McKenzie River advice

[negoc8]

Looking to do a little camping this weekend and am hoping someone can give me some advice as to where to camp along the river. The kids want to swim and fish and my wife would like half decent facilities to tent camp. We have a drift boat, if it would make sense to bring or if it's just as good from the bank we'll leave her at home. Thanks!

[Eagleclaw]

what part of the river? above leaburg dam or below it?

[Hookset]

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/recreation/tripplanning/campgrounds/paradise.html

This is the only campground I'm aware of along the McKenzie. I've only driven through, seems like a nice campground. But I don't know about the swimming, you could also drive up to Cougar Reservoir and swim. I'd also bring the drift boat; you could make short drifts or long drifts starting at Blue River or from Finn Rock. There should be lots of hatchery fish available, the upper river was recently stocked with 7,000 trout.

Oh yah, before launching, make sure you know where you're drifting too, there are several take outs and you'll need a daily Lane county $3 launch pass or risk a $94 fine. Do a search on Lane county on where to buy the pass.

good luck,

Gregg

[negoc8]

Thanks guys. Not sure above or below, just looking for a nice stretch to do some camping and fishing. We will be headed up Sunday. Sounds like I should bring the boat!

[Eagleclaw]

south fork above cougar is a nice place to fish.

[kilchisfisher]

If you are going to bring a driftboat be sure you know where you are on the river and what to expect. There are a few spots which could mean real trouble.

[Artwo]

There are some nice lakes on the upper end of the McKenzie. Trail Bridge, Carmen Res. and Clear Lake. I know there is a campground at Carmen and at Clear lake but not sure about Trail Bridge. The water in Carmen and Clear Lake is pretty darn cold so be careful with the swimming part. Clear Lake also has a lodge with food and cabins for rent.

[FlieFreak]

the only campgrounds on the mckenzie are on the upper. If you have never drifted up there, then i would not reccomend it. Swimming in the river is a cold adventure/ although there is blue river resivoir up there which has a campground warm water and decent fishing. There are mutliple wading oportunities up there for fly fishing on the mckenzie. Need any more detailed advice go ahead send me a pm. I grew up here.