Boat Landing · McKenzie River · Near Blue River, on the Upper McKenzie
Hamlin Landing
A quiet, hand-carry-only bank landing on a stretch of river most people just drive past.
On the water here
confirm ratings locally
KayakEasy hand-carry access to continuous Class II water
Whitewater raftClass II verify
Drift boatNo ramp or trailer access — hand-carry watercraft only
FishingUndeveloped bank fishing for wild redside trout
CanoeMoving water — suited to paddlers comfortable off flatwater
PaddleboardCurrent present; better for confident paddlers than beginnersHamlin Landing is about as unadorned as river access gets: a natural bank with no concrete, no gravel ramp, and no trailer access — just a spot close to the water where kayaks, canoes, and small rafts can be carried down and launched. It sits on the same stretch of continuous Class II water that runs between Bruckart Boat Launch and Forest Glen Landing, and it’s used mostly by paddlers looking for a shorter run and by anglers who’d rather wade a quiet stretch than compete for space at a busier ramp downstream.
There’s parking close to the water, usually free, but it’s limited — this isn’t a site built to handle a crowd.
More detail
Getting there & parking +
Hamlin Landing is on the upper McKenzie near Blue River, reached via a spur off Highway 126; exact turnoff and road name were not confirmed in available sources verify.
Facilities & accessibility +
- Natural bank access only
No restroom, no potable water, no fee documented. Come prepared and pack out what you bring in.
River conditions & hazards +
This stretch carries continuous Class II current, gentler than the water above Bruckart but still moving enough to matter for anyone stepping in above the knee. Because there’s no formal ramp, footing at the water’s edge can be uneven and slick — take care carrying boats down, especially at higher flows. The river runs cold year-round on this reach.
Nearby landings & float planner +
Hamlin fills the gap between two more-developed landings — handy for a shorter paddle, easy to overlook otherwise.
Fishing at this landing +
A low-key wading spot for wild redside trout, with none of the crowds of the bigger ramps nearby.
