Boat Landing · McKenzie River · Below Leaburg Dam, near Walterville
Leaburg Landing
A no-frills gravel ramp on the easy water below Leaburg Dam — a working spot for anglers and floaters, not a scenic stop.
On the water here
confirm ratings locally
Kayakgentle Class I-II water
Whitewater raftClass I-II
Drift boatpopular guide launch below the dam
Fishingknown spot for salmon and steelhead
Canoecalm, easy water
Paddleboardfine at normal flows, watch for boat trafficDay Pass ($5) or Annual Pass ($40) required. Get a day pass → (annual passes sold separately — buy here)
West of Leaburg proper, a gravel ramp drops off Highway 126 onto the easy, wide water below Leaburg Dam — the kind of unhurried Class I-II stretch that makes up most of the lower McKenzie. Lane County Parks keeps it open dawn to dusk year-round, and it draws a steady mix of anglers working the bank, drift boat guides on half-day floats, and families out for a straightforward paddle.
There’s nothing polished about it — a gravel ramp, a handful of parking spots, and a portable restroom that shows up for the summer season and leaves with it.
More detail
Getting there & parking +
From Highway 126 near milepost 19.7, watch for signage near Walterville; the landing sits just off the highway with direct river access.
Facilities & accessibility +
- Gravel boat ramp
- Portable restroom (May–October only)
- Bank access
Small and simple — this is a launch point first, not a park to spend the day at.
River conditions & hazards +
The water here is gentle by McKenzie standards — mostly Class I-II riffles rather than technical whitewater — but it’s still cold, snowmelt-fed current, and flows can rise quickly after fall and winter storms. The small parking area fills fast on summer weekends, so arrive early if you’re hoping to launch.
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 +
This stretch is where the McKenzie settles into the easier, family-friendly water that runs most of the way to Eugene.
Fishing at this landing +
A well-known local spot for salmon and steelhead in season, with easy bank access alongside the ramp for anglers who’d rather not launch a boat at all.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee to park or launch at Leaburg 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?
Please keep dogs on a leash especially when others are around.
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 Leaburg Landing accessible, or good for beginners and families?
This site is 100% gravel with a standard outhouse when in season. The gravel is a gentle slope towards and into the river. This however is not an accessible site.
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.
Fees, hours, and pass requirements shown here are accurate as of August 2026 and subject to change — verify current pricing before your trip.
