend there are many campgrounds, hiking trails, waterfalls and lakes - but no services. It is always a good idea to travel with a full tank of gas, extra food, water, warm blankets and a first aid kit. Check road conditions before departing.

Key Sites

Koosah and Sahalie Falls trail

Clear Lake: Hike or kayak and view the underwater petrified forest.

HooDoo Ski Resort and Autobahn

Trails, Travel & Pass Info

Order Your E-Pass (NW Forest Pass for day use) is available online at www.discovernw.org Print out your pass at home or on the road!

In addition to Forest Service offices, the Northwest Forest Pass ($5.00 daily and $30.00 annually) can be purchased at all area Bi-Mart Stores and REI Sporting Goods stores. The NW Forest Pass may also be purchased through local vendors: Mather’s Market in Cedar Flat near Springfield; Leaburg Country Store; Meyer’s General Store in Blue River; Blue Sky Market in Rainbow.

Local Weather Road Conditions Road Cams Fire Conditions Winter Recreation Day Use Sites

McKenize River Ranger District Recreation Update

Trail List and Condition Report for Highway 242 – McKenzie Pass

Link to McKenzie Ranger District

McKenzie River Ranger Station

From Clear Lake, under the majestic Mount Washington, to the fly-fishing and bird watching town of Walterville, the McKenzie River is filled with fun, beauty, and excitement for you, your family, and friends. Choose from one of the world class bike trails, white water rafting, fishing, hiking, or relaxing in one of the natural hot springs. No matter if you prefer solitary time hiking on one of the many incredible trails, feeling the refreshing spray of a thundering waterfall on your face with a few friends, or listening to live music and socializing at one of our fine restaurants or lodges, the McKenzie River has the adventure for you.

Website

Testimonials

"We were looking for an agent that knew the area, and we heard good things about Judy Casad. When we first met her she impressedus very much and seemed very sincere. Judy sold our rental within a month and made it so easy. We know we made the rightdecision, Judy made everything seem possible and easy, Judy worked very hard to sell our home.Judy was always pleasant and always had a smile on her face.
Judy knows her work and always on top of things.Judy was always clear on everything. She was always here in our home with paper work for us to sign, and always on top of things."

– Avalos, CA

"Judy was always there when we had any questions, and always replied to us immediately with the answers we needed. Judy is very friendly, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. We would highly recommend Judy to family and friends or anyone else looking to buy property."

– Jim & CynDe Parks, Blue River OR

“Judy is first and foremost trustworthy. She is knowledgeable, and easy to work with. With my family recently relocating to the area, Judy made us feel welcome long before we considered looking for a new property. Judy provided to be very valuable with her knowledge and insight into the community we now call home. We don’t consider Judy just our real estate agent, we consider her our friend. We would strongly and highly recommend Judy to anyone looking for property. You were truly a pleasure to work with!”

– Josh & Tia Cloke, Blue River OR

“We really appreciated how friendly and understanding Judy was as we searched for our first home. We were all over the board, looking at raw land, and country properties before we decided to look at houses in Eugene. Judy was kind and patient through the whole process, and was never overbearing or pushy. She helped us through every step of the complicated home buying process, and was as excited as we were when we finally got the keys!”

– Sarah Ward & Rob Miron, Eugene OR

"Judy Casad’s professionalism came through in all my dealings with her. There were immediately many, many offers to respond to and Judy did so in a timely manner. I had confidence she would relay my requirements and needs to the potential buyers and help me with a successful sale, which she did.”

– Mary Sooh, Springfield OR

"This was our first experience buying a home in our latter years and my husband suffered a brain hemorrhage and so our roles completely changed. I was very dependent on Judy's help and she was there for us!"

– A&J Kaiser, Eugene OR

Do you want to know what your home is worth in todays market?

Contact Judy

Let's meet in the comfort of your home, the Windermere Office in Eugene, or at the Vida Windermere office across from the Vida Cafe.

Contact me and let's get started

Windermere Real Estate | Lane County

Licensed to help you Buy or Sell in the State of Oregon

License #201216761

ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative

SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist

Certified Negotiator • Top Producer • Realtor

1600 Oak St, Eugene OR 97401

VIDA Office by appointment

45632 McKenzie Hwy, Vida OR 97488

Landlord, Home Owner, Educator, World Traveler and Marketing Background