Boat Landing · McKenzie River · Near Blue River / Vida
Forest Glen Landing
A proper Lane County ramp where the upper McKenzie’s whitewater starts easing into the driftboat water below.
On the water here
confirm ratings locally
KayakPopular take-out for upper-river runs and put-in for calmer water downstream
Whitewater raftClass II verify
Drift boatImproved ramp suited to trailered driftboats
FishingWell-used bank and boat fishing access for redside trout
CanoeStill moving water immediately around the ramp
PaddleboardCurrent present near the launch — check conditions before heading outDay Pass ($5) or Annual Pass ($40) required. Get a day pass → (annual passes sold separately — buy here)
Forest Glen Landing is the first proper county-maintained ramp paddlers reach coming down from the wilder water above Bruckart and Hamlin, and it shows: there’s a real boat ramp here, restrooms, and enough of a lot to handle a trailer, all managed by Lane County Parks as Forest Glen Landing County Park. It’s the standard take-out for the popular Paradise-to-Blue-River run — roughly 13.5 miles of continuous Class II whitewater — and it works just as well as a put-in for guides and paddlers heading into the calmer, driftboat-friendly water further downstream toward Finn Rock and beyond.
After a run of primitive gravel bars and hand-carry landings upstream, it’s a welcome bit of infrastructure — a place to load boats properly instead of muscling them up a bank.
More detail
Getting there & parking +
Forest Glen Landing is in the Blue River area, just off Highway 126. Watch for the signed Lane County Parks turnoff near Blue River; the access road leads down to the ramp and parking area. Exact mile marker and turn were not independently confirmed verify.
Facilities & accessibility +
- Boat ramp
- Restrooms
- Parking area
Lane County Parks may require a day-use parking pass at some of its landings; it’s unconfirmed whether that applies specifically here parking pass requirement.
River conditions & hazards +
The water approaching Forest Glen is still Class II and moving with purpose, so boaters should be alert on the final approach to the ramp, especially at higher flows. Below this point the McKenzie gradually mellows on its way toward Finn Rock and the Vida/Leaburg canyon stretch, but this landing itself sits in current, not flatwater. As with the rest of the upper river, water temperatures stay cold well into summer.
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 →
Check or report obstructions — Oregon State Marine Board →
Nearby landings & float planner +
Forest Glen marks a real shift in character — the last big ramp before the upper river’s continuous whitewater gives way to easier floating downstream.
Fishing at this landing +
A well-used access point for wild redside trout fishing, both from the bank and by boat, benefiting from the easier parking and facilities that busier landings tend to attract.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee to park or launch at Forest Glen Landing?
County pass required
Day Pass ($5) or Annual Pass ($40) required. Get a day pass → (annual passes sold separately — buy here)
Are dogs allowed?
Not specifically confirmed for this landing. Oregon state parks and USFS/county sites along the McKenzie generally expect dogs on a leash — check on arrival. verify
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 Forest Glen Landing 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
Fees, hours, and pass requirements shown here are accurate as of August 2026 and subject to change — verify current pricing before your trip.
