McNary Dam Oregon

The McNary Dam boat ramp provides access to Lake Wallula, a 64-mile reservoir created by McNary Dam on the Columbia River near Umatilla, Oregon. This is an ideal launch point for kayakers and boaters looking to explore the mid-Columbia. The ramp is conveniently located just downstream of McNary Beach, a designated day-use area with a swimming beach. Lake Wallula extends upstream to the Hanford Site and downstream toward the Snake River confluence, offering ample paddling opportunities across the flat-water reservoir.

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility, the McNary Dam site is a federal recreation area. Paddlers should be aware of the navigation lock and dam infrastructure; if you plan to paddle upstream, check current conditions with the Corps of Engineers. A permit system is in place for this site (reservable through Recreation.gov), so verify current access requirements and any fees before visiting. The nearby Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge borders both the Oregon and Washington shorelines, providing scenic paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities along the water.