Boat Landing · Parks · McKenzie River · Lower McKenzie River · east of Springfield
Hendrick’s Bridge Wayside Park
A shaded, 20-acre county park built around the site of a vanished cable ferry, now one of the lower river’s easiest and most complete put-ins.
East of Springfield, Highway 126 slides past a 20-acre county park built on the site of the old Hendricks Ferry, a cable crossing that hauled wagons and horses across the McKenzie for decades before a covered bridge made it obsolete in 1908verify. Today the park is one of the most complete access points on the river: a real boat ramp, a shaded picnic loop, a sandy swim beach, and enough parking that it rarely feels crowded even on a summer weekend.
It’s a launch built for lingering — pack a lunch, not just a boat.
More detail
Getting there & parking +
From downtown Springfield, follow Highway 126 (McKenzie Highway) east toward Vida and Leaburg for about 8 miles verify; watch for signage directing you onto Hendricks Park Road, which drops directly into the park and ramp.
Water recreation+
Kayakcalm, wide current suits touring and rec kayaks
Whitewater raftFlatwater — no rapids, easy multi-hour float
Drift boatcommon put-in for guided trout and salmon floats down to Hayden Bridge
FishingODFW-listed access for trout, salmon and steelhead
Canoewide ramp, gentle current, room to launch multiple boats
Paddleboardflat water and a sandy swim beach right at the rampFacilities & accessibility +
- Boat ramp
- ADA-accessible restrooms
See the Park tab below for picnic, swim, and trail amenities.
Choose what brings you here
Boat landing details
Day Pass ($5) or Annual Pass ($40) required. Get a day pass → (annual passes sold separately — buy here)
River conditions & hazards+
This stretch of the McKenzie is flat and forgiving compared to the canyon water upstream — there are no rapids to speak of here — but the current is still real. Swimmers should stay close to the marked beach area, and boaters should watch for submerged logs and debris that collect after high water, especially in spring runoff. Weekend traffic at the ramp can get busy with drift boats staging for guided trips, so give trailers room to back down.
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 guided trout and salmon floats on this reach start here and finish at Hayden Bridge, a half-day’s paddle downstream.
Fishing at this landing +
Hendrick’s Bridge is a listed Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife access point for trout, spring Chinook salmon, and steelhead, and it doubles as a put-in for guided drift-boat fishing trips heading toward Hayden Bridge.
At this park
At 20 acres this is one of the larger, more built-out stops on the lower river — as much a picnic and swim destination as a launch point.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee to park or launch at Hendrick’s Bridge Wayside Park?
County pass required
Day Pass ($5) or Annual Pass ($40) required. Get a day pass → (annual passes sold separately — buy here)
Are dogs allowed?
Yes — leashed dogs are welcome. Please bag and pack out solid waste.
Is there camping nearby?
Not on-site, but several campgrounds are within a short drive upriver: Trail Bridge, McKenzie Bridge, and Olallie Campgrounds. See Nearby landings & float planner above for what’s up- and downstream on the water itself.
Is Hendrick’s Bridge Wayside Park accessible, or good for beginners and families?
Yes — this landing has wheelchair-accessible facilities; see Facilities & accessibility above for specifics.
When’s the best time to visit?
Late spring through fall (roughly May–October) sees the most boating traffic here; conditions are generally mild but can still shift with seasonal flow. verify
Fees, hours, and pass requirements shown here are accurate as of August 2026 and subject to change — verify current pricing before your trip.
