Paradise Creek

Paradise Creek provides access to the scenic upper McKenzie River near Elkton in Douglas County. Located approximately 9 miles downstream from Olallie Campground, this ramp serves as a key launch point for paddlers exploring the middle section of the upper McKenzie. The site includes a boat ramp and is adjacent to McKenzie Bridge Campground, offering convenient facilities for day trips and multi-day paddling adventures.

The upper McKenzie between Olallie and Paradise is known for fast-moving water and is the fastest commonly navigable stretch of the river. Paddlers should expect Class III+ conditions in some sections, with flows suitable for kayaks and rafts ranging from 600–6,000 cfs. The river maintains its alpine character in this zone, flowing through scenic canyons with consistent gradient. A USGS gauge at Vida (downstream) provides real-time flow information for trip planning.

From Paradise Creek, paddlers can explore downstream toward the lower-gradient sections near Leaburg, where BLM-managed launch facilities like Rennie, Silver Creek, and Taylor Landing provide additional access points. This area is popular with paddlers seeking multi-day trips ranging from 1–3 days with distances up to 40 miles.