The Alton Baker canoe canal in Eugene is a calmer side channel of the Willamette River which allows for a fun out-and-back experience. Only have an hour or two? This place is a popular in-town option for a quick paddle and connecting with nature session.
- Route length– 2.3 mile out and back (~1 hour paddling time)
- Fee – none
- Restrooms– at nearby Alton Baker park
- Cellular signal– excellent
- Best times to go – May-Oct
Directions: Navigate to Leo Harris Parkway in Eugene. Park in the small unmarked gravel lot across the street from the Autzen stadium “O”.
This is a primitive launch site, so there is no dock or ramp here. Just find the opening at the end of the gravel path, ease your watercraft in and go!
Start out by paddling left against the mild current. You will traverse a narrow passageway lined with trees and then go under a wooden footbridge. It just might bring back fond memories of the Jungle Cruise ride for some of us.
It then opens up to a pond where you can stop for a bit, explore, or practice paddling techniques.
This area can get busy in the summertime with -SUP’ers, kayakers, anglers, maybe a SUP yoga class, and some friendly mallard ducks and testy Canada geese- but it is just large enough for you to find your space here.
Pond bank
I’ve spotted 3 tree stumps in this pond. Can you find them too?
Continuing beyond the pond, you will pass by private residences and resident ducks lining the canal. The water is clear and you can easily see fish swimming around. Also, watch for underwater snags here (I’m looking at you, trees).
And finally, you’ll see the I-5 freeway bridge. Slip under the low footbridge here and practice with a bit of whitewater if you wish, or turnaround and enjoy the current assist on your paddle back.
Want more paddling?
There is a slough on river right where the private residences are that can be paddled for a short distance. You can also continue downstream from the launch site. If you go far enough in that direction, you will eventually encounter a total of two takeout spots and end up at an open pond. Just save some energy for the paddle back.
Check before you go:
- Game Days: Considering that the parking lot is right across the street from Autzen stadium, it may be inaccessible during the Oregon Ducks games. You can check here for upcoming games.
- Water temps: Here is a graph of the water temperature trend during an entire year, just to give you an idea of what to expect in case you take a splash.
Download a map and track your paddle with GPS:
This is a geospatial-enabled PDF map of the paddle. You can use these special PDFs with the mobile app Avenza to follow the route or track your own paddle distances and times. Please note that the routes are just general guides. The best path may vary based on water level or new obstructions in the water.
Additional things to do:
There are plenty of other things to do at Alton Baker park while you are there. One really cool and unique feature is the solar system placed to scale along the multi-use path. (Getting to Pluto is about 3.5 miles away though).
Oregon Paddling 