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 beginnersDay Pass ($5) or Annual Pass ($40) required. Get a day pass → (annual passes sold separately — buy here)
Hamlin 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.
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 +
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.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee to park or launch at Hamlin 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 Hamlin 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.
