Boat Landing · Day Use Area · McKenzie River · South bank, off Deerhorn Road
Taylor Landing
A paved road leads right down to a poured concrete ramp — and a hidden little beach with a few picnic tables tucked off to the side make this one worth lingering at, not just launching from.
Expect pavement and poured concrete, not gravel — a paved road runs right down to the ramp, and the little hidden beach off to the side makes this a fine spot to stick around, not just launch and go.
About this spot
Getting there & parking+
From Highway 126 east of Springfield, turn south onto Deerhorn Road and follow the paved access road down to the landing. Parking is the one thing to plan around: the paved lot holds just 3 spaces, one of them accessible/handicap parking. Beyond that, expect about 3 more informal car spots along the road, plus a longer unstriped pullout — roughly 60 feet — running along the road west of the boat ramp. None of it is trailer-dedicated, so boat trailers will mostly be working with that roadside pullout.
Facilities & accessibility+
- Paved access road
- Poured concrete boat ramp
- Vault restroom, reached by a firm, accessible path from the parking area
- Accessible/handicap parking spot
- 3 picnic tables
- Fixed BBQ grill
- Hidden beach just off the main landing area
This is one of the more accessible, family-friendly landings on this stretch — bring the cooler.
Choose what brings you here
On the water here
confirm ratings locally
Kayakeasy access off the concrete ramp, flat lower-river water
Whitewater raftFlatwater, no rated rapids in this reach
Drift boatcomfortable put-in or take-out off the concrete ramp
Fishingquiet south-side bank access, minimal foot traffic
Canoesmooth concrete ramp, easy entry
Paddleboardlaunch off the ramp, or paddle out from the hidden beachMore on the water
River conditions & hazards+
This reach of the McKenzie is flat, wide, gravel-bed river, not whitewater. The ramp itself is permanent and dependable, but current is still real — swimmers at the beach should stay aware of depth and flow, and boaters should check current conditions before launching.
Conditions here can change with a single storm or a fallen tree, so rather than us guessing from afar, check these live sources before you head out:
Live conditions & recent trip reports — American Whitewater →
Nearby landings & float planner+
Pair a launch here with a float down to Deerhorn Landing’s neighborhood-park amenities, or make Taylor Landing itself the destination for an easy afternoon at the beach.
Fishing at this landing+
The BLM’s own description calls this a good spot to fish, hike, or simply enjoy solitude on the quiet south side of the river. Because it’s federal BLM land rather than a dedicated ODFW Access & Habitat site, no special access permit is needed here — standard Oregon fishing license and Willamette Zone rules apply, with this stretch open year-round for trout, hatchery steelhead, and wild steelhead over 24 inches.
At this day-use area
More for day use
What to expect+
This is a small, low-key day-use stop rather than a full developed park — no group shelters and no reservations. BLM doesn’t post specific hours for this site; general day-use sites are typically open dawn to dusk unless signed otherwise, and it’s worth calling the Northwest Oregon District office at (541) 683-6600 to confirm before bringing a larger group. There’s no trash service here, so the BLM asks visitors to pack out what they bring in.
Nearby attractions+
The historic Goodpasture Covered Bridge — built in 1938 and one of Oregon’s longest covered bridges at 165 feet — sits along this same stretch of the McKenzie River corridor the BLM manages, and makes a nice add-on to a stop here. For river access options up- and downstream, see the Boat Landing tab’s Nearby landings & float planner.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions+
Is there a fee to park or launch at Taylor Landing?
No. Taylor Landing is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and no reservation or day-use fee is required.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes — leashed dogs are welcome. Please bag and pack out solid waste.
Is there camping nearby?
Yes, further up the McKenzie — Trail Bridge Campground and McKenzie Bridge Campground both have boat launches of their own, and Olallie Campground is a bit further out near McKenzie Bridge. See Nearby landings & float planner above for what’s immediately up- and downstream of Taylor Landing itself.
Is Taylor Landing accessible, or good for beginners and families?
Yes — this is one of the more accessible landings on this stretch. There’s a designated accessible parking spot and a firm path from the lot to the restroom, on top of the paved road, concrete ramp, picnic tables, and hidden beach that make it an easy, low-stress spot for a first-timer or a family afternoon.
When’s the best time to visit?
Late spring through fall (roughly May–October) sees the most boating traffic here; the beach is at its best in the heart of summer. Conditions are generally mild but can still shift with seasonal flow.
