The famous McKenzie River is truly one of the most beautiful and easy-to-enjoy rivers in the world. This partially spring-fed river originates high in the volcanic Cascade Mountain Range at Collier Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in North America, and is located on the western slope of the Middle Sister, in the remote Three Sisters Wilderness.
The McKenzie begins its decent, rumbling and tumbling its way westward through the lush green foothills of the Cascade Mountains and picturesque Willamette National Forest. Cutting its way through heavily forested canyons, the river slows briefly as if to enjoy the beauty it helped to create at Clear Lake. The crystal clear, blue McKenzie continues its journey westward, cascading through pure stands of Douglas fir and western red cedar, mixed in with white alder and big leaf maple along the banks.
This is where the “Wild & Scenic” section begins, near Olallie Campground. This section is ideal for fly fishing, and can be accessed at many points along the McKenzie River Highway, but the best way to experience the McKenzie is in one of it’s name sake drift boats. Fly fishing from a McKenzie style drift boat allows the angler to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of the river whilst casting a fly to hungry trout. Wild osprey fly overhead looking for fish as you float past charming cottages nestled in a lush forest setting with colorful wildflowers in full bloom.
