2. Blue River Dam to Highway 126 Bridge

Lower Blue River is a short but fun section of class II-III whitewater that runs when the Army Corps of Engineers releases water from Blue River reservoir. A short hike is required to the put-in making it an ideal packraft run, particularly if doing multiple laps or continuing downstream on the McKenzie River. Character: This run is short and time on the water may be shorter than the shuttle and walk to the put in if you don't catch some eddies and take in the view. Even so it is an enjoyable and pretty section of whitewater that can be combined with other runs in the area and even linked with sections of the McKenzie for a more full day. Lower Blue River, through the McKenzie Confluence with a takeout at Finn Rock or Silver Creek on the McKenzie would be a novel way to experience these local staples. While this run is primarily class II+ during low flows, this area was impacted by the 2020 holiday farm fire and wood hazards are always possible. Additionally, at all flows the section between the two bridges is somewhat technical and requires some boat scouting and route finding. At medium to high flows it is class III and swims would be long in part due to the brushy banks. Just upstream of the gate is the largest single drop on the run, Polebridge, and should be scouted for wood. Flows/Season: The Army Corps of Engineers manages Blue River Reservoir for flood risk mitigation and recreation. In the fall there is usually a drawdown to create capacity in the reservoir to capture winter rain and spring melt events and manage for flooding downstream. Throughout the summer, releases happen to either maintain the depth/height of the pool behind the dam, or to manage summer temperatures for aquatic life in the McKenzie river mainstem downstream. The summer releases are usually low, while the fall releases are usually medium or high flows. During the winter, the Corps may also match the outflow of the dam with inflows to the reservoir, resulting in very high flows for this short stretch, and making a combination with nearby (but not connected) Upper Blue River or other runs in the area possible and fun. Directions to the takeout: Coming from either direction on Highway 126 (McKenzie Highway) on the river right side of where 126 crosses Blue River, turn and park almost immediately. If you are only running lower Blue River, this will be your takeout. The confluence with the McKenzie river is just downstream. Directions to the put in: From the takeout, go upstream on River Street and when you come to the first intersection, jog slightly right and continue upstream. Do not cross the bridge over blue river, though this would be a good place to get out and scout the rapids above and below this bridge. Continue upstream on Blue River Road/Lucky Boy Road. You will come to a fork and you will want to take the right fork. If you find yourself climbing away from the river and up to the reservoir, you've gone the wrong way. After taking the right fork, the road will dead end at a gate. Do not block the gate when parking. You will need to carry your craft past this gate approximately 0.25 miles to the put in at the base of Blue River Dam.