The McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival marks the return of anglers, handcrafted drift boats, and life on the river. The McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival is typically
After nine years of closure, the Carmen-Smith recreation sites on the Upper McKenzie River will reopen on May 1, welcoming campers back to a stretch of river that has quietly been resetting itself.
This isn’t about a single “must-see” destination. It’s about adding another great option to experience the McKenzie River the way it’s meant to be experienced, unhurried, outdoors, and close to the water.
Spring doesn’t arrive quietly along Oregon’s McKenzie River. It pours in. It rushes over basalt cliffs, seeps through ancient lava, and unfurls in electric shades of green that feel almost theatrical. If winter is a whisper here, spring is a standing ovation.
When December settles over the McKenzie River valley, the forest goes quiet, the air sharpens, and something unexpected happens on the water at Leaburg Lake…
Winter is wonderful time to float the McKenzie River. Check the weather for a sunny day, bundle up for warmth and bring a thermos full
By Chris LaVoie There’s something about the McKenzie River in winter that whispers, “Slow down, stay awhile.” Maybe it’s the mist curling over emerald waters, or the
By Chris LaVoie When the air turns crisp and the trees glow gold, the McKenzie River becomes one of Oregon’s most magical places. October and
Springfield, Ore. – Sept. 20, 2025 — Due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the Willamette National Forest will reduce public use restrictions to exclude Wilderness areas
Meet Owners Jonnie, Aaron and Leah Helfrich The McKenzie River has long been a vital part of the communities along its shores, drawing nature enthusiasts,
By Chris LaVoie When you think of Oregon, what comes to mind? Towering evergreens. Rivers that shimmer in the morning light. A sense of adventure
The McKenzie River Drift Boat History and Celebration This Saturday, April 26th from 10-4 is the annual McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival. It is a
I asked my AI assistant to help breakdown the main reasons we want lodging tax to support the tourism community – (lets face it, its
“When the snow drops low and the temperatures stay cold in western Oregon, I head for the green tunnels of Big Springs Sno Park. The
New Website to Support Economic Development
It’s happening!! We are putting together the best, largest and most impactful website promoting the McKenzie River area our local businesses.
The goal is this:
To create an amazing, living online tourism magazine that integrates local McKenzie Businesses with our attractions.
This will be an attractive and easy to navigate website, and possibly an app, that makes it easy for locals and tourists to find businesses, services and great places to visit in our area.