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The Alton Baker canoe canal is a side channel of the Willamette River in Eugene, OR which allows for a fun out-and-back paddle without the rapids. Situated just across from the Autzen stadium where the Oregon Ducks play, this place is a popular in-town option for those seeking a quick paddle and connection with nature. And it is a suitable paddling spot for first-timers and families with children.
Good to Know:
- It can get busy in the summertime with -SUP’ers, kayakers, and anglers- but it is just large enough to find your space here (and parking).
- Although it is open year-round, the best times to paddle here are usually May-October.
- Cellular reception is good.
Canoe Launch
- Parking fee: none
- Launch type: primitive bank
- Restrooms: none
- Open: year-round
This parking lot can hold ~35-40 cars. Locate the canoe launch sign and a short gravel and dirt path leading to the canoe canal access.
Driving Directions:
Navigate to Leo Harris Parkway and locate the small gravel lot located directly across the street from the Autzen Stadium “O.”
Alton Baker Park Duck Ponds
- Parking fee: none
- Restrooms: flush toilets on west side of Day Island Road (across the street)
- Open: year-round
Driving Directions:
Park near the disc golf course at Alton Baker Park off Day Island Road and start at the duck ponds. This is a larger parking lot and it is near restrooms but there is about a 100-yard walk from the parking lot to the pond and the paddle from here involves 2 portages.
Additional things to do:
There are plenty of other things to do at Alton Baker park if you want to make an entire day of it. One really cool and unique feature is the solar system placed to scale along a multi-use path. You would start at the large model of a Sun at the park and then continue along the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System (South Bank path) until you get to Pluto about 3.5 miles away.
Check before you go:
- Maps and Suggested Routes: Download or print out a map before you go from the SWT Planner App. As a premium member, you can access an ever-growing library of paddling-related maps and suggested routes.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast and pay attention to the wind.
- Water Temperature: Read the cold water safety page if you need more background info.
- Water flow: The nearby Willamette River generally flows at below 4000 cfs during the summer months which allows for an easy paddle at the canal. At much higher flows, such as when it is >12,000 cfs, the current can be quite swift.
- Questions: contact Willamalane Park District at 503-434-7463
- Game Days: Note that the canoe launch parking lot is located right across the street from Autzen stadium, which makes it inaccessible during Oregon Ducks games and Emeralds events. You may consider the alternate launch from the Alton Baker Park duck pond when this parking is inaccessible. Check the Ducks game schedule and the Emeralds schedule (season is April to Sept).
- Concerts at Cuthbert: Parking can also be difficult when there are events at Cuthbert Amphitheater. Here is the schedule of events.
- PFD, Whistle, and Waterway Access Permit: In Oregon, all paddlecraft 10′ or longer (including SUPs, kayaks, and canoes) require a permit. You can purchase the permit online.
Beware that the routes and information on this site are just general guides and the best path may vary based on water level, obstructions, experience level, equipment, and other conditions. Paddlers are responsible for providing their own safety. Super Water Trails does not assume any liability.
Oregon Paddling 