Boat Landing · McKenzie River · Leaburg Lake, near Walterville
Lloyd Knox Waterboard Park / Walterville Canal Landing
A wide, quiet stretch of impounded water where the McKenzie slows down and the picnic tables outnumber the boats.
On the water here
confirm ratings locally
Kayakcalm reservoir water, not a river-run put-in
Whitewater raftFlat reservoir water above Leaburg Dam — no current to speak of
Drift boatused more for bank/dock fishing than as a launch point
Canoeflat water, good for beginners
Paddleboardone of the calmest paddling surfaces on the whole riverNone posted — matches Lane County’s list of no-fee sites.
This one comes with an asterisk. The well-documented site here is Lloyd Knox Park, a 50-acre EWEB-owned property on the shore of Leaburg Lake — the slack-water reservoir Leaburg Dam creates — with more than 150 picnic tables, a floating dock, and enough open lawn to host a family reunion. It sits about 22 miles east of Springfield, and it’s one of the largest, most amenity-rich stops on this whole stretch of the McKenzie corridor. The ‘Walterville Canal’ half of the name likely points to the EWEB canal that begins its four-mile run toward the Walterville powerhouse nearby — infrastructure dating to 1911 that quietly pulls a significant share of the river’s flow for hydropower before returning it downstream.
Whether the canal-side name refers to this same property or a separate, smaller access point further down toward Walterville proper isn’t fully pinned down — see the research notes.
More detail
Getting there & parking +
From Highway 126 near Leaburg, watch for signage to Leaburg Dam Road; the park entrance is along that road on the shore of Leaburg Lake.
Facilities & accessibility +
- 150+ picnic tables
- Reservable group shelters
- Wheelchair-accessible floating dock
- Open activity field
- Sand volleyball court
- Restrooms
This is less a boat landing in the working sense and more a full-service riverside park that happens to have water access.
River conditions & hazards +
Because this stretch sits on the reservoir behind Leaburg Dam, there’s no real current here — the hazards are the ordinary ones of any lake: sunburn, cold water shock on entry, and boat traffic near the dock. The real hazard to know about is downstream: Leaburg Dam itself, which anyone paddling this reservoir needs to take out well above. Don’t attempt to run the dam.
Downstream of the dam, the McKenzie’s flow is also partly diverted into the EWEB canal system, which can leave the natural riverbed noticeably lower during peak irrigation and power-generation season verify.
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 park anchors the upper end of a long, mellow reach that runs most of the way to Springfield.
Fishing at this landing +
Anglers fish the reservoir here for trout, and the dock makes it one of the more accessible spots on the river for kids or anyone who doesn’t want to scramble down a bank.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee to park or launch at Lloyd Knox Waterboard Park / Walterville Canal Landing?
No pass needed
None posted — matches Lane County’s list of no-fee sites.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes — leashed dogs are welcome. Please bag and pack out solid waste.
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 Lloyd Knox Waterboard Park / Walterville Canal Landing 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.
