McKenzie

There are many miles to paddle between the Leaburg Dam and Hayden Bridge.

The Hayden Bridge boat ramp (the takeout), just off Marcola Road, is a popular put-in spot for tubers and is often jam packed with cars on summer weekends when the temps rise above 90 degrees.

A popular run for fisherman is from Hendricks Bridge Park in Springfield to Hayden Bridge (about 9 miles) and is basically a class I-II run at most levels. Bellinger landing provides a slightly shorter trip.

There is a pulloff on camp creek road [ 35788-35930 Camp Creek Rd Springfield, OR 97478 44.071816, -122.941368] that can serve as a put-in and create a nice little class I-II run to Hayden Bridge that is a perfect training run for boaters. There is a great spot for ferries and eddy play at that turn-off put-in, a couple of sets of shoals and swiftwater throughout and a fun II+/III- drop just before Hayden Bridge.

Below the drop is a great beginner play wave that has generous eddy service, is pretty smooth and just barely sticky enough to hold a spin...barely. The runout is deep and the eddyline is great for squirts. I've had 4 minute rides on this wave. I'd call it a good beginner wave to work on edge control and carving, but anyone looking to throw tricks will be disappointed.

This can also be a park and play spot from Hayden Bridge. Logistics are pretty easy. Just put in at the Hayden Bridge boat launch and paddle *upstream* passed the bridge. The wave will be obvious (river left) and you'll see some 'rock beavering' that bolsters the eddy service.