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Other Whitewater Trips on the McKenzie River
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 Lodging in Oregon
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:: South Fork McKenzie River Whitewater Kayaking & Canoeing Trip
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South Fork McKenzie River Whitewater Kayaking & Canoeing Trip on the McKenzie River |
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Related River Guidebooks on AllAboutRivers |
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South Fork McKenzie River Info
Use this information at your own risk. See our legal notices. |
| Put In: |
French Pete Creek |
| Take Out: |
Cougar Reservoir |
| Difficulty: |
Class III
, Class IV
at 3500+ cfs
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| Gradient: |
81 fpm |
| Run Length: |
8.5 miles |
| Current Streamflow: |
1150 cfs @ 05/26/2012 01:00 PM - SO FK MCKENZIE RIVER ABV COUGAR LAKE NR RAINBOW OR, reading taken from USGS
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| Good Level: |
1,500 cfs, 3,500 - 4,500 cfs |
| Streamflow Comments: |
At low water, this run is great for intermediate paddlers with a solid roll. At high water this section is one continuous rapid and should only be paddled by expert paddlers.
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| Season Comments: |
January, February, March, April, October, November, December
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| Primary Season: |
This only runs after a few days of hard rain.
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| Permit: |
None presently required |
| Character/Similar To: |
Continuous whitewater with the possibility of strainers. The road is a short distance up the canyon giving the river a isolated feeling. High water levels make a fun big water run. |
| Hazards: |
Scout for wood. This section at high water is class V |
| Water Craft: |
kayak,wwcan,raft |
| Land Ownership: |
Forest |
| Wilderness: |
Yes |
| Location: |
In the Pacific Region (OR), of |
| Shuttle Logistics: |
Take Out: From Oregon 126, take the exit towards Cougar Reservoir, follow this road to the top of the dam. Drive along the west bank of the reservoir until you reach a boat ramp near the other end of the reservoir.
Put In: From the take out, follow the road about 8.5 miles and put in on the right near French Pete.
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| South Fork McKenzie River on the McKenzie River |
The South Fork of the McKenzie is not a typical tributary of the McKenzie River. This section of river is the hardest tributary of the McKenzie. At low flows, below 2,000cfs, paddlers can expect fun class III+/IV- rapids with short pools in between. This is a great run for paddlers that want to make the first step into class IV boating.
After a few days of heavy rain, when flows go beyond 2,000 cfs, this section of river becomes continuous class IV+/V. Pools between rapids no longer exist and logs become a major hazard. Some of the rapids can be scouted from the road, but read and run skills are a necessity on this run at all water levels.
When you reach the confluence with French Pete Creek get ready for a long rapid containing large waves and sticky holes. This rapid is followed by a mile of calm whitewater. The next significant rapid is down in the reservoir. Look for two 90 degree right hand corners that can be run to the inside.
After a long day on the river stop at Cougar Reservoir Hot Springs before the drive home.
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Last Edited by bradgoet on 1/25/2012
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Towns near South Fork McKenzie River Kayaking |
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