Day Use Area · McKenzie River · One Mile West of McKenzie Bridge
McKenzie Bridge Day Use Area
A shaded, fee-based picnic flat on the upper river that doubles as a modest put-in above the McKenzie’s first real whitewater — pull in, pay the day-use fee, and you’ve got a fire ring, a boat ramp, and a riverbank for the afternoon.
At this day-use area
More detail
Getting there & parking +
About one mile west of the community of McKenzie Bridge on Highway 126, right next door to McKenzie Bridge Campground.
Facilities & accessibility +
- Fire rings
- Boat launch
Restrooms and potable water aren’t listed for this specific day-use area by the Forest Service — if you need either, the adjacent McKenzie Bridge Campground is your best bet, though it’s worth confirming on the ground rather than counting on it.
Fees & passes +
It’s a flat $10 per vehicle per day, and this is the detail worth calling out clearly: no annual passes are honored here. If you’re used to flashing a Northwest Forest Pass or an interagency pass at other sites, this one wants cash or card at the fee station instead.
Nearby attractions +
This spot sits close to the Three Sisters Wilderness, the Olallie Trail Area, Horse Creek Group Campsite, and Paradise Campground & Day Use Area — plenty to pair with an afternoon here if you’re making a full day of it.
Fishing & boating here +
The boat launch gives you river access right at the site, and fishing is a listed activity here too. This stretch sits just above the McKenzie’s first real whitewater downstream, so it’s a reasonable put-in for calmer-water craft — scout conditions before launching if you’re not familiar with what’s downstream.
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 →
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee to use McKenzie Bridge Day Use Area?
Yes — $10 per vehicle per day, and no annual passes are accepted, so bring a way to pay the fee station directly.
Is there a boat launch here?
Yes, right on-site, with river access for fishing and non-motorized boating as well.
Are there restrooms or drinking water?
Not confirmed at this specific site — the adjacent McKenzie Bridge Campground likely has both, but check on arrival rather than counting on it.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or under direct physical control. Please bag and pack out solid waste.
Can I camp here?
No — this is a day-use site only. McKenzie Bridge Campground next door is the overnight option if you want to stay.
