Boat Landing · McKenzie River · Vida, mid-McKenzie canyon
Ben & Kay Dorris County Park
A real Lane County park with a boat ramp and a picnic ground — and one very good reason to take out here: Marten Rapid is right around the bend.
On the water here
confirm ratings locally
KayakPopular access above and below Marten Rapid
Whitewater raftClass II-III
Drift boatDeveloped ramp, frequently used guide take-out
FishingBank and boat fishing for trout and steelhead
CanoeFine above the ramp; Marten Rapid (Class III) is close downstream
PaddleboardSame caution — scout or take out before Marten RapidBen & Kay Dorris is one of the McKenzie’s few genuinely developed county parks, sitting about two miles east of Vida on Highway 126, and it earns that status: picnic tables, toilets, and one improved boat ramp, all maintained by Lane County. It’s the practical, well-known take-out for boaters who’d rather stop here than run Marten Rapid (Class III), a notably rocky drop just downstream. Local guide associations have historically pitched in on cleanup days here, which says something about how much the park actually gets used.
No camping is offered, but for a day on the water — launch, paddle, picnic, take out — it’s set up to do exactly that.
More detail
Getting there & parking +
From Highway 126, Ben & Kay Dorris County Park is about two miles east of Vida — the entrance is marked directly off the highway exact mile marker.
Facilities & accessibility +
- Improved boat ramp
- Picnic area
- Toilets
- Bank fishing and hiking access
No camping, no RV hookups, and no gear rentals on site — this is a launch-and-picnic park, not a campground.
River conditions & hazards +
Ben & Kay Dorris sits just upstream of Marten Rapid (Class III), one of the more technical drops on this stretch of the McKenzie, which is exactly why many guides use this ramp as a take-out rather than continuing downstream. As with the rest of this canyon reach, the water runs cold year-round and there’s no lifeguard on duty — know the rapid or scout it before committing.
Conditions here can change with a single storm or a fallen tree — check these live sources before you head out:
Live conditions & recent trip reports — American Whitewater →
Nearby landings & float planner +
Most boaters running the upper canyon plan their day around stopping here, precisely because of what’s waiting just downstream.
Fishing at this landing +
A solid bank-and-boat fishing spot for trout and steelhead, with easy wade access right at the ramp.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee to park or launch at Ben & Kay Dorris County Park?
$4 day-use parking pass, or $40 Lane County Parks annual passverify.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes — leashed dogs are welcome. Please bag and pack out solid waste.
Is there camping nearby?
See Nearby landings & float planner above for what’s up- and downstream. We’re building out dedicated campground listings for the McKenzie River separately — check back soon for direct links from here.
Is Ben & Kay Dorris County Park accessible, or good for beginners and families?
Accessibility hasn’t been specifically confirmed here — see Facilities & accessibility above for what we know, and call ahead if accessible parking or a firm path to the water matters for your trip. verify
When’s the best time to visit?
Late spring through summer is typical, once early-season runoff eases (roughly May–September); flows and hazards change through the season, so check current conditions before a whitewater run. verify
