Helfrich Landing

**Location & Access:** Helfrich Landing (also known as Prince Helfrich Boat Ramp) is a straightforward river access point located in Vida, Oregon, just off Highway 126 near the Vida McKenzie Community Center. The site features a boat ramp and circular parking area designed for easy trailer access, making it suitable for motorboats, rafts, kayaks, and canoes. There are no fees to use the facility.

**Best Uses:** This landing serves as an excellent take-out point for paddlers and rafters completing trips on the upper McKenzie River, particularly those running the popular stretch from Ollalie Campground to Leaburg Reservoir. It's positioned just below Marten Rapid (Class III), a challenging rapid that most recreational paddlers choose to avoid by taking out at Ben & Kay Dorris County Park upstream. The McKenzie River at this location accommodates flows between 600-6,000 CFS and offers good opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing along its scenic, forested corridor.

**Facilities:** This is a basic, no-frills access site with limited amenities. There are no ADA-accessible facilities on-site. For more developed facilities with additional services, consider nearby alternatives like Silver Creek Boat Landing or Ben & Kay Dorris County Park further upstream.

Returning visitors to the Silver Creek Boat Landing along the Mackenzie River will see number of changes due to the effects of the wildfires of 2020. The concrete boat ramp is open for use but the Watchable Wildlife site, interpretive panels and footbridge crossing Silver Creek are no longer present. Areas outside of the paved parking lot have not been repaired. The site has been brought into...

Returning visitors to the Silver Creek Boat Landing along the Mackenzie River will see number of changes due to the effects of the wildfires of 2020. The concrete boat ramp is open for use but the Watchable Wildlife site, interpretive panels and footbridge crossing Silver Creek are no longer present. Areas outside of the paved parking lot have not been repaired. The site has been brought into minimal safe condition to support use as a boat launch, its primary purpose.

Read More Read Less