The beautiful McKenzie River Valley is a 68-mile-long corridor stretching between Sisters on the east and Springfield on the west. Haven on the McKenzie is located an hour from Eugene-Springfield and an hour from the top of historic McKenzie Pass. Renowned for fishing, the McKenzie River supports spring Chinook salmon, winter and summer steelhead and native rainbow, cutthroat and bull trout. The high lakes have been planted with brown and brook trout, making the McKenzie River Valley a sportsman's paradise.
Take the McKenzie River Highway (Ore. 126) for wonderful sightseeing opportunities in the valley. The first part of the valley has many nut and fruit orchards and berry, mint and Christmas tree farms. The Leaburg Dam, in the middle part of the valley, is a good place to watch salmon and steelhead climbing a fish ladder. The McKenzie Salmon Hatchery in Leaburg provides tours by appointment. The historical Leaburg Fish Hatchery is home to the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce and Information Center.
The middle McKenzie River is a favorite place for fishermen and drift boaters. Since mild whitewater rafting and driftboat fishing are favorite pasttimes here, there are many outfitters and local guides to help visitors experience their own adventures. The 165-foot-long Goodpasture Covered Bridge is the second longest covered bridge standing in Oregon. The bridge, located near Vida, is easy to get to and photograph. A second and equally scenic covered bridge is the Belknap Bridge, located in the community of Rainbow. Ben & Kay Dorris Park, also near Vida, has great picnic areas and fishing holes.
The Aufderheide Memorial Drive, part of the West Cascades National Scenic Byway, contains some of the most spectacular scenery in Oregon, including the popular Terwilliger Hot Springs, the Delta Old Growth Nature Trail, the Willamette River Gorge and the Westfir covered bridge. The McKenzie Pass - Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway loop road is one of the most beautiful drives in Oregon. It winds through some of the most recent volcanic flows in the state, past many waterfalls and is home to the Dee Wright Observatory. This CCC project, built mostly out of lava rock in the 1930s, has breath-taking views of Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, the Three Sisters and, on clear days, Mt. Hood.
A hiker's paradise, the area features such trails as the 26-mile McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, which is also open to bicyclists and travels through many volcanic formations. The half-mile Delta Old-Growth Nature trail explores the old growth ecosystem. Or follow the Robinson Lake Trail, which leads to a heart-shaped lake with fishing and swimming.
As if the many recreational opportunities weren't enough, the McKenzie River Area also has golfing, the U.S. Basketball Academy in Blue River, fine dining and quality accommodations for travelers. For a truly memorable vacation, visit the McKenzie River Valley area.
Golfing
Tokatee Golf Course - www.tokatee.com
McKenzie River Golf Course - www.ohwy.com/or/m/mckerigc.htm
River Adventures
Jim's Oregon Whitewater - www.raft2fish.com
Adventure River Center (Short walk from cabins) - www.adventurerivercenter.com
Oregon River Company - www.oregonrivercompany.com/orcmck.html
Tight Lines Fishing and Rafting - www.tightlinesfishing.com/mckenzie.html
A Helflich Outfitters - www.ahelfrich.com
Bob Houghton Guided Fishing Trips - www.mckenzieriverfishing.com
o2fish Guide Service - www.o2fish.com
Skiing
Mount Hoodoo - www.hoodoo.com/
Horse Back Riding
Triangle 5 Ranch www.triangle5.com
Dining
Riverside Inn, Vida - (541) 896-3227
Holiday Farm Resort, McKenzie River Drive - (541) 822-3715
Vida Café (541) 896-3298
Other Area Links
McKenzie River Valley Website