Boat Landing · McKenzie River · Upper McKenzie River canyon · adjacent to Paradise Campground
Paradise Landing
A Forest Service boat launch and day-use area built by the CCC in the 1930s — the standard take-out for the popular Olallie-to-Paradise whitewater run, right next door to Paradise Campground.
On the water here
confirm ratings locally
Kayakcommon take-out for whitewater kayakers finishing the Olallie run
Whitewater raftClass III verify
Drift boatused by guides for catch-and-release trout floats when flows allow verify
Fishingcold, clear water for catch-and-release trout and steelhead
Canoewhitewater starts close by — experienced paddlers only verify
Paddleboardsame caveat as canoes — this is moving whitewater, not a flatwater put-in verifyParadise Landing is the boat ramp and day-use area the Forest Service built alongside Paradise Campground back in the 1930s, and it still does the same two jobs today: get boats on and off the river, and give paddlers a shaded place to eat lunch and use a real restroom nearby. It sits at the bottom of the popular Olallie-to-Paradise run, roughly 8 miles of Class III whitewater that starts at Olallie Campground upstream — this is where most of that run’s rafters and kayakers take out.
The day-use area itself is compact: fire rings (bring your own wood — none is provided), an amphitheater used for seasonal ranger programs, and a wheelchair-accessible picnic and day-use footprint. For camping, showers, and reservations right next door, see the Paradise Campground listing — the two share the same access road and are effectively one destination split across two listings here.
More detail
Getting there & parking +
From McKenzie Bridge, OR, travel about 4 miles east on Highway 126; the day-use area and boat launch sit alongside the Paradise Campground entrance road.
Facilities & accessibility +
- Boat launch
- Fire rings (no firewood provided)
- Amphitheater for seasonal ranger programs
- Wheelchair-accessible day-use and picnic grounds
- Restroom and potable water not confirmed at the launch itself verify — flush toilets and potable water are available next door at Paradise Campground
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and still Forest Service–maintained today.
River conditions & hazards +
This is the take-out for one of the upper McKenzie’s most consistently run whitewater segments — roughly 8 miles of Class III water down from Olallie Campground, fed by cold Cascade snowmelt year-round. Scout the ramp before you commit to the run above it, and know that the water stays cold enough for hypothermia to be a real risk even in summer. Boaters continuing downstream should be aware the river keeps moving through the McKenzie Bridge canyon water just below here.
Nearby landings & float planner +
Most boaters running the Olallie-to-Paradise stretch end their day here rather than continuing, since this is the recognized take-out for that run.
Fishing at this landing +
Cold, clear water here supports catch-and-release trout and steelhead fishing, consistent with the rest of this upper-canyon stretch of the McKenzie.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee to park or launch at Paradise Landing?
None posted — the U.S. Forest Service lists this day-use area as no-fee.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet (or otherwise under physical restrictive control), per U.S. Forest Service rules for this day-use area.
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 Paradise 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 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
