The McKenzie River has its origin in the high Cascade Mountains of western Oregon. Its crystal clear waters tumble down past tall fir and hemlock trees, which are home to the many osprey that inhabit the area. The Mckenzie river works its way down the mountains to its confluence with the Willamette River near the city of Eugene.

Caster’s Guide Service runs white water rafting trips with 4-8 paddlers per boat. Your paddle team, under the control of an experienced, licensed guide, will navigate the many thrilling rapids the McKenzie has to offer.

The Upper McKenzie FloatThe upper section of the McKenzie River is characterized by nearly continuous, cascading-type of rapids, boulder-strewn pockets of pristine water, and old growth trees with an occasional osprey nest at the top. This is an extremely scenic and unique stretch of the McKenzie that will make for a memorable day on the river.

The Middle McKenzie FloatThe middle section of the McKenzie becomes more of a pool and drop type of river, in which, exhilarating rapids are separated by relaxing slower stretches of water. Osprey nests and a variety of water fowl are prevalent on this part of the river. The rapids are characterized by fun waves with an occasional class III bounce like Brown’s Hole and the grand finale of the float, class III Martin’s Rapids, just before the take out.

Both the upper and middle sections of the McKenzie are excellent raft trips for all ability levels. The rapids are fun and exciting yet not overwhelming, and the mountain scenery is magnificent.