Leaburg Dam

Leaburg Dam along the McKenzie River is used by EWEB to provide hydroelectric power to some Eugene homes. It is located only about 22 miles east of Springfield along the McKenzie Highway 126. Enjoy this no-wake flatwater portion of the McKenzie and photo-ops of the iconic covered bridge known as Goodpasture Bridge. The water is always cold here, so it’s probably not the best choice for first-timers or someone who is still working on balance.

Directions: From Springfield, go east OR-126 for 23 miles, turn right on Leaburg Dam Road, then turn left immediately after crossing the bridge, park in gravel lot.

The launch site is visible from the parking lot, right before the dam. Just walk your board in and go right!

You will initially be paddling alongside the Lloyd Knox park and perhaps find a picnic table stopover.

Private residences line the rest of the route, but there is a boat ramp on river right (your left side, if facing the covered bridge) if a pullover stop is needed.

The current starts to pick up when you get closer to the bridge.

Check before you go:

• 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.

This is such a lovely place to paddle except the water is cold in the summer and colder rest of the year. The water temperature appears to track closely to this monitor, so it really is that cold.

Download a map and track your paddle:

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:

• visit the Leaburg fish hatchery
• enjoy the Lloyd Knox Park that is maintained by EWEB