Mackenzie River Valley and Delta, Canada
The Mackenzie River is a critical homeland for indigenous peoples and for wildlife. The valley contains one of the world's last great free-running river systems. It is the longest river in Canada and the Delta the largest in Canada with the second largest wetland area in the country.
The river transports over half of the
freshwater flowing through the north of Canada and carries the most
sediment in the circumpolar north to the Arctic Ocean. This discharge of
freshwater and energy in the ocean plays a significant role in regulating
the circulation of the world's oceans and climate systems.
The
Mackenzie River Valley is rich in wildlife. A pristine sub-arctic region,
the Mackenzie Valley is home to huge populations of caribou as well as
black bears, grizzly bears, moose and wolves. It is also a major North
American migratory corridor for waterfowl breeding along the arctic
coast.
The beautiful McKenzie River Valley is a 68 mile long corridor stretching between Sisters on the east and Springfield on the west. Renowned for fishing, the McKenzie River supports spring Chinook salmon, winter steelhead and summer steelhead as well as native rainbow, cutthroat and bull trout. The high lakes have been planted with brown and brook trout, making the McKenzie River Valley a sportsman's paradise.
Take the McKenzie River Highway (Ore. 126) for sightseeing along the valley. The first part of the valley has many nut and fruit orchards (mainly filberts, apples and cherries), berries (such as marionberry, blueberry and raspberry), mint farms and Christmas tree farms. The Leaburg Dam, in the middle part of the valley, is a good place to watch salmon and steelhead climbing a fish ladder. The Leaburg Trout Hatchery is at this location. The McKenzie Salmon Hatchery in Leaburg provides tours by appointment only. The historical Leaburg Fish Hatchery is home to the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce and Information Center.
The middle McKenzie River is a favorite place for fishermen and drift boaters. Since mild whitewater rafting and driftboat fishing are favorite pasttimes here, there are many outfitters and local guides to help visitors experience their own adventures. The Goodpasture Covered Bridge, 165 feet long, is the second longest covered bridge standing in Oregon. Near Vida, it's easy to get to and photograph. A second and equally scenic covered bridge is the Belknap Bridge, located in the community of Rainbow. Ben & Kay Dorris Park, also near Vida, has great picnic areas and fishing holes.
The Aufderheide Memorial Drive, part of the West Cascades National Scenic Byway, has some of the most spectacular scenery in Oregon, including the popular Terwilliger Hot Springs, the Delta Old Growth Nature Trail, the Willamette River Gorge and the Westfir covered bridge. The McKenzie Pass - Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway loop road is one of the most beautiful drives in Oregon. It winds through some of the most recent volcanic flows in the state past many waterfalls, and is home to the Dee Wright Observatory. This CCC project, built mostly out of lava rock in the 1930s, has breath-taking views of Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, the Three Sisters, and, on clear days, Mt. Hood.
A hiker's paradise, the area features such trails as the 26 mile McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, which is also open to bicyclists, goes through many volcanic formations, the half mile loop Delta Old-Growth Nature trail built for exploring the old growth ecosystem, and the Robinson Lake Trail, which leads to a heart-shaped lake with fishing and swimming.
As if the many recreational opportunities
weren't enough, the McKenzie River Area also has golfing, the U.S.
Basketball Academy in Blue River, fine dining and quality accommodations
for travellers. For a truly memorable vacation, visit the McKenzie River
Valley area.
McKenzie River
Valley
Located less
than an hour from Eugene-Springfield, the McKenzie River Valley's
communities of Leaburg, Blue River and McKenzie Bridge are blessed with
old-growth forest, as well as many miles of riverfront hiking and
mountain biking trails. Filbert and u-pick fruit and berry farms
line the winding road that bridges the course from an urban experience
to riverine delights.
When you're in the McKenzie River Valley, you're in first class fishing and river rafting territory. Some of Oregon's most highly-skilled river guides call this their home. These are the folks who share their special spots for winter and summer salmon, best holes to surf your kayak, and prime sections and seasons in which to float a famed McKenzie River Drift boat.
